Call for action on poorest areas' 'play gaps'

The Association of Play Industries (API) in its State of Play report says the number of so-called "play gaps", where children in areas of high social deprivation have nowhere to play, has grown following the cancellation of Playbuilder projects by the coalition government last year.

Old play equipment in some areas had already been removed in preparation for the Playbuilder projects that were then cancelled.

The Department for Education is being urged to link up with councils and carry out a national audit of play spaces with a focus on identifying play gaps and play areas that are either derelict or in need of refurbishment.

Once highlighted, API wants the government to prioritise funding to reduce the number of play gaps.

The absence of a play strategy is also a concern for API. It calls for a new play strategy with a strong focus on the health benefits to children and how investment in play can reduce childhood obesity.

API chairman John Croasdale said: "Children's play is at risk of becoming a forgotten sector. While the government has adopted much of the language in support of play, there is still no national play strategy or new policies to support this commitment."

The report is backed by former children’s commissioner for England Sir Al Aynsley-Green. He said: "At a time of severe financial constraint, it is tempting for national and local government to see play as a low priority. It is vital that there is effective political advocacy for the needs of children to have access to play facilities."

A Department for Education spokesman said the government has no plans for a new play strategy.