A ‘PLAY Champion’ is to be appointed by East Lothian Council to protect every child’s right to play.

The champion will promote the voice of children and young people in decisions about play and recreation, as well as working to help adults who work with them to understand the importance of play.

Liz Humphrys, the council’s childcare development officer, said: “Play is absolutely vital to children’s health and wellbeing – it’s an important part of a happy childhood.”

The council’s first policy on play was launched after the Scottish Government published a national policy instructing local authorities to create them.

East Lothian Council held consultations with children, young people and adults, receiving 900 responses which were used to draw up the policy.

At the heart of it will be the new Play Champion, who will be appointed from within current council staff to work with a council-wide strategic working group.

The council said the role would not be a new salaried post but instead responsibility for it would be given to an established expert in their education team.

A council spokesperson said: “The Play Champion will not be a separate salaried post. It will be someone already employed within the council who will be in a suitable position to champion and promote play throughout the county, and will endeavour to ensure play is always considered within other departments’ policies and plans.”

Fiona Robertson, head of education at the council, said: “The East Lothian Play Policy recognises that all children and young people have a right to play; that children and young people will be listened to and that their views on play and free-time will be taken into account; and asks adults to positively promote and support this right to play.”

Councillor Shamin Akhtar, cabinet spokesperson for education and children’s services, said feedback had shown that while there were many places people valued as play areas in the county, some needed to be made more accessible.

She said: “We need to increase and improve access to outdoor spaces, as well as ensure that those children with additional support needs have access to high-quality, inclusive play opportunities.

“We are all committed to ensuring children have the best start in life and helping them achieve their full potential.”