The Case for Play Sufficiency in Schools: A rapid review of evidence on the role and influence of play in and beyond schools

Russell, Wendy K ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5028-6428 and Barclay, Mike ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7940-5494 (2026) The Case for Play Sufficiency in Schools: A rapid review of evidence on the role and influence of play in and beyond schools. Working Paper. Play England.

Text (rapid evidence review of play in primary, secondary, special schools and alternative provision) 20260223+-+Rapid+Review+-+The+case+for+play+sufficiency+in+schools.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (947kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

This rapid review brings together recent research, grey literature, lived experience and practice examples to examine play in and around UK schools today. It explores the challenges facing children and schools, why play matters, how children and adults understand it, and what the evidence tells us about the conditions that support or constrain it. Using Lott’s (2025) STAR framework (Space, Time, Acceptance, Rights-informed), the review makes the case for play sufficiency across the whole ecology of school life: breaktimes and playgrounds, classrooms, and corridors, before and after school provision, and the wider neighbourhoods that shape children’s everyday freedoms.

Item Type:	Monograph (Working Paper)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	children's play, schools, wellbeing, play sufficiency
Related URLs:	https://www.playengland.org.uk/newsblog/...
Related records:	More Play. Better Learning Embedding Pl...
Subjects:	L Education > L Education (General)
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Education, Health and Sciences
Depositing User:	Wendy Russell
Date Deposited:	22 Jul 2026 10:50
Last Modified:	22 Jul 2026 10:50
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/16410

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