Nursery World - Let them play

Danger! Children playing! Today's often stifling 'culture of caution' came under attack at last month's annual Playday on 7 August, which was organised by the Children's Society and Children's Play Council (pictured right). A survey of 500 children aged up to 15 across the UK found that 45 per cent were not allowed to play with water, 36 per cent were prevented from climbing trees, 27 per cent were not allowed on climbing equipment and 23 per cent were prevented from riding bikes or skateboards.

A survey of 500 children aged up to 15 across the UK found that 45 per cent were not allowed to play with water, 36 per cent were prevented from climbing trees, 27 per cent were not allowed on climbing equipment and 23 per cent were prevented from riding bikes or skateboards.

Schools had variously banned making daisy chains, playing with yo-yos, tag and playing on climbing frames (for full story see 'Safety-first mentality is stifling simple play', Nursery World, 8 August 2002).

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