Scotland commits to ‘Summer of Play’ for all children

Announcing the new funding, deputy first minister, John Swinney said that the physical and mental health impacts that children and young people have experienced throughout the pandemic cannot be ‘underestimated’.

He added, ‘This enhanced range of summer experiences for children and young people will help address the impacts associated with extended periods of isolation and reduced participation in normal activities. This offer will have children’s rights and needs at its heart, and will provide opportunities to socialise across a range of activities, combined with broader support where needed.’

Working with local authorities and partner organisations including sportscotland, Creative Scotland, Play Scotland and Education Scotland, the funding will support existing provision of community-based services while also widening access to other local facilities, such as school estates and local sports facilities.’

Although all children from babies up to aged 18 will be entitled to access the programme, it is intended to support children and young people who may otherwise struggle to access such experiences during the holidays, in particular.

Commenting on the announcement, Marguerite Hunter Blair, CEO of Play Scotland, told Nursery World, ‘We are excited and delighted that the Government is responding to the need to focus on children’s well-being this summer.’

‘With the recovery, it’s so import to focus on children’s wellbeing at the moment, rather than telling them they have to work harder at school. Children won’t be able to academic catch up academically unless we support children’s mental health and wellbeing first and foremost.’