A deep-dive into the Raising the Nation Play Commission
Unprepared childhoods
Lack of play opportunities is causing fewer children to be "school ready”
Play England campaigns for all children and young people to have freedom and space to play throughout childhood.
We work with national partners and other organisations with shared aims to raise awareness about the importance of play. We lobby government to make fundamental policy changes to protect and promote play, and encourage everyone who has an impact
on the lives of children and young people to recognise and plan for children’s play.
Play England has also built up considerable experience and resources to help support individuals and organisations that work in these particular areas:
Government
Local Authorities
Schools
Playwork
We need your support
The new UK government is making positive noises about understanding the importance of play. However, against this positive backdrop, Play England is suffering from a lack of funds to pay for our essential work campaigning for children’s right and freedom to play. Donate today to support our work. www.playengland.org.uk/donate
www.playengland.org.uk
John Challinor
Publisher
PlayNation
john@nationmedia.uk
Dr. Amanda Gummer
CEO FUNdamentally Children @AmandaGummer
Maria Cantarella CEO Association of Indoor Play
Tom Walker Editor
PlayNation tom@ nationmedia.uk
Marguerite Hunter Blair CEO
Play Scotland @ PlayScotland
Angela Stallard Director of service delivery & development PlayBoard NI
PlayNation, in partnership with Play England and SAPCA (the Sports And Play Construction Association), is dedicated exclusively to the dynamic and growing sector of play and physical activity for children and young people. Published bi-monthly, the magazine focuses on the policies, people and places that help young people to play and be more active. Subscribe now and we will email you a complimentary copy of the magazine every two months.
http://www.playnation.uk
Advertising opportunities Contact John E: john@nationmedia.uk http://www.linkedin.com/ company/playnationmag @PlayNationMag FOLLOW US:
PlayNation is published by SportsNation Ltd in association with Play England (www.playengland.org.uk) and the Sports And Play Construction Association (www.sapca.org.uk) This publication is protected by copyright and no part may be reproduced, transmitted or stored in any print or electronic format without the written permission of the publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this publication and PlayNation accepts no responsibility for any error or misrepresentation. Opinions expressed by the contributors and advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher and we do not accept responsibility of losses or damages arising from them.
Printed by Bigwave Marketing Ltd.
Tom Hayes MP has officially tabled an amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill which calls for a statutory Play Sufficiency duty to be embedded in planning law.
The amendment would require local planning authorities to assess, secure, enhance and protect sufficient opportunities for children’s play across formal and informal spaces, streets, neighbourhoods, parks, schools and more.
It also calls for local planning authorities to undertake and publish play sufficiency assessments at intervals to be defined in regulations, then integrate the findings and recommendations of the assessments into local plans, relevant strategies, infrastructure planning and development decisions.
The amendment also calls for planning authorities to not give permission for any development which would lead to a net loss of formal or informal play spaces – except where equivalent or improved provision is secured.
Eugene Minogue, Executive Director of Play England, said: “This is a big moment for play. We are working to shift policy into law.”
The move also has the support of the Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA). SAPCA CEO, Richard Shaw, said: “The
amendment tabled by Tom Hayes is a major step towards children finally having a voice in planning.
“To ensure that developers contribute towards inclusive, accessible play opportunities would be transformative in the journey to give children their childhood back.”
At Clifton with Rawcliffe Primary School in York, the installation of a Playscheme Scramble Stax has transformed outdoor play — and the children can’t get enough of it.
Designed to challenge and excite, the Scramble Stax is a dynamic structure packed with a wide variety of obstacles and activities. From climbing nets and rope bridges to balance beams and jumping platforms, it offers a rich mix of physical challenges that encourage strength, coordination, and problem-solving. Every element has been carefully considered to support imaginative and active play.
A new report has called for “urgent action” from the UK government to recognise and integrate play as a fundamental right and critical component of child development and a “Creative Britain.”
The “The Power 2 Play” report, published today by the Alliance 4 Children and the University of Winchester, highlights the steady decline in play opportunities for children across England and provides a comprehensive set of recommendations for policymakers at national and local levels.
It also outlines some alarming statistics regarding play, which reveal worrying long-term trends – such as outdoor play having declined by 50% in a generation, at least 400 playgrounds closing across England between 2012 and 2022 and more than 2 million children in England (up to the age of 9) not living within a ten-minute walk of a playground.
Among the report’s recommendations is to embed play-based learning in curricula at all levels
To combat the decline in play, the report makes a number of recommendations. These include a move to recognise play as a fundamental right and the creation of a Department for Children, Young People & Families (or Cabinet Level Minister for Children).
The report also underscores that “play powers children to turn the impossible into the possible”, carrying these transformative skills forward to benefit their lives and society”. The report will be officially released on the 23 August at the House of Lords.
