Islington Council unveils risk-focused approach to play

The local authority is the first in England to announce such a strategy, which aims to help children learn about risk through play, while also being protected from harm.

The guidelines have already influenced existing adventure playgrounds in the borough, and will be incorporated into future play areas in parks, open spaces, housing estates, children's centres and leisure facilities.

The council will also train its staff responsible for play spaces on risky approaches to play.

“Islington Council has a long history of supporting children's play and is now leading the way in introducing this new commitment about the type of play facilities we provide,” said Richard Watts, Islington Council's lead member for children and families.

“Of course we want our children to be safe while playing, but playgrounds should also present challenges, to help children learn about risk and stretch their abilities.”

The decision follows the publication of joint guidance from the Play Safety Forum and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in September this year, which recommended a balanced approach to risk.

Judith Hackitt, chair of the HSE, said she commended the Islington Council’s “commitment to giving children the opportunity for exciting play”.

“Children deserve to be challenged both for their development now and in the future,” she said. “Play outdoors teaches them how to deal with risk. Without this they are ill-equipped to deal with working life.”

“If other local authorities see this as a challenge to up their game and take a stand against the cotton wool culture too, then that can only be a good thing.”

Catherine Prisk, director of Play England, added: “Risk and challenge are biologically essential experiences for every child growing up, something Play England has campaigned about for many years.”

“We are absolutely delighted that Islington is leading the way on cutting red tape and embracing the risk benefit approach, and I very much hope other councils will now emulate Islington's lead, so that children growing up today can have fun – and develop key physical, social and emotional skills – through having access to great places to play right up into their teenage years.”

Paul Hocker, play team development manager at London Play, hailed the decision “groundbreaking”, and called on other authorities in the capital to follow Islington’s example.

“Play opportunities which challenge children and present them with risks that they need to assess not only keep them engaged and active for longer, but also build confidence and offer valuable learning experiences,” he said.