Play England was created to support local authorities to deliver more play opportunities. It was awarded £15m of lottery funding in 2006, as part of a £155m Children's Play initiative to increase the number of community play projects across the country.
Play England had been hopeful of securing further funding from the Big Lottery Fund beyond March 2011, when the current funding dries up. But at a meeting with the Play England council last week, director Adrian Voce told members no more money would be committed to the Children's Play initiative by the lottery fund.
Despite the news, Voce remained optimistic. "The Play England council has adopted an exciting new strategy and we are actively seeking funds from a variety of sources to support play from April 2011," he told CYP Now.
A Big Lottery Fund spokesman said: "While the fund recognises the invaluable contribution Play England has made to the sector, the fund has limited resources and has to make some tough decisions in terms of prioritising need."
Play England is also contracted by central government to help deliver its Play Strategy, supporting local authorities in refurbishing and developing 3,500 play areas by next March.
Ute Navidi, chief executive of London Play, said the news was "devastating".
"Play England has gone beyond all expectations in putting play firmly on the national agenda," she said. "Its impact has been immeasurable and we will continue to support it in the years to come."
