The Children's Play Council has welcomed guidance to children's trusts from the Department for Education and Skills.

The guidance identifies play strategies as one of the areas that shouldexplicitly link to the overarching children and young people's plansthat most local authorities will have to implement under the ChildrenAct 2004.

"We are delighted to see the importance of play - and public space -recognised in this important guidance," said council director AdrianVoce. "We hope this means that play will feature at the heart ofplanning in the new children's trusts.

"However, as play is not a statutory service and in many areas is veryunderdeveloped, it is essential we promote the right expertise at alocal level to take work forward."

Voce's comments came in the wake of Playday 2005, organised by thecouncil and The Children's Society and sponsored by the British Toy andHobby Association, to highlight the benefits of free play.

"Outdoor play is one of the most effective and natural forms of exercisefor children and young people, and a chance for social interaction,exploration and fun," explained Voce.

"Strategic planning and investment at local level are imperative toensure that all children can benefit from high quality places toplay."

- www.ncb.org.uk/cpc.