PETITIONRejectedPetition · petition.parliament.uk
Include play in the statutory national curriculum framework
We want the government to recognise play and playful pedagogy in the statutory national curriculum for primary education. A reform of accountability measures to enable schools to embed play-based learning, support child development, well-being and skills essential for today’s society.
Last fetched 03 May 2026 · petition.parliament.uk
Signatures
11
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 11/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 11/100,000
Background
Play supports mental health, executive functioning, SEND needs, physical health, creativity, and learning. (See “Everything to Play For” Report)
Schools are currently under pressure to prioritise data over child development and childhood is being forgotten.
Embedding play helps address current crises, gives all children a joyful, meaningful education they deserve, alongside allowing the development of skills which are needed for the future (OECD and WEF).