Dr Amanda Gummer, chair of the API, explains the urgent need to prioritise play provision in schools and how the Pathway to Play campaign is urging the government to invest in children's outdoor play
Play is fundamental to the development of pupils’ physical and mental health. Free, outdoor play boosts learning, concentration, physical literacy, creativity, resilience, confidence and social skills.
There has been a huge decline in public playgrounds in recent years and the ‘pull’ indoors from screens means that, for many children, school playgrounds represent their only opportunity for outdoor play. With one in three children overweight or obese by year 6 and child mental health problems at record levels, high-quality outdoor play equipment in schools is now more important than ever.
The Association of Play Industries launched the Pathway To Play campaign in May, calling upon the new UK government to make the following three commitments. The first is to conduct a comprehensive national audit of public playgrounds to assess their quantity, quality and location.
The second is to allocate dedicated government funding to ensure the long-term sustainability of public playgrounds, guaranteeing that every child has access to safe, free-to-use play spaces.
And the third is to increase children’s physical activity levels through outdoor play at school, integrating outdoor learning into the National Curriculum and provide funding for school outdoor play spaces and equipment.
The vital role of quality playgrounds in schools
Playgrounds are essential for children’s outdoor play and their importance is especially crucial in school settings. With increasing focus on physical and mental wellbeing, funding for schools must prioritise the provision of high-quality playgrounds that foster physical activity, social interaction and creative play.
A study from the University of Reading, The British Children’s Play Survey, revealed that playgrounds are the most commonly used spaces for outdoor play for children aged 5-11. Although the research focused on public playgrounds, the findings highlight the importance of ensuring that playgrounds in schools also offer similar benefits. Children spend a significant amount of their day at school, making school playgrounds a primary environment for active and creative play. These spaces play a key role in improving children’s overall health, wellbeing and educational experience.
Playgrounds as a hub for physical activity and learning
In the context of schools, playgrounds are not just places for recreation – they are an integral part of the learning environment. Children naturally engage in physical activities during playtime, and research shows that outdoor play helps improve their focus, academic performance and behaviour.
Physical activity is also linked to better cognitive development as it enhances concentration, memory and problem-solving skills. In schools, where children are often seated for long periods, having a well-designed playground encourages them to be active, improving both their physical and mental health.
Addressing the decline of playgrounds
Unfortunately, the availability and quality of playgrounds in schools and communities has been declining in recent years. Local councils have reported a sharp reduction in spending on playground maintenance, leading to the closure of many public playgrounds across England.
Schools, which often rely on limited budgets, face similar challenges in maintaining their play spaces. Inadequate school playgrounds can negatively affect children’s health and overall school experience, particularly in urban areas where many children don’t have access to other outdoor play options.
Screen time vs. outdoor play
The rise of screen time has become a growing concern for parents and educators alike, with children spending more time indoors on devices and less time playing outside. Research shows that children’s reliance on screen time can negatively affect their health, leading to problems like obesity and mental health issues. Quality school playgrounds are a direct solution to this problem, offering children a safe space to play and engage in physical activity during their school day.
A survey commissioned by the API and conducted by Mumsnet, revealed that parents are worried about the impact of screen time on their children’s development, with 90 per cent of parents agreeing that access to good playgrounds would encourage their children to be more active. In the school environment, providing children with engaging playgrounds can help reduce the reliance on screens and promote healthy, active lifestyles.
The importance of inclusive playgrounds in schools
Funding should be made available to schools so that they can provide playgrounds which are inclusive and allow children of all abilities to participate in play.
Research by the charity Scope found that nearly half of families with disabled children face barriers when trying to access public playgrounds. This issue extends to schools that may not be able to afford playgrounds which are adequately equipped with inclusive features that allow all children to play together. Accessible and inclusive playgrounds help foster social integration and allow children to learn from each other in a supportive environment.
Addressing the inactivity epidemic in schools
The rise in childhood inactivity is a growing problem, with more children leading sedentary lifestyles, contributing to health issues such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes and poor mental health.
School playgrounds can play a pivotal role in reversing this trend. Research has shown that children are far more active when they are outdoors, and quality playgrounds in schools encourage children to move, run, climb and play creatively.
In many urbanised areas where children have limited access to parks or gardens, the school playground may be their only opportunity for outdoor play. As such, school budgets should allow for investment in playgrounds to ensure that students have regular access to physical activity, which can have long-lasting benefits for their health and wellbeing.
A call for government investment in school playgrounds
Playgrounds are more than just a place for children to release energy during breaks; they are critical for their physical, social and cognitive development. School playgrounds have an essential role in shaping children’s overall health and learning experience. As budgets tighten and outdoor spaces disappear, the need to invest in school playgrounds has never been greater.
By providing safe, inclusive and engaging playgrounds, schools can help foster a generation of healthier, happier, more active children. It is crucial that policymakers and educators prioritise playgrounds as a vital resource for children’s development and ensure that every child has access to a high-quality play space in their school.
API members
Members of the Association of Play Industries are the UK’s leading play companies and can support you from start to finish with your play project. Backed by the API’s Professional Code of Conduct, they operate to the highest standards, delivering exceptional, high-quality play spaces for children of all ages and abilities.
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