Creating a play friendly community with children

Date: 8th February 2024
Category: Recreation, play and cultural activities, Planning and community

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This research project by Silvia Veiga Seijo a PhD student at Queen Margaret University was created with children (based on children rights participation) about creating a play friendly community in Whitecraig, (East Lothian). The report was co-created by 17 children as co researchers alongside Silvia, and it is founded on children’s voices and perspectives.

The motivation for writing this collaborative report emerged after celebrating a local community event organised and led by the children in their school. During this event, children presented their perspectives of play through a puppet show and two songs to families, community residents, school staff, stakeholders, and policy-makers. After their presentation, the children led a discussion on a question of great importance to them: “how are we going to help” with their call to action to play together in their community and make play better for everyone. Adults and policy-makers highlighted the need of elaborating a written report on the children’s perspectives and sharing it with both East Lothian Council and the Scottish Government. Likewise, the community suggested “spread the word of this amazing work to other parts of Scotland”. This report attempts to respond to these needs as part of these collective endeavours and actions, it also aims to reach beyond academic audiences, including children and communities (the general public), stakeholders, organisations and policy makers.

The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child in its recent recommendation to the UK and Scottish Government recommends that governments should integrate children’s right to play into school curriculums and ensure that children have sufficient time to engage in play and recreational activities that are inclusive and age appropriate.

• Download full report here.