Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of highlighting play as a key strand of the Government's policy on parenting and life chances.

The Department for Education recognises that play has an important role in supporting all young children to develop and prepare for later learning.

Play is integral in the early years and is covered in the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage framework which states: “Play is essential for children’s development, building their confidence as they learn to explore, to think about problems, and relate to others.” The framework is attached and available on GOV.UK at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2

The Government’s forthcoming Life Chances Strategy will set out a comprehensive plan to fight disadvantage and extend opportunity. Within this, we are considering how we can support early years and parenting to give children the best start in life.