Parliament debates making learning through play statutory at KS1

A petition calling on the Government to make play and continuous provision statutory for children aged 5 to 7 in Key Stage 1 has secured a Parliamentary debate. Launched by play-based learning consultant, Ruth Lue-Quee, the petition has secured 105,000 signatures – exceeding the 100,000 needed for a debate.

Under the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, schools and early years settings are required to embed play-based learning and create enabling environments that support both child-initiated and adult-supported exploration.

Yet, once children move into Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2), that requirement disappears – leaving a significant developmental gap.

“Play isn’t a luxury,” Lue-Quee said. “It is how children learn best.

“Decades of research show that play builds cognitive skills, supports wellbeing, and develops social and emotional resilience. Yet in England, we pull the rug from under our youngest learners the moment they leave the Early Years Foundation Stage. This isn’t about lowering standards or holding children back. It’s about creating the right foundation.”

The petition has been supported by Play England, whose Executive Director, Eugene Minogue, said: “This petition aligns closely with Play England’s 10-year strategy, It All Starts with Play!, which calls for play to be embedded across all systems – including education.”