Understanding child play and development in Somali families in Bristol.

Global Health BSc Dissertation University of Bristol - Jessica Mace

Background: High quality child play is known for significant benefits to cognitive, motor and social development, and the environment to facilitate this may be limited in Somali refugee children. Over the last two years Somali children in Bristol have scored had below average in the readiness for school tests and are being increasingly referred to the East Bristol Child Health Clinic with developmental delays. Method: Posters were displayed in a community centre in East Bristol inviting participants from a Somali background to group discussions on play and development, examining childhood in Somalia and the UK. Six female participants were interviews, two in a discussion and four individually. Results: Play in Somalia is considered communal, free and safe, accelerating child development. In Bristol factors limiting play are the physical environment, British culture and parental time and resources. Recommendations include more provision of safe play facilities and discussion of ‘culturally cultivated play’ with Somali families.