- Survey open for Western Australians to help shape Cook Labor Government’s nation-leading WA Play Strategy
- Specially designed toolkit will ensure children can share their ideas, experiences, and wisdom about play
- Strategy will strengthen community understanding of the importance of play for children’s wellbeing, learning, and development
The Cook Labor Government is calling on Western Australian children, families, and early childhood professionals to have their say on the future of play across the State.
A new public survey has launched that will help shape the nation-leading WA Play Strategy, which will strengthen community understanding of the importance of play in children’s lives and how it builds the foundations for positive life outcomes.
The consultation is seeking feedback from families, early childhood professionals, children, young people, researchers, advocates, and community members about their experiences of play and what can be done to create more opportunities for children to play.
Importantly, children will be given a direct voice in the development of the WA Play Strategy, recognising them as the experts on play in their own lives.
A specially designed toolkit will help parents, carers, and other adults to talk with children aged eight and under to assist them with articulating what play means to them, what they enjoy, and what helps or hinders their play.
Children and young people aged nine and over, along with the broader community, are also encouraged to complete the survey and share their own experiences and ideas.
The public consultation will explore the different factors that shape children’s opportunities to play at home and in their communities, helping ensure the WA Play Strategy reflects the experiences of WA families.
Other key Cook Labor Government initiatives supporting children’s development in the early years include the free full-time, optional, play-based kindergarten pilot, and a new “back to basics” pilot to ban unnecessary screen use for kindergarten to year 2 students in 10 WA public schools.
These initiatives complement the WA Play Strategy, with a strong focus on supporting children’s development in the critical early years.
The public survey for the WA Play Strategy is open until 11 November and can be found here .
Comments attributed to Early Childhood Minister Sabine Winton
“Play is such a critical part of childhood. It’s how children explore the world around them, use their imagination, build resilience, and learn.
“As a former teacher of 27 years and a mother of three, I know some of the best learning happens when children are simply given the time and space to play, create, and be curious.
“Our government wants Western Australia to be a place where every child can play, whether that’s at home, at school, at the local park, or out in their community.
“That’s why we want to hear directly from West Aussie children and families about what they love about play, what makes it possible, and the obstacles that can get in the way.
“We are leading the nation by developing Australia’s first government-led Play Strategy, which will put the importance of play front and centre and recognise the crucial role it has in helping our children to grow, learn, and succeed.
“I encourage children, families, and early childhood professionals to share their experiences and help us shape a WA Play Strategy that reflects what the community needs.”
As stated by WA Play Strategy Advisory Committee Chair Sook Yee Lai MLA:
“Every child experiences play differently, and we want the WA Play Strategy to reflect the diversity of children, families, and communities right across our State.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for children and families to share their experiences and ideas to help shape the future of play in Western Australia.
“I look forward to continuing to work with the WA Play Strategy Advisory Committee to ensure the youngest members of our community have the best possible start to life.”
