Play England

International Day of Play Help us make sure that every child everywhere can fulfil their right to play

Bringing the power of play to the doorstep of power!

Play England was honoured to support the International Parents’ Day reception at 10 Downing Street, helping bring the power of play to the doorstep of power.

https://www.playengland.org.uk/newsblog/bringing-the-power-of-play-to-the-doorstep-of-power

The event was about more than one afternoon. It showed how play connects childhood, family life, public space and national policy.

Through the voluntary support of Playscheme, Wicksteed Leisure and playworker Amber Ogunsanya-William, the Downing Street garden became a playful space for children, parents and carers. The bespoke Playscheme installation will now be donated to a local primary school, creating a lasting legacy for children beyond the event.

We were also grateful for the opportunity to speak with Ministers and Lady Starmer about Play England’s strategy, the need for a new National Play Strategy, and the opportunities created by the £18m investment in children’s playgrounds.

Thanks also to Tom Hayes MP, Chair of the APPG on Play, for his continued leadership in putting play back on the national agenda.

When we invest in play, we invest in children, families and communities.

'Massive honour' as Kettering's Wicksteed Leisure creates bespoke play equipment for Number 10 event Play equipment designed and made in Kettering, including a mini-replica of the iconic 10 Downing Street door, has taken centre stage on the lawn of the Prime Minister’s London residence.

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The countdown to the International Day of Play on June 11 is on!

Join us on the eve of this special day in our calendar for an IPA Global Webinar! Open to everyone across the globe! Let’s spread the importance of play and what the literature is saying.

Registration information sent to all on our mailing list today!!

Or go to events section of www.ipaworld.org to register
https://ipaworld.wildapricot.org/events

The latest issue of PlayNation magazine is now live!

https://www.playengland.org.uk/newsblog/playnation-magazine-issue-3-2026

Published bi-monthly, the magazine focuses on the policies, people and places that help children, young people, and families to play and be more active. Subscribe now to receive a complimentary copy of the magazine every two months.

PlayNation Magazine: Issue 3 (2026) — Play England The latest issue of PlayNation magazine is now live! PlayNation magazine has been developed in partnership with SportsNation magazine and SAPCA (the Sports and Play Construction Association) and is dedicated exclusively to the dynamic and growing sector of play, recreation and physical acti

Good news for families and indoor play providers!

The Government has announced a temporary reduction in VAT from 20% to 5% on soft play and family activities this summer, from 25 June to 1 September, as part of its ‘Great British Summer Savings’ package.

Full details on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/great-british-summer-savings-2026-family-activities-vat-relief-fact-sheet

This is a positive step that could help reduce costs for families and improve access to play and activities over the school holidays.

More detail on BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd7pzr88de1o

A huge amount of work has gone into getting this over the line. Credit to the Association of Indoor Play (AIP), who have led the lobbying and made a strong case for change on behalf of the indoor play sector.

Tom Hayes MP, Chair of the APPG on Play, has also played a key role in helping secure this outcome with the Chancellor and ensuring the case for play and family activities was heard in Parliament.

Tom said; “This is a really positive step from the Chancellor and Government, and one that will help families over the summer holidays.

Reducing the cost of soft play and family activities matters. It creates more opportunities for children to play, be active and spend time together as families.

This announcement also reflects the constructive work of the Association of Indoor Play and others in making the case for change, and builds on wider progress, including the Government’s £18 million investment in playgrounds.

As Chair of the APPG on Play, I welcome this announcement and hope it marks the start of a wider conversation about how we create the conditions for all children to play and enjoy the childhood they deserve.”

Play is a right, not a luxury. Children’s play should not be taxed. Making this permanent should be the next step.

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