Written questions

Children's Play: School Day

Commons · Question 110548 · Tabled 3 Feb 2026 · Department for Education · Official record

Answered 12 Feb 2026

Question

Asked by Manuela Perteghella

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the University of Manchester article entitled The right to play: making play a policy and practice priority, what steps her Department is taking to safeguard (a) break and (b) lunchtimes in sc

Answer

Answered by Georgia Gould, 12 Feb 2026

Play is an essential part of children’s physical, social and cognitive development, as recognised in the ‘early years foundation stage’ statutory framework. It is for schools, governing bodies and academy trusts to ensure the school day includes opportuni...