Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the National Cancer Plan 2026, what steps his Department is taking to support the uptake of NHS England and Starlight’s Play Well toolkit.

The Department is committed to improving outcomes and experiences of children and young people with cancer and recognises the importance of supporting and maintaining their right to play in healthcare settings.

The NHS England and Starlight Play Well Toolkit, published in June 2025, includes the first national guidelines and standards for commissioning and delivering health play services in England. It aims to improve access to child-friendly care and specialised health play services across paediatric healthcare.

Through the National Cancer Plan, the Department will improve the experience of staying in hospital for children and young people with cancer. More tangibly, the Department is committed to ensure uptake of NHS England and Starlight’s Play Well toolkit across regions and integrated care boards. This ensures young cancer patients have access to activities and therapeutic care that support their emotional wellbeing.

In addition, NHS England is promoting the toolkit to managers of health play services across a wide range of settings, including community clinics, emergency departments, children’s hospices, and acute paediatric wards. The toolkit provides clear guidance on supporting practical training and mentorship in healthcare settings.