All Party Parliamentary Group on play
The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on play is a formally registered group on the approved list of All-Party Parliamentary Groups. The group is administered by SkillsActive, the Sector Skills Council for Active Leisure and Learning, which includes the playwork sector. SkillsActive works across the UK leading the development of playwork education and training.
The purpose of the APPG on play is to consider topics relating to children's play and take action on current issues affecting children's right to play freely. The group enables MPs and peers to keep up to date on the latest developments in children's play and decide on actions which influence political decision making processes. Meetings generally include presentations on a theme followed by a debate. Topics have included:
- Play and children's health
- Extended services in and around school
- Big Lottery Fund Children's Play initiative
- Children's workforce strategy
- Play and risk
The current chair of the APPG on play is Janet Dean MP and vice-chair is Andrew Gwynne MP. It has 47 members in total from both houses and across all parties, and the group meets three to four times per year. The attached link contains a list of all Members of Parliament that are currently signed up to the APPG.
Call to action
As a local MP, we would urge you to attend these meetings to understand and discuss issues playworkers face within your constituency and to hear the latest developments in the sector. To become a member of the APPG on Play please contact Chris Martin at SkillsActive on chris.martin@skillsactive.com.
Next meeting
Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families Rt Hon Ed Balls MP and Children's Minister Kevin Brennan MP will be speaking at the next APPG on Tuesday, 22 April from 5-6pm in Committee Room 7. The ministers will be updating the group on The Children's Plan and national play strategy.
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