Robert Brown backs Play Strategy for Children

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 29th Mar 2007

A call for a National Play and Communication Strategy has been made by Glasgow Liberal Democrat MSP Robert Brown. Mr. Brown made his call after attending the launch of the Scottish Pre-school Play Association (SPPA) manifesto last Friday at Cathcart Old Parish Church Playgroup, where he met staff, volunteers and toddlers who attend playgroup.

The SPPA manifesto calls on the Scottish Parliament to deliver high quality, affordable, flexible and sustainable services responsive to the needs of children and families. It also calls for a play policy to increase new facilities, ensuring better use of school grounds, playgrounds and open places. The overall aim is to provide better opportunities for children to grow and learn through play.

Speaking after the event, Robert Brown said:

"I fully back the work of the SPPA and the work of playgroups and similar bodies in Rutherglen and Cambuslang, and indeed throughout Scotland. The future of young people, education and early years are already key themes in the Scottish Liberal Democrat manifesto for the approaching Holyrood elections in May.

"The Liberal Democrats have long seen the importance of an integrated early years' and childcare strategy, designed to provide over 10 years, a comprehensive availability of flexible education and care.

"We have committed ourselves to a national Play and Communication Strategy to make sure that all young children have the opportunities and facilities for play, providing green space for play where often there is none. Liberal Democrats also want to see a playgroup space for all two year olds on top of extending the current provision of free nursery places for three and four year olds.

Play opportunities for young children are vital, helping them to learn and grow. I believe that the time is right to look at all the issues involved in supporting play - and linking it to some of the challenges in communication that some young children have. Some experts claim that up to half of children start school without the ability to communicate properly. Clearly they are hindered in their progress if this is the case."

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