While welcoming the brave new world of co-ordinated children's services, Ennals said: "We are still waiting for the radical and ambitious vision ... that would put children at the heart of our communities."
The Children's Plan took us a big step further towards that aim. One of its underpinning principles, that children need to enjoy their childhood as well as grow up prepared for adult life, was a preamble to play featuring as a major new policy area. Last week's launch of the national play strategy consultation confirms that the government really is serious about the new policy's scope and ambition.
The funding of £235m for new play areas and adventure playgrounds is important. More so is the commitment to embed play provision and child- friendly space within the performance framework for local authorities. There will be training for 4,000 playworkers; a new "play space-shaping" programme; and support for local communities to make their own provision for their children's play.
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:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
