Tag: National Play Day

Letters: NSPCC Scotland supporting National Play Day on 6th August

Dear Editor,  

We are proud to support National Play Day on Wednesday, August 6, which has the theme of ‘Spaces for Play’, highlighting the vital importance of spaces for children to play and explore.   

It’s crucial for young people to spend time connecting with their friends, and children have the right to play, as stated in the UN Convention on Rights of a Child. 

However, Play Scotland has revealed startling figures within the School Grounds in Scotland Report. 

It says 15 per cent of schools have lost outdoor space in recent years and nearly half of schools consider their grounds as ‘low utility’ for supporting learning, play, and sport. 

This Playday we are supporting calls for spaces for play that are welcoming, accessible and inclusive of children and young people of all ages and abilities.  

And we are encouraging families, carers and communities to come together through play across the generations. 

The NSPCC has a set of fun and evidence-based resources for new parents called Look, Say, Sing, Play, that provide activities to be enjoyed with babies and toddlers to help encourage higher quality interactions and build stronger bonds.  

Together we can create a more playful world where all children can grow, thrive and feel a stronger sense of belonging.  

Visit  www.nspcc.org.uk or search online for NSPCC Look Say Sing Play. 

Yours sincerely, 

Kirsty Aitken 

NSPCC Scotland Assistant Director 

MSP celebrates Play Day in Edinburgh

To celebrate National Play Day today (Wednesday 1 August 2018), Edinburgh Pentlands MSP Gordon Macdonald  will be joining locals at Clovenstone Community Centre, to mark the importance of children’s right to play, with everything from loose parts play and street arts to water play and a messy baby paint zone.

National Play Day will see thousands of children and their families out and about, playing at hundreds of community events across the country. From local community events to national events organised in parks and open spaces, Playday takes many different shapes to allow everyone to take part. As well as the events, organised by Play Scotland, National Play Day is a campaign that underlines the importance of play in children’s lives.

Gordon Macdonald MSP will be joining Clovenstone Community Centre’s Play Day, from 1pm-4pm, which will bring local organisations together with loose parts play provided by the City of Edinburgh Council, pop up kitchen with tasting Change, drumming with Dads rock, sensory baby zone with Starcatchers, Street Arts, natural play with edible estates and Bookbug with Wester Hailes Library.

North Edinburgh Arts are also participating, holding a Picnic and Play event from11am to 1.15pm. The MSP is encouraging everyone to try and make it along, have fun and celebrate the benefits of play!

Commenting SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, said: “We all have great childhood memories of playing with friends, a lot of the memories being outdoors. Playing is something you are born into, it’s how you learn and express your creativity. The benefits to the health and wellbeing of children are crystal clear – when you see the smiles and hear the laughter of children playing together.

“National Play Day’s, like the one I’m going to at Clovenstone Community Centre today, gives children and families a chance to get out and play safely in streets and local neighbourhoods – getting to know new people in your area and strengthening the community.”

Celebrate Playday with Picnic and Play at North Edinburgh Arts

Date/Time:  01/08/2018 11am to 1.15pm
Venue: North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Court, Edinburgh EH4 4TZ
Contact: Virginia Radcliffe
Email: info@licketyspit.com
Open to the public: Yes

Licketyspit – Picnic & Play at North Edinburgh Arts (Local families)

Licketyspit’s fantastic Picnic & Play session for families with children under twelve.
Licketyspit actor-pedagogues introduce their unforgettable collection of games, rhymes, songs, street-play and imaginary play activities – from Witches Fingers to The Magic Ball, Dressing Up and Blanket Play, followed by a delicious Picnic and Drawing & The Magic Clap!

A chance for children & their adults to play together! Sessions are relaxed, fun, FREE and inclusive. Join Licketyspit’s Children & Families Network to hear first about Picnic & Play, Bookplay & Porridge & Play in community & arts spaces, museums, parks, galleries and castles!

We are expecting high demand for places so please email info@licketyspit.com with ticket requests.

Away and Play: Edinburgh trio share in Thrive Outdoors funding

More children across the capital and the Lothians will be out playing in their communities this summer after local charities received a funding boost.   Continue reading Away and Play: Edinburgh trio share in Thrive Outdoors funding