1 year ago today we launched our bold, new 10-year strategy - #ItAllStartsWithPlay! in Parliament. One year on, our objective remains clear: restore a play-based childhood for all children in England by 2035. playengland.org.uk/strategy #ItAllStartsWithPlay

Parliament Square as you've never seen it on #InternationalDayofPlay yesterday. Volcano centre and London's wonderful articulate, creative, energetic and awesome children showing the #PowerofPlay

Play creates powerful learning opportunities that help promote intellectual, social, emotional and physical development. On Thursday’s International Day of Play and always, we must ensure every child has the opportunity to play, learn and thrive. un.org/en/observances/intern…

🛝Happy International Day of Play! 🎉 Play is how children enjoy their childhood, build friendships and make sense of the world. We’re working to make play a normal, accepted and visible part of everyday life again. playengland.org.uk/strategy #ItAllStartsWithPlay

Around the world, opportunities for outdoor play are disappearing. So Greg Goya and UNICEF turned streets into playgrounds. We created four games across cities, transforming ordinary places into moments of joy. Play is everywhere. This #InternationalDayOfPlay, share where you find it.

RT @TomHayesBmouth: Happy International Day of Play! 🛝 The government has: 🚬 legislated for smokefree playgrounds 💷 provided £18m to fix…

International Day of Play 2026 – Play 31 Challenge We are calling on all schools across the UK and Ireland to give children 31 more minutes of play on International Day of Play. playengland.org.uk/newsblog/… #IDoP2026

Two days to go until Parliament Square becomes a giant playground! From 4.30pm this Thursday. Join us! #InternationalDayofPlay #Article31 #PlayMatters londonplay.org.uk/event/lond…

Bringing the power of play to the doorstep of power! @PlayEngland was honoured to support the International Parents’ Day reception at No.10, celebrating the vital role parents and carers play in children’s lives. playengland.org.uk/newsblog/… #ItAllStartsWithPlay! #ParentsDay

RT @TomHayesBmouth: I’m passionate about giving local children and young people the opportunities they deserve. Lifting children out of th…

I was honoured to spend International Parents’ Day at @10DowningStreet earlier this week, helping bring the power of play to the doorstep of power. My sincere thanks to the No.10 team for the opportunity. It was a privilege for @PlayEngland to contribute to such a special occasion and to celebrate the vital role parents, carers and families play in children’s lives. At the heart of @PlayEngland’s 10-year strategy - #ItAllStartsWithPlay is a clear mission: to make play a normal, accepted and visible part of everyday life again. Parents and caregivers are central to that mission, because play starts in everyday moments, in families, homes, streets, parks and communities. playengland.org.uk/strategy Thanks to the creativity and generosity of British manufacturers @WeArePlayscheme and @WicksteedPlay, together with Amber Ogunsanya-William’s brilliant playwork, the Downing Street garden became a playful space where children and adults (the big kids) could simply enjoy being together. The atmosphere said everything about the power of play. I was also grateful for the opportunity to speak with @BPhillipsonMP, Secretary of State for @educationgovuk, @Nesil_Caliskan MP, @MHCLG Minister, and Lady Starmer about @PlayEngland’s ambitions, the growing momentum behind the need for a new National Play Strategy, and the opportunities created by the £18m investment in children’s playgrounds announced in the Budget. A special thank you to @TomHayesBmouth MP, Chair of the @APPGonPlay, whose continued support and leadership are helping put play back on the national agenda. There is a real opportunity to put play back where it belongs: at the heart of childhood, family life and our communities. #InternationalParentsDay #Play #Playgrounds #Playwork #PrideInPlace

What do we want? MORE PLAY! Join us Thur 11 June 4.30pm for a child-led takeover of Parliament Square. Celebrate the #InternationalDayofPlay and take part in the biggest game of #TheFloorisLava you've ever seen! @APPGonPlay @RightToPlay_UK @PlayEngland londonplay.org.uk/event/lond…

A proud moment at Number 10 Downing Street ✨ Championing the power of play alongside children and families. We look forward to sharing more from the day soon. Read more: tinyurl.com/53c9y828 #ItAllStartsWithPlay #PlayMatters #TogetherWePlay @TomHayesBmouth

The latest issue of @PlayNationMag is now live! Published bi-monthly, the magazine focuses on the policies, people and places that help children, young people and families to play and be more active. 📰➡️ playengland.org.uk/newsblog/… #PlayNation #ItAllStartsWithPlay

VAT on soft play cut to 5% this Summer! gov.uk/government/news/great… 👏 Association of Indoor Play who lobbied for change & @TomHayesBmouth, Chair @APPGonPlay who secured this with the Chancellor Play is a right, not a luxury. Children’s play should not be taxed. Make it permanent!

Cheaper tickets for theme parks and children's meals as Chancellor Rachel Reeves cuts VAT to 5% for some attractions this summer bbc.in/4eV8k1d

I want every family to have fun this summer. That's why I’m cutting VAT on children’s activities and meals with Great British Summer Savings. Our economic plan is the right one, to support families and businesses, and build a stronger and more secure Britain.

"What matters for families is not just getting by, but being able to enjoy time together without worrying about the next bill" Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces a temporary cut in the rate of VAT in summer attractions from 20% to 5% bbc.in/4uk3KOR

We’re Recruiting: Independent Director (Trustee) – Treasurer As we continue delivering our 10-year strategy - #ItAllStartsWithPlay! we are looking to further strengthen our Board Find out more & apply by 30 June 👉 playengland.org.uk/newsblog/… #CharityLeadership

“No child should be exposed to second-hand smoke or vapour clouds in public spaces designed for their health, education, & play. “ We’re calling on the Govt to extend proposed smoking & vaping bans to cover all children's playgrounds to protect children. orlo.uk/nA7iP

Playday - Wednesday 5 August 2026, the national day for play. We are delighted to announce that the theme for this year’s Playday is . . . Play – here, there, everywhere! Find out more below: playengland.org.uk/newsblog/… #PlayEverywhere #Playday2026