Under-eights could be left out of play strategy

23 October 2008 1 min read Alison Bennett Early Years

Children under eight could miss out in the forthcoming national play strategy, the vice chair of the Local Government Association's children and young people's board has said.

David Bellotti, who is also a councillor for Bath and North East Somerset Council, said that, while he welcomed the play strategy, there was a danger that children aged below eight years old could lose out in the government's current plans.

The government has charged pathfinder local authorities with developing 30 adventure playgrounds or play parks aimed at eight- to 13-year-olds in disadvantaged areas.

"I'm worried about under-eights," he said. "I know that children who start using play facilities early continue to do so and I think eight is too late to introduce young people to play. We need to have something that makes sure under-eights continue to play at the level they are currently at and not miss out."

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits: