Provide Access to Play Therapy in All Primary Schools in Wales
Rejected
229 signatures
Introduce a requirement for primary schools in Wales to have access to a qualified play therapist for pupils who are struggling emotionally, socially, or academically.Play therapy allows children to express thoughts/ feelings they may not yet have the language to articulate. Embedding access to play therapy within PS would ensure early intervention, reduce long-term mental health difficulties and support the Welsh Government’s commitment to children’s rights, wellbeing and inclusive education.
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Children’s emotional wellbeing is vital to learning, relationships, and success in and beyond school. Many primary pupils face anxiety, trauma, behavioural difficulties, additional learning needs, family breakdown, poverty-related stress, or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). These issues may appear as disruption, withdrawal, or underachievement, while needs remain unmet in schools
Benefits of Providing Play Therapy in Primary Schools: - Early intervention and prevention, - Improved emotional wellbeing, - Better learning outcomes, - Reduced behavioural challenges, - Reduced pressure on teachers and SEN services, - Improved inclusion and equality, - Long-term social and economic benefits
We urge the Welsh Government to:
Commit to funding and implementing access to qualified play therapists in all primary schools across Wales.
Integrate play therapy into existing wellbeing and Additional Learning Needs (ALN) frameworks.
Ensure timely and equitable access for all pupils who need support.