National Play Day August 7th 2013

Every Summer we all go over to the Park (some of us travel in cars, some on the bus) and have a fab fab day out, all for a couple of £s per child.

 It really is a bargain as there’s so much provided  – and it’s all in the name of National Play Day.

This year’s Playful Places is on Wednesday 7th August.

It is great for us all getting together over the holidays with the children – and we take a picnic so we can make a day of it.

There are things to keep a good range of ages entertained.

With an array of outdoor toys, blow up equipment and crafts.

The good news is that it doesn’t matter if you live nowhere near the Park – because it’s the “National” day for play, traditionally held on the first Wednesday in August.

As well as an annual celebration of children’s right to play, Playday is a campaign that highlights the importance of play in children’s lives. Playday is coordinated by Play England, Play Wales, Play Scotland and PlayBoard Northern Ireland. On Playday thousands of children and young people get out to play at hundreds of locally organised celebrations – from small-scale neighbourhood get-togethers to large-scale public events.

Outdoor play is an essential part of children’s lives; creating environments and scenarios through which learning, basic key skills and development are facilitated which will play a huge role in helping them throughout life. From analysing risk and developing the ability to make decisions for themselves, to building self-confidence and imagination, making time for children to play outdoors is important, and also fun!

The Playday 2013: Playful places campaign is calling on everyone to help make sure that the places where children live and hang out are great places to play. The campaign recognises that:

• Children should feel welcomed where they live and feel part of their communities.
• Parents want their children to be able to play outside.
• Public space should be designed and managed with children’s play in mind.
• Children and young people need to be involved in planning the places and spaces where they play.

You can help in one of three ways:

1. Hold a celebration event – Playday events range from get togethers with friends and family to city-wide public events. Whether your celebration is big or small, what’s most important is that we collectively celebrate and support children’s right to play. There’s lots of guidance on the website to get you started. www.playday.org.uk

2. Get involved in an event near you – With hundreds of events happening annually across the UK, there’s bound to be one near you! You could offer your time, services or skills, whatever they need to help make their Playday event a success. Contact us and we will put you in touch with organisers in your area. www.playday.org.uk/getinvolved.

3. Spread the Playday word ­– Playday is a great opportunity tell everyone about the importance of play for children and young people. Help spread this message by promoting Playday via social media, websites and newsletters or by distributing free campaign posters and fliers. www.playday.org.uk/resources

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