Article 31 of the UNCRC states that children have a right to culture, leisure, rest and play- play is a fundamental right for children, and out of school care services are the largest providers of play opportunities for school-age children in Scotland, outside formal education. Many OSC staff are trained in Playwork and work to ensure that the Playwork Principles are met.

OSC services should provide children with different play opportunities (free play, active play etc) through both structured and unstructured activities which are appropriate to their developmental ages and stages.

In 2012 the Scottish Government published their National Play Strategy and Action Plan for play which sets out their vision for children's play in Scotland.