Written Question·Department for Education·UIN 110548

Children's Play: School Day

Tabled: 3 February 2026

Answered: 12 February 2026

Question

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

Georgia Gould

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...

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