William Eichler 16 March 2022

Councils urged to create inclusive child play spaces

Councils urged to create inclusive child play spaces image
Image: Octus_Photography/Shutterstock.com.

Leading UK charities and industry bodies have called on local authorities across the country to create accessible and inclusive child play spaces.

A joint statement from the groups, which includes Children’s Play Policy Forum and UK Play Safety Forum, states that ‘society has failed’ in producing enough accessible and inclusive places for children to play within a reasonable distance of their homes.

It argues that there needs to be a change in public attitudes and that more welcoming spaces must be created which maximise the range of play opportunities offered by the equipment and the environment.

‘Just like any child, all disabled children need and want to play. But for decades, they have been left poorly served,’ said Tim Gill, chair of UK Play Safety Forum.

‘This statement makes a powerful case for change, while acknowledging the challenges. Perhaps most importantly, it sets out a clear vision for new and improved play spaces that will engage children of all abilities.’

The statement, which was aimed at local authorities and play providers, also emphasised the importance of engaging with and prioritising the needs of disabled children and their families when making adaptations to increase accessibility.

Nicola Butler, chair of the Children’s Play Policy Forum, added: ‘This statement will help build a better understanding of the barriers which keep many disabled children and their families excluded from local play spaces. Overcoming these barriers will bring benefits for non-disabled children too, as they learn through their interactions and engagement with disabled friends and peers.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Registered Building Inspector (Band 2/Grade 7)

Health and Safety Executive
£60,760 - £65,776
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is transforming building safety regulation across England. United Kingdom / various Locations
Recuriter: Health and Safety Executive

Revenues and Recovery Team Leader

Ashfield District Council
£37,938 - £40,476 per annum (pay award pending)
We have an exciting opportunity for a Revenues and Recovery Team Leader Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Housing Options Officer

Ashfield District Council
£31,067 - £33,366 per annum (pay award pending)
Do you want to make a real difference to the lives of residents in housing need? Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Building Services Operative

Ashfield District Council
£25,584 - £27,269 per annum (pay award pending)
The Facilities team are looking to recruit an enthusiastic individual Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Street Cleansing Technician (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 5, £24,397 per annum (pay award pending)
Do you enjoy working outside, as part of a team that make a direct difference to the communities of Doncaster? Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council
Linkedin Banner