Play Scotland has appointed Mary Ramsay as its new Chief Executive. She will take up the role in August, replacing Marguerite Hunter Blair OBE, who announced that she is stepping down after almost 20 years in the post.
Ramsay joins Play Scotland from the Scottish Childminding Association where she has worked since 2021, following a previous role in Care and Learning Alliance. With 18 years in the childcare sector, she brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the national and local play landscape, alongside 17 years of service as an Army Reservist.
Ramsay said: “Marguerite has been an inspiring and tireless advocate for children’s right to play, and I am grateful for the strong foundation she has built. I look forward to building on Marguerite’s legacy.”
European indoor playground brand, Monkey Town, has announced its entry into the UK market with the acquisition of Rascals Party & Play Centre in Preston. The deal marks the group’s first UK site, kicking off a bold expansion plan aimed at making Monkey Town a household name for families across the country.
Operated by Dutch leisure group, 24 Indoor, Monkey Town has more than 75 indoor playgrounds across the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and Spain.
The company is one of Europe’s largest and fastest-growing soft play operators, offering immersive themed environments, food and beverage and play experiences such as laser tag, toddler zones, Valo Jump and mini bowling.
Rascals is a well-established soft play centre in Central Lancashire, serving local families for over 17 years. Catering for children from birth to 12 years, it features a large three-tier play structure with slides, trampolines, tunnels, and PAYG ride-ons, alongside a dedicated toddler zone and a baby area packed with sensory play.
Wandsworth Council has launched its Year of Play programme, a yearlong project designed to make the South London borough the “best place for children to grow, explore and enjoy the freedom of play”.
The initiative is part of the council’s plans to invest £15 million in improving playgrounds and play spaces over the next three years. The investment will include more than 15 new or refurbished play sites opening in the next 12 months – which will be celebrated during the Year of Play.
Guided by the council’s Play Strategy, the Year of Play will create inclusive, high-quality play opportunities in every neighbourhood, ensuring all children can enjoy enriching experiences close to home.
Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Play is where childhood happens. It’s how children learn, grow and discover who they are. As a parent and a Councillor, I’m really excited about everything planned across the next year.”
Witney Town Council appointed Ustigate Waterplay to refurbish the splash park at The Leys in Witney, with the project completed prior to the school holidays.
Following a water sequence, the water play requires a child to jump on the activation pad to re-start the flow. This procedure enhances the interactive experience as well as conserving water and electricity because the water play will only be in operation when a child is pushing the button to play.
Inclusive and accessible features include wheelchair friendly above ground features, fountains and ground sprays. There is also an area that allows water to temporarily pool with a weir for children to enjoy flow play. The water features and the rainbow themed surfacing were selected by Witney’s community during public consultation. It is also more environmentally friendly. It now uses less water and the water is captured after play, to irrigate plants and flowers in town.
The Association of Indoor Play’s fourth annual industry survey paints a sobering picture for the UK’s indoor play sector in 2025. Operators are facing tough trading conditions, shaped by rising costs and cautious consumer spending. Growth is hard to come by, and many businesses are feeling the pressure more than ever before.
The first half of the year brought unprecedented heatwaves which significantly reduced footfall across indoor venues. Spring and early summer saw record temperatures, driving families outdoors and leaving many operators struggling to cover their costs.
At the same time, staffing costs have soared, fuelled by increases to National Insurance and minimum wage rates. Staff now account for an average of 36 per cent of all revenue. Rents have climbed well above inflation, and energy bills are once again on the rise.
Smaller, independent venues have been hit hardest. With fewer resources and tighter margins, they are far more exposed to cashflow issues than larger, multi-site operators.
Yet, there are reasons for cautious optimism. Party bookings have remained resilient, with this revenue
stream now accounting for a third of income for many centres. Operators are adjusting, improving efficiencies, testing new ideas, and maintaining strong community links. Most importantly, 86 per cent of respondents expect to still be trading or even expanding in twelve months’ time.
Maria Cantarella, CEO of the Association of Indoor Play, said: “The resilience and ingenuity shown by our sector is nothing short of inspiring. Despite all the external pressures, operators are rolling up their sleeves and pushing forward. But we cannot ignore the cracks forming.
To explore the full 2025 State of the Industry report, visit www.associationofindoorplay.org DESPITE IT ALL, 86% OF OPERATORS EXPECT TO STILL BE TRADING OR EVEN EXPANDING NEXT YEAR – A TESTAMENT TO THE SECTOR’S RESILIENCE AND CREATIVITY
“Without meaningful support from government on VAT, business rates and staffing costs, we risk losing the very venues that bring joy, connection and wellbeing to families across the UK.”
