FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
This October Half Term, children across Sheffield took part in the Sheffield Week of Play — a citywide celebration of free and affordable play opportunities — just as the House of Lords discussed whether councils should have a legal duty to ensure every child has access to time and space to play.
Supported by small grants from the Sheffield Play Partnership, events took place in Manor and Castle, Sharrow, Gleadless Valley, Hackenthorpe, and Pitsmoor, featuring both well-established projects like Pitsmoor and Highfields Adventure Playgrounds and Manor Afterschool Kids Klub, and new initiatives such as Valley Youth Hub and Hackenthorpe Youth Club.
Community play projects provide safe, welcoming spaces for children to socialise, be active, and have fun — many also offer free meals through the Holiday Activities and Food Programme. These opportunities are increasingly vital as families face challenges linked to children’s wellbeing, screen time, and the rising cost of living.
Nationally, calls are growing for a Play Sufficiency Duty, which would require local authorities to assess, secure, and protect play opportunities for all children, as already seen in Wales and Scotland. Play England, who are campaigning for this change, say:
“This is our chance to show that children matter, play matters, and that every child deserves time, space, opportunity and freedom to play.”
During the Lords debate on 28 October, Baroness Natalie Bennett added:
“…somewhere to just kick a ball around…is a crucial space for children to develop their physical and social skills by getting together to play.”
Sheffield Play Partnership welcomes the proposal and continues to champion community play initiatives across the city, ensuring every child has the right to play, explore, and belong.
Support children’s right to play by joining Sheffield Play Partnership at sheffieldplay.org.uk/sign-up or contact us to develop play opportunities in your neighbourhood.
Follow Sheffield Play Partnership on Facebook for updates on local events and the national Play Sufficiency campaign.