Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to ensure that schools have adequate time for play during the school day.

Play is an essential part of children’s development and learning, as recognised in the early years foundation stage statutory framework. Schools, governing bodies and academy trusts are responsible for ensuring the school day includes opportunities for social interaction, physical activity and enrichment activities.

Government guidance sets out an expectation that the school week in all state-funded mainstream schools should be at least 32.5 hours including breaks, providing opportunity for schools to incorporate time for play and other enrichment activities.