Play manifesto calls for all parties to give children more space to play

The poll of 1,000 people found that 30 per cent of adults believe the Conservative party would do the most to ensure that children have more opportunities to play outside, compared with 27 per cent for Labour and 19 per cent for the Liberal Democrats.

Play England is calling for the next Government to make play a priority and asking all political parties to adopt three  pledges.

The manifesto calls for:
•    making all residential neighbourhoods child-friendly by introducing a 20mph speed limit and more pedestrian zones
•    giving all children the time and opportunity to play throughout childhood by providing parents with information about what play provision is available locally
•    giving all children somewhere to play in freedom and safety after school and in the holidays, by ensuring all group childcare and after-school clubs have access to playwork training and after-school clubs and holiday play schemes have quality standards for play provision and safety and wellbeing.

Adrian Voce, director of Play England, said, ‘There is a tendency to think of children’s play as something that isn’t a matter for Government, but our research shows that it is a serious issue for voters. Parents know that safe neighbourhoods with attractive places to play near their homes are vital to their whole family’s quality of life, and to their children’s future health and development. Our research shows that adults clearly think there is a big role for the Government in addressing the barriers and making this a reality.’