The Power of Play: Why Schools Need to Prioritise Break Time 

A new report from the Raising the Nation Play Commission has shed light on a worrying trend: children are playing less, both in school and outside of it. The interim “State of Play” report, published in partnership with Baroness Longfield’s Centre for Young Lives, reveals that break times have significantly decreased over the past 25 years, with primary pupils losing up to two hours of playtime each week (Raising the Nation, 2025). 

The report highlights that curriculum pressures and a high-stakes accountability system have led many schools to sacrifice break times in favour of additional teaching. However, research continues to show that play is essential for children’s physical and mental well-being, social skills, and overall development. Schools in the most deprived areas have seen the sharpest declines in playtime, further widening the gap in student well-being (Raising the Nation, 2025). 

But there’s hope. The report calls for Ofsted to measure “play sufficiency” as a factor in school performance, ensuring that schools value and protect playtime. It also suggests mandatory staff training on promoting active play, government guidance to ringfence break times, and an extra 10 minutes of playtime in the school day. With outdoor playtime declining by 50% in a generation and playground closures on the rise, the need for structured, meaningful play opportunities has never been greater (Raising the Nation, 2025). 

Introducing Let’s Play: A Game-Changer for Schools 

At Commando Joe’s, we recognise the vital role of play in children’s lives. That’s why we’ve developed Let’s Play—a pupil-led play enrichment programme designed to make break times engaging, structured, and meaningful. 

With 72 tailored missions, our Let’s Play Box, and full training for Junior Joe’s (pupil leaders), we provide schools with everything needed to transform break times into an opportunity for skill-building, teamwork, and fun. Our programme supports emotional and social learning while promoting positive behaviours and a proactive mindset. 

Schools implementing Let’s Play have already seen its impact. Cadogan House at RMS for Girls recently welcomed Commando Joe’s and highlighted how the programme is changing the way their pupils play. You can read more about their experience here. 

“Play is such an integral part of a child’s development, which is why we developed a play programme with a difference. By joining Let’s Play, students engage in activities that promote cooperation, responsibility, and positive interactions. This programme ensures that learning essential life skills is not only educational but also incredibly fun, creating a friendly and connected school community.” – Dan Kelly, Managing Director Commando Joe’s 

By embedding structured play into the school day, we align with the recommendations of the Raising the Nation report—helping schools enhance play opportunities, boost well-being, and create a more positive learning environment. 

Bring Let’s Play to Your School! 

Join schools across the UK already embracing a new era of play. Contact us at info@commandojoes.co.uk to learn more. 

Together, let’s change the way they play!