United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child:

Article 31: Children have the Right to Play

Isle of Play have developed a unified Rights based approach and a practical understanding of the play needs of the child. From this foundation we aim to advocate, lobby and inform the development of policy, space and facilities that support children’s play. Every week, we support and encourage children, parents, schools, local authorities and the IoM Government to provide the best opportunities for the Islands’ children.

What Article 31 means:

• Children must have space and time for play, recreation and relaxing.
• Playing helps keep children safe, healthy and happy.
• Government and decision makers MUST find ways to get rid of things that get in the way of time to play.
• Children must have opportunities to explore and understand their own culture.
• Children should be involved in cultural and artistic activities and be able to go to places like museums, festivals, theatres, concerts and libraries.
• Government and decision makers must make sure that no children are left out
• If government and decision makers take all of this seriously, children’s lives will be happier and healthier.

Commercial manufactured playground equipment is often expensive and ineffectual, but our approach is different.

Through years of experience of working with children and developing playscapes our playworkers have built up a portfolio of skills. Isle of Play supported playgrounds use elements from landscaping, ‘loose parts theory’ and eco-friendly use of reclaimed items to help build outstanding play spaces on a budget.

Unfortunately, we lack the staff resources to be able to support on a full-time basis at this time. However, if you would like a discussion with us to help inspire some ideas we are more than happy to help for a donation to the charity.