At The Indigo Childcare Group, we believe that play is not just something children enjoy; it is something they have a right to. That is why we were delighted to host our recent Stay and Play event, centred around Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The event was a wonderful reminder that every child has the right to rest, relax, play, and take part in cultural and creative activities. It was inspiring to see families embrace this spirit, letting go, getting creative, and sharing in the joy of play together.

What is Article 31?

Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child recognises every child’s right to rest, leisure, play, and participation in cultural and creative activities.

This is more than just recreation, play is a vital part of healthy childhood development. Through play and creative expression, children:

  • Build social skills
  • Develop resilience
  • Explore their identities
  • Engage with the world around them

Equally, time to rest and enjoy leisure is essential for overall well-being.

For parents and carers, Article 31 is an important reminder of the value of unstructured time. In increasingly busy lives, ensuring children have space to play, imagine, and take part in cultural life is key to supporting their growth and happiness. Childhood should include not only learning and responsibility, but also joy, creativity, and rest.

Our Stay and Play Event

In preparation for the event, we consulted with our children to ensure their voices were heard. They shared ideas, suggested activities, and helped shape the experience, including what they thought their parents and carers would enjoy.

We then welcomed families into our setting to experience the joy and importance of play together.

The session offered a wide range of activities designed to spark creativity, imagination, and connection, including:

  • Arts and crafts
  • Science-based activities
  • Cosy reading areas
  • A digital station
  • Adults vs children dodgeball

There was truly something for everyone.

It was fantastic to see children leading their own play, making choices, exploring freely, and inviting their families into their world, while parents and carers joined in, observed, and shared these meaningful moments.

Why Play Matters

Play plays a crucial role in supporting children’s:

  • Social development
  • Confidence
  • Emotional wellbeing

It allows children to express themselves, solve problems, and build relationships.

Events like this remind us all (adults included) that play is powerful, valuable, and worth protecting.

Working in Partnership with Families

One of the highlights of the event was the opportunity to strengthen our relationships with families. Sharing experiences like this helps us work together to support children’s development both in our setting and at home.

Families were also given goody bags to take home, including:

  • Bingo
  • Article 31 leaflet
  • Indigo Rights document
  • Family art activity
  • Word searches

Activities at the Event

Some of the activities enjoyed during the session included:

  • Digital station
  • Puffy painting
  • Bird feeder making
  • Dodgeball (parents vs children!)
  • Care plan station
  • Hair salon role play