Are you feeling empowered by signing Ruth's petiton and feeling empowered to take it 1 step further? Do you want to make sure that the government know that we are serious about wanting to make changes to our educational system?
Why not write a letter to you local MP using the template below! A big Thank You to Keeley Johnson for helping with the template!
I'm excited for this petition to be debated in Parliament. Thank you so much for driving it forward.
Ruth x
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Dear insert MP name here,
I am writing to inform you that I have signed the petition titled "Make Play and Continuous Provision statutory in England's Key Stage 1 Curriculum". This petition calls for the government to revise the statutory guidance for Key Stage 1 to incorporate play-based pedagogy as a core component of the curriculum. The petition's aim is to extend the best practices currently seen in Early Years to Key Stage 1, ensuring that children in this age group continue to benefit from a developmentally appropriate, play-based approach to learning. This is particularly relevant in light of recent comments from Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson.
As a mother of a [insert children and ages here], I am passionate about ensuring that children have the best possible start in life. I am already thinking about my child's future educational journey and hope that by the time they reach Key Stage 1, a more play-based approach will be embedded in schools. **Please see examples below**
I believe that a play-based approach to learning is essential for young children's development, and I would love to see this approach become a standard part of the Key Stage 1 curriculum. By signing this petition, I am showing my support for a more child-centred and play-based approach to learning, and I hope that it will make a positive difference for my child and future generations.
I would be grateful if you could support this petition and be aware of it in the likely event that it is debated in Parliament. Your support would mean a great deal to parents and educators who believe in the importance of play-based learning. If the petition is debated, I would appreciate it if you could speak in favour of the petition and the principles it represents.
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. I look forward to hearing about your views on this matter.
Sincerely,
**Sign your name here**
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Examples for alternative text you can use for paragraph 2
- As a teacher with 11 years of experience in the classroom, I have seen firsthand the benefits of play-based learning for children's cognitive, social, and emotional development. I am confident that this approach is not only effective but also essential for young children's learning and well-being. By signing this petition, I am showing my support for a more child-centred and play-based approach to learning in Key Stage 1.
- As a parent of two young children, I am passionate about ensuring that they have the best possible start in life. My eldest child is due to start Reception in September, and I am excited but also concerned about the transition from play-based learning in preschool to a more formal approach in school. My youngest child is just 6 months old, and I am already thinking about their future educational journey. I hope that by the time they reach Key Stage 1, a more play-based approach will be embedded in schools.
- As a mother of a 2-year-old, I am passionate about ensuring that children have the best possible start in life. I am already thinking about my child's future educational journey and hope that by the time they reach Key Stage 1, a more play-based approach will be embedded in schools.
- As a mother of a son who started Reception in 2024, I have already seen the importance of a nurturing and play-based environment in the early years of education. I believe that this approach should continue into Key Stage 1 to support children's ongoing development and love of learning.
- As a mother of two young children, I am deeply concerned about the approach to learning in our schools. My eldest son was due to start Reception in September, but we have made the difficult decision to defer his entry by a year due to concerns that he would not thrive in a non-play-based environment. As a child who loves to learn through play, I worry that the current approach to Key Stage 1 would stifle his natural curiosity and creativity. My youngest child is currently 2 years old, and I am already thinking about their future educational journey. I hope that by the time they reach Key Stage 1, a more play-based approach will be embedded in schools.
- As a mother of two young girls, I am excited but also concerned about the transition to school for my eldest child, who is starting Reception in September. I want her to have the best possible start to her educational journey and believe that a play-based approach would be beneficial for her development. My youngest child is currently 2 years old, and I am already thinking about her future educational journey. I hope that by the time she reaches Key Stage 1, a more play-based approach will be embedded in schools.
- As a mother of two children, I am fortunate to see the benefits of a play-based approach to learning firsthand. My son is currently in Year 1 and is lucky to be attending a school that continues to prioritise play-based learning throughout Key Stage 1. I have been impressed by the school's exemplary approach and the positive impact it has had on my child's love of learning. My daughter is due to start Reception at the same school next September, and I am excited to see her benefit from the same approach.
- As a mother to a son who is due to start Reception and then move into Year 1, I am excited but also concerned about the transition from preschool to school and then into Key Stage 1. As a stepmother to two older children who are currently in Key Stage 2, I have seen the difference in their educational journey as they have progressed through school. I believe that a play-based approach to learning is essential for young children's development, and I would love to see this approach become a standard part of the Key Stage 1 curriculum.
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