Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to ensure children in (a) key stage 1 and (b) key stage 2 have sufficient access to (i) high-quality play provision and (ii) adequate time for play at school.

Play is essential to development and learning for young children. This is recognised in the early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework, and schools, governing bodies and academy trusts are responsible for ensuring the school day includes opportunities for social interaction, physical activity and enrichment activities.

Government guidance sets out the expectation that a school week is a minimum of 32.5 hours inclusive of breaks, providing lots of opportunity for schools to incorporate time for play and other activities.