Play Campaigners Call To Revive National Play Strategy

Why Play Campaigners Are Calling On New PM To Revive National Play Strategy

New Prime Minister Andy Burnham is being called on by play advocates Play England and Play Their Way to revive the country’s National Play Strategy – almost 20 years after it was launched and subsequently dropped.

Their call is for a broader approach to creating the conditions children need to play, including more space and time for play, making streets available for play at certain times, and recognition of children’s right to play.

“Having space to play is an important part of growing up” notes Creative Play’s Managing Director James Harris. “It supports physical activity, social interaction, creativity, independence and the development of other essential skills”.

Announced on the 39^th annual Playday, a national day celebrating children’s right to play, the campaign research also shows how access to regular outdoor play remains out of reach for many children.

The Growing Need For Outdoor Play

Children need to turn their attention away from screens to outdoor play – but access to safe places remains a barrier. The Play Their Way data shows that 46% of parents identified this as an issue, while 49% of children surveyed said they would like to spend more time being active.

Earlier research discussed by Play England shows just how significant the challenge is. Mapping almost 34,000 playgrounds across England, a University of Sheffield study found that some areas have “five times more children per playground” as others. Play spaces in more deprived communities also tend to be “fewer, smaller and more distant” from the children who need to use them.

What Makes A Good Play Space?

The design of a play area influences how children use it, from the activities and challenges available to the way different sections work together. “Accessibility, layout and the variety of play opportunities can all affect whether a playground works” explains James.

“Children want to play outdoors, and they need the space to do it”.

Developing a good outdoor play area starts with understanding how children will use it, the opportunities it needs to provide and the space available. Creative Play can help turn these considerations into a well-planned outdoor play environment.

Planning a new outdoor play area or improving an existing one?

Talk to Creative Play about designing a space that supports children’s development and wellbeing.

Further Reading

The API Power Of Playgrounds Campaign

FCC Communities Foundation Brings Inclusive Play To Digby 

Local Authority Funding Guide