There has been a call to action by the UK Children’s Play Policy Forum, working in collaboration with IPA Cymru Wales, IPA England, IPA Ireland | Éire, IPA Northern Ireland, and IPA Scotland. It marks the third annual United Nations International Day of Play which aims to elevate the importance of play in children’s lives and to protect the conditions that make play possible.
Promoting and celebrating Children’s Right to Play aligns with Manchester’s Child Friendly City ambition.
This year’s theme – Protect play, protect childhood – speaks to the heart of what playworkers, researchers, advocates, and communities have been saying for decades: play is not an optional extra in childhood; it is a right, a need, and a foundation for wellbeing.
The UK Children’s Play Policy Forum, are calling on schools/ settings to join the Play 31 Challenge and give children 31 more minutes of play for the International Day of Play on 11 June.
Inspired by Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child which enshrines every child’s right to play, rest, leisure, and participation in cultural life schools/settings are encouraged to allow 31 extra minutes for play in the school day.
The ask is purposefully simple:
- 31 minutes extra play
- No cost
- No equipment required
- No special programme needed
Just time, space and permission!
For more information please visit
https://playwork.foundation/2026/04/24/join-the-play-31-challenge/
We would love to hear about any plans you are doing or do please share any pictures on the day so we can amplify the message across Manchester, which will help us build up momentum for National Play day on August 5th (separate to International Play Day!)
For further information please email childfriendlycity@manchester.gov.uk and use #childfriendlymcr on any social media posts
