Sowing the Seeds

🎙️ I recently joined the Playful Nature Podcast by @WeAreWildstrong to talk about something I’ve spent my career advocating for: children’s right to play - and why we need to rethink how we design, govern, and share our public spaces. At the heart of the conversation? A simple but powerful question: Why have we normalised 'No Ball Games' signs? What does it say about our priorities when children are actively discouraged - even excluded - from playing in the spaces meant to serve everyone? In the episode, we dig into: 👉 Why play isn’t a 'nice to have' - it’s a fundamental right essential to children’s development 👉 The vital role of risk in childhood - and why protecting children doesn’t mean limiting their freedom 👉 How planning, design, and policy too often side-line children - and what we can and must do to change that 📝 Key Takeaways: Play as a Right: Children have an inherent right to play, which is essential for their holistic development.​ Risk and Resilience: Engaging in play that involves manageable risks helps children develop coping mechanisms and confidence.​ Urban Planning Challenges: Modern cities often lack adequate play spaces, necessitating a re-evaluation of urban design to accommodate children's needs.​ Community Involvement: Creating child-friendly environments requires collaboration among urban planners, policymakers, and communities. 🎧 If this resonates with you, I’d love you to listen: open.spotify.com/episode/00K… 💬 Share Your Thoughts: What does play look like in your community? Are there sufficient spaces for children to engage in free play? Are we doing enough to support children’s freedom to explore, play, move, and take risks? Let’s keep the conversation going. It's time to give children their childhood back! #RightToPlay #PlaySufficiency #Playwork #PlayMatters #ChildFriendlyCities #UrbanPlanning #ChildhoodMatters

‘More Ball Games’ - @LondonSport We call for immediate action to remove outdated and restrictive ‘No Ball Games’ signs that stifle play, physical activity, and community connection across London and England. These signs—commonly placed in housing estates where children live, parks, and public spaces—send a damaging message: play is not welcome. Removing these signs is just the first step. We must drive a culture shift that places play, sport and movement at the heart of healthy childhoods, thriving communities, and public wellbeing. Play is not a luxury—it is a necessity for every child’s development, happiness, and future success. Sign the petition ✍️ 📑 ➡️ change.org/p/join-the-more-b… @LondonSport x @PlayEngland x @KnowBallGames x @PlayingOut x @LondonPlay #KnowBallGames? #LetsPlay! #FreePlay #PlaySufficiency #NationalPlayStrategy #ChildrensWellbeing #RightToPlay #UNCRC #Article31 #PhysicalLiteracy #PhysicalActivity #PlayStreets #StreetPlay #FreerangeUrbanNeighbourhoods #FUN

Play Commission interim Report: A Clear Call for Government Action on Play The @CfYoungLives’ #PlayCommission interim report delivers a crucial message: play is being systematically squeezed out of children’s lives, and urgent action is needed. It highlights shrinking school playtimes, the erosion of safe play spaces, and increasing pressures on children’s time – all of which are depriving them of the benefits of play. centreforyounglives.org.uk/n… Importantly, the report backs @PlayEngland’s call for Play Sufficiency legislation and a new National Play Strategy. It reinforces the need for Government to take a strategic approach to ensure every child has the time, space, and opportunity to play. playengland.org.uk/newsblog/… Play is not a luxury – it’s essential for children’s wellbeing, development, and happiness. The evidence is clear. Now it’s time for Government to act. #PlaySufficiency #NationalPlayStrategy #TimeToPlay #ChildrensRights #UNCRC #Article31 #KnowBallGames