11 June 2025
Research-backed recommendations to transform children's play opportunities across England
University of Reading Chancellor Paul Lindley OBE and Dr Naomi Lott from the University’s School of Law, are presenting the final report of the groundbreaking Play Commission to the House of Lords, marking a pivotal moment in the campaign to restore children's right to play in England.
The comprehensive report, developed through extensive national consultation with civil society, academic experts, parents, and children, will be presented on the International Day of Play (11 June 2025).
Joining the Chancellor and legal expert, Dr Naomi Lott, Professor Helen Bilton from the University’s Institute of Education provided expertise on outdoor play to the Commission.
Restoring children’s right to play
The Play Commission report draws on evidence showing that outdoor play has declined by 50% in a generation, and children who travel independently cover shorter and shorter distances, highlighting the need for interventions.
Paul Lindley said: “Play is a crucial and innate part of childhood. Play is how children explore who they are, how they relate to others, and how they make sense of the world. It is one of the most powerful tools we have to boost children’s physical activity, wellbeing, and confidence. Yet as this report shows, in England we’ve made it incredibly hard for children to play.
“Creating truly playful communities is not just about better street design, traffic management, and reduced crime, but also about a reversal of the growing culture of intolerance towards children playing
“We need to give our children back the time, space, opportunity, freedom - and the right - to play again. ’Everything to Play For’ sets out a bold and necessary vision and framework to restore play to the heart of childhood in England. We urge this mission-led Government to act upon it.”
Dr Naomi Lott said: "The strength and novelty of this report lies in its commitment to a child-rights based approach to restoring children’s play. The report represents more than policy recommendations – it embodies the critical importance of evidence-based research in driving meaningful societal change and the protection of children’s rights.
“It would be easy to say that children should play, but we are presenting evidence that it is more than a nice to have, it is absolutely vital to healthy development and long-term wellbeing. The report calls for a shift in societal norms that acknowledges children have a right to play and enables the enjoyment of this right ."
Academic Excellence Driving Social Impact
The University of Reading's involvement in this national commission reflects its broader commitment to research that creates real-world impact.
The report's recommendations are built on a foundation of peer-reviewed research, international best practice analysis, and comprehensive stakeholder engagement.
National Significance
The timing of today’s presentation is particularly significant, coinciding with the first International Day of Play. The Commission's work has already influenced national conversations about children's wellbeing and the critical role of play in healthy development.
The House of Lords presentation will outline specific, research-backed recommendations for government action, drawing on evidence from multiple academic disciplines including child development, public health, education, and legal studies.
About the Play Commission
The "Raising the Nation Play Commission" was established to move play up the political agenda through evidence-based advocacy. Led by Paul Lindley in partnership with the Centre for Young Lives, the commission has conducted the most comprehensive review of children's play opportunities in the UK to date.
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