THE state 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 thestrategy reflects the experiences of WA families.

Other key 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.

Early Childhood Minister Sabine Winton said play was such a critical part of childhood.

The survey is open until November 11 at www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-the-premier-and-cabinet/help-shape-the-wa-play-strategy