London Play chief urges the government to recognise the value of play

The sector was dealt two blows before the general election, starting with the failure of the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives to mention the play strategy in their manifestos, and seconded by the National Lottery Fund's admittance that it was going to terminate its funding next year.

London Play chief executive Ute Navidi is urging the new government to recognise the value of play and pick up where the former government left off with continued investment and support for the sector. "Already, London Play is hearing about cuts in staffing and closures of play spaces," she said.

"The previous government — through the first ever National Play Strategy backed by significant funding — demonstrated that good intentions alone are not sufficient to recreate the kind of outdoor play opportunities previous generations took for granted.

"London Play hopes the new government will accept the knowledge transfer about what makes good play spaces and finds a way of embedding play in all future strategies and policies, and make available continued funding."

Common Threads director Shelly Newstead is wary about the future of the sector. "Play isn't going to be a priority for the new government. There are big issues it has to deal with and the cuts have to fall somewhere. I think the sector is expecting it."

Newstead expressed concern about the cuts in training that are already happening in the play sector and highlighted the importance of the workforce in ensuring the future delivery of the play strategy on a universal level.

"Since about a month ago, I know of a number of local authorities that have already cut their training for playworkers and early years workers. There has been a noticeable slowing down in the momentum of play," added Newstead.

On the issue of future funding, Newstead said that a transition into the third sector might be the only option for play in the future, but she pointed out that this might be a difficult move to make given the current economic climate.

Navidi continued with her call to the government to ensure that play isn't overlooked. "Investing in play means investing in childhood, so it is not an optional extra but fundamental to a good and healthy society," she said.