Social context

In 2007 a Unicef report found that British children were among the unhappiest in a league table of 21 industrialised countries.

In response to this report 110 teachers, psychologists, children’s authors and experts spoke of the decline in play and stated that they “believe that a key factor in this disturbing trend is the marked decline over the last 15 years in children’s play.” (Daily Telegraph Sept 2007).

The Mayor of London’s Office in April 2003 consulted with 1,047 children to ask their opinion on the strategy Making London Better for all Children and Young People. At the top of their wish-list was to have “more space to play, with parks that are safe and well looked after.”

Eureka! London will be supported by and rooted in the local community. Camden and Islington will be key to the way Eureka! develops and evolves and Eureka! aims to fulfil a social, educational and community purpose through strong partnerships with key stakeholders in London.

Eureka!’s ethos and practice fulfils Government Agendas that include Every Child Matters, the Children’s Plan and the National Play Strategy.

Related links

Unicef Report on Childhood in Industrialised Countries
This 2007 report assesses the well-being of children and young people in 21 industrialised countries.
A Letter to the Daily Telegraph
A letter to the Daily Telegraph from 110 teachers, psychologists, children's authors and experts in response to the Unicef report
Making London Better for all Children and Young People
The Mayor has published a strategy for children and young people, entitled Making London better for all children and young people, aimed at making London a more child-friendly city.
Every Child Matters
Every Child Matters: Change for Children is a new approach to the well-being of children and young people from birth to age 19.
The Children's Plan
The Government wants to make this country the best place in the world for children and young people to grow up. The Children’s Plan sets out how the Department for Children, Schools and Families is going to achieve that – by putting the needs of families, children and young people at the centre of everything we do.
Fair Play: A consultation on the play strategy
Play is fundamental to the successful development of every child - encouraging creativity, teaching children to learn about risk, helping with their physical development and raising self-confidence.