Children who have afternoon break 'performing just as well in exams'

Afternoon breaks could make children fitter and do not take away from learning, research suggests. However, the researchers also found the children who spent longer on the playground performed just as well academically.   Afternoon breaks were once a standard part of a child's school day, academics behind the study wrote in The Conversation.  However, concerns over poor behaviour and a lack of time in the classroom means they are now few and far between. This is despite studies showing that playtime can play a critical role in a child's development.  To learn more, the researchers looked at 5,232 students who attended 56 primary schools across Wales as part of their HAPPEN (Health and Attainment of Pupils in a Primary Education Network) project.  Of these students, 1,413 (27 per cent) did not have an afternoon break.  Perhaps surprisingly, those from affluent areas were the most likely to miss out, with 36 per cent not having any 'time out' after lunch. However, most answered more time and space to play.  The researchers stress interactions are important for a child's 'broader social development', however, it is important to create a 'positive environment'.  'If these breaks are to be given in more schools, more support is needed to help schools ensure play is meaningful, inclusive and encouraging of positive social relationships,' they wrote in The Conversation. 'This could help children gain the benefits of better physical health and perhaps help deal with some of the difficulties associated with afternoon play.'