United Nations Convention on The Rights Of The Child (1989)
Here is a list of Human Rights specific to children that we must adhere to in our workplace and homes.
Children have the right to be with their family or those who will care best for them.
Children have the right to enough food and clean water for their needs.
Children have the right to an adequate standard of living.
Children have the right to healthcare.
Children have the right to play.
Children have the right to be kept safe and not hurt or neglected.
Disabled children have the right to special care and training.
Children must not be used as cheap workers or as soldiers.
Children have the right to free education.
All children should be listened to and their views taken seriously.
Within all settings the importance of play is paramount. But even more important to us, is keeping your child safe, fed, cared for and in an environment where they are free to play and be themselves. Even when the children are out of the early years setting play still has a crucial role in their development. Play helps children to release energy , display emotions , blow off steam , make friends and essentially be themselves. So playtime and games are more than just a coffee break for the staff ( in case you were wondering). All managers in childcare settings will ensure that there are times throughout the day that children can just "play", not led by adults or with a structured aim but just "play". For a child to make their own decisions on what they like to do, alone or with friends, messy or clean , all of these choices will give your child a confidence in making decisions and grow their personality into the amazing adult they will become. The types of play your child will learn from and enjoy will change as they develop. The below diagram explains what stages a child will go through in relation to learning through play.
Safeguarding Your Child Children will often show signs of neglect or harm in how they play. Words they use and actions they may do with toys or talk about. If you have any concerns about your child please speak with a member of staff. We as childcare professionals have a duty of care to report anything suspicious, If we believe a child's rights have not been adhered to we will take necessary action.