Written Question·Department for Education·UIN 64273

Children's Play: School Day

Tabled: 1 July 2025
Answered: 9 July 2025

Question

Tom Hayes

LabourBournemouth East

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the Centre for Young Lives report, entitled Everything to Play For, published in June 2025, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of decline in the duration of free playtime dur

Answer

Catherine McKinnell
The department supports active lunch and break times, and government guidance sets a minimum school week of 32.5 hours, inclusive of breaks, to allow time for play.The early years foundation stage framework is clear that play is essential for learning and...

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