The demand for indoor play has not disappeared. Families still seek shared experiences, and play remains a vital outlet for children’s development and parents’ sanity. With the right backing, the indoor play sector can continue to thrive as a cornerstone of the UK’s leisure landscape.
Itravelled from Straiton in Ayrshire to Straiton in Midlothian to join Play Scotland in January 2006, and because of the distance from home to work I had negotiated an unusual form of blended working. Looking back now, 2006 was a year of seismic changes that would shape the future of how we now live, work, play and communicate. Social media platforms, user-friendly browsers on the internet and increased accessibility, all were set to create a new way of working and communicating, online.
This way of connecting was a game changer for a small national organisation like Play Scotland, aiming to promote children’s right to play from Shetland to the Rhins of Galloway. We were able to harness the positive power of social media to raise awareness of the importance of play in children’s development.
This model of campaigning helped us to build relationships with new partners, politicians and the people of Scotland. The conventional media also played a significant role in carrying our messaging and reporting alarming stories about the significant contraction in children’s freedom to explore and play outdoors, and society’s move towards a risk averse ‘cotton wool culture’ which removed children’s power and ability to make choices for themselves.
We launched the Scottish Play Commission in 2007 to kick start a national conversation about
the state of play and how best to respond as a country to the demise of play opportunities and the impact this was having on children’s health and wellbeing. At the launch of the findings in the Scottish Parliament the Minister for Children and Young People, Adam Ingram MSP, announced a £4m fund to help build the play sector. This was a fantastic breakthrough, but it was also clear from the evidence that we needed a national Play Strategy and a holistic approach to good planning for play.
With a significant membership and following on social media, Play Scotland launched an online petition in 2012 calling for a statutory duty for children’s right to play. This received significant support, and as a result we were asked to provide written and oral evidence to the Petitions Committee at Holyrood. The Minister for Children and Young People, Aileen Campbell MSP, subsequently agreed to a national Play Strategy which she launched in 2013.
With a growing staff team, we moved office into Edinburgh and launched the Inclusive Play Charter in 2016 calling for Play Champions. The Play Charter was welcomed by Ruth Maguire MSP with a Motion and Debate in the Scottish Parliament, where there was clear cross-party support for policy change, children’s involvement in planning for play and more inclusive play provision.
The review of the Planning Act in 2017 presented a perfect opportunity for us to make progress in
Social media was a game changer for a small national organisation like Play Scotland, helping us raise awareness of children’s right to play
Children told us they had missed their friends, fun, family and freedom to play
our long running campaign for a statutory duty for play, and we achieved this in the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, which includes a legal duty for Play Sufficiency and Children’s Participation in Planning.
After working on another long running campaign led by Together (an alliance of Scottish children’s charities) the children’s right to play was enshrined in law by the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024. This ensures that the legal right of every child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities is considered and respected by all public bodies in Scotland. They also must engage with children and young people when creating policies affecting them, including public and play spaces.
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted us all at Play Scotland as we worked tirelessly to make the case for children’s play and highlight the negative impact of restrictions on children’s wellbeing, including their mental health. As a result, Scotland was the first in the UK to reopen its playgrounds. In a consultation carried out by the staff team for the Scottish Government, children told us they had missed their friends, fun, family and freedom to play. Children wanted more play and better play opportunities.
This heartfelt response helped make the case for the Get into Summer play programme funded by the Scottish Government and led to the review of the national Play Strategy. In May 2021 the Government launched the Play Park Renewal Fund of £60m to upgrade children’s play parks all over Scotland. In March, the First Minister John Swinney and Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes launched the new Play Vision Statement and Action Plan 2025-2030 and ear marked the remaining £25m of the Play Park Fund for Inclusive Play. It was a proud moment for me as the Chair of the review group and for Jenny Lester in our team as she explained to them how she had co-created the children’s version and posters with school children and a graphic artist. We’ve now changed the focus of our work to the implementation of the legal framework and policies for play in Scotland. We deliver a range of innovative projects, training and events for families, schools and communities. Play Scotland still has an office in Edinburgh, but Covid accelerated many of the changes that had been taking shape since 2006. A blended form of working is the new norm. I wonder what the next seismic changes will bring!
Angela Stallard Director of Service Delivery & Development, PlayBoard NI
Schools have closed for summer, allowing children in Northern Ireland two whole months of freedom and opportunity to play.
For many families, the school holidays provide a chance for children to escape screens and structured learning, giving them the freedom to reconnect with nature, engage with their community, and of course to enjoy play! But opportunities to do so are often determined by geography, income, and local infrastructure. In towns, cities, and rural areas alike, access to safe, well-maintained outdoor spaces remains a mixed picture across Northern Ireland. While some communities benefit from vibrant play parks, forest trails, and greenways, others are left with broken equipment, neglected green spaces, or simply nowhere nearby to let children run free safely.
