Angela Constance addresses the National Power of Play conference in EdinburghThe early years are a priority for this government, committed as we are to supporting children through a policy of early intervention.

Investment in young Scots today is an investment in a better future for us all.  It also makes economic sense with every £1 invested in young people now, saving the tax payer £9 in future.

I’m determined to drive forward this agenda, building on the success of our three social frameworks: The Early Years Framework, Achieving our Potential and Equally Well.

And I am delighted to see the Early Years Early Action fund will contribute another £2.8m to play related projects in Scotland over the next year.  Great news, especially as play is central to how children learn and a fundamental part of a child’s quality of life. This being enshrined in Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.  

We all know play has many roles in a child’s life and is key to their physical, cognitive and social development.  On this I speak from direct experience, being the mother of a young son.

As such, we must remove the barriers to play and promote its benefits, which is why we’re creating a national parenting strategy, encouraging agencies to work together to support parents and allow them to develop their parenting skills.  

This can be seen in the commitment to continuing the work of the Play, Talk, Read campaign across Scotland this year and the creation – in conjunction with Inspiring Scotland – of the Go Play fund in 2009 which offers more chances for children to participate in free play. 

All which reiterates the Scottish Government’s commitment to offering play opportunities for all of Scotland’s children.  After all, it’s a child’s job to play.

Angela Constance, Minister for Children and Young People

 

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