Every child deserves a safe and inspiring place to play
The benefits of being outdoors are welldocumented; physical activity, improved mental health, social skills, and a sense of community all stem from access to quality play environments. Play and outdoor spaces are essential infrastructure. As we face ongoing public health and environmental challenges, making time to play is one of the simplest, most effective investments that we can make in our children’s future.
The NI Children and Young People’s Strategy 2020–2030 commits to providing safe and accessible play spaces for every child. Similarly, Planning Policy Statement 8 and the SPPS (Strategic Planning Policy Statement) acknowledge open space as a core component of sustainable development. Yet implementation remains inconsistent.
Encouragingly, there are signs of progress. Many councils across Northern Ireland have begun investing in play strategies, with new inclusive playgrounds opening in several districts, creative use of green spaces, and community-based unstructured play. But progress is inconsistent. Maintenance budgets are often limited. Public transport links to rural and district parks
are sometimes inadequate and children with disabilities still face significant barriers to play. Despite longstanding recognition of the value of play, Northern Ireland’s policy framework currently lacks any statutory commitment to Play Sufficiency. With increasing pressures on land use and housing, this oversight puts children’s wellbeing and development at risk, particularly in areas of deprivation where play spaces are most needed. A coordinated, cross-departmental approach is essential - one that links health, education, planning, and community development. Therefore, joined-up thinking and a strategic, crossdepartmental approach that puts children at the centre is crucial. This approach would include:
l Embedding play access into local development plans and housing strategies.
l Encouragement of street play within neighbourhoods.
l Supporting inclusive design and infrastructure, especially for children with disabilities.
l Prioritising safe walking and cycling routes to parks and green spaces.
l Enabling schools to open their outdoor facilities for community use during holidays.
l Funding community-led initiatives to reclaim community-based play.
The child’s right to play needs to be recognised and prioritised at a policy level. The development of a Northern Ireland Play Strategy could transform the landscape for play for Northern Ireland’s children. Every child deserves a safe and inspiring place to play – not just in summer, but all year round.
sutcliffeplay.co.uk
We design play equipment and play spaces that open up play to all abilities.
Your
Our skilled engineers and fabricators all take pride in putting quality first.
Sourcing and manufacturing locally is the most sustainable solution for all.
Anational company specialising in weight management, MoreLife, runs a 10-week Junior Physical Activity Referral Service (PARS) in Manchester. The service, commissioned by Population Health at Manchester City Council, supports children and young people aged 5-17 years old who are above a healthy weight and not engaging in physical activity.
“Our Children’s Healthy Lifestyle Practitioners connect families to fun, budget-friendly activities in their local area,” says MoreLife’s contract manager for the Greater Manchester and Sheffield services, Rebecca Hellyer. “We also offer Tier 2 children and family weight management services, signposting people towards local offerings that can help improve their health and wellbeing.”
Born out of Leeds Beckett University in 1999 (as Carnegie Weight Management) MoreLife was founded by Professor Paul Gately, a visiting Professor at Leeds Beckett University and one of the UK’s most respected experts in obesity and exercise. MoreLife’s initial focus was tackling obesity in children. Services have now expanded to adults, young people and families.
“As we continue to evolve and branch out our lifestyle-related support services, the challenge has been proving how successful our services really are, to help us build relationships with stakeholders and identify gaps in our provision,” says Hellyer. “In the Manchester City Locality, we use ReferAll to manage our Junior PARS – I think it’s one of the most userfriendly databases for administration I have ever worked with. We use ReferAll’s software to monitor
attendance of children who come through the service, their weight pre- and post-attendance and other metrics such as demographics and age, questionnaire responses or biometric data. This allows me to evaluate their progress as well as to report the overall success of the service.”
For Hellyer, the stand-out benefit is the ability to export data – both for quick reporting and more in-depth exports. “Whenever I need to, I can access a flash overview of a moment in time. This means I can be on top of the efficacy of service we’re offering and see a snapshot of how we’re working,” says Hellyer. “The more in-depth data export is invaluable for reporting on KPIs and evidencing our success to commissioners. I can get a rundown of every person’s scores before they enter our service and again once they’ve completed it.
“There’s a big story to tell from the numbers. It’s my job to forge strong partnerships with commissioning teams, service departments and cross-functional units within the organisation to champion the seamless delivery of exceptional services. Having clear numbers and a compelling story from a client who has seen positive
To date, MoreLife has had 1,172 referrals to the service with 69 children and young people actively participating. In Q3 2024, Hellyer’s team received 91 referrals with a current uptake of 57% into service.
55% of clients report that they feel better about themselves
63% have more energy
33% made friends
77% made healthier food choices
70% made healthier drinks choices
55% feel fitter
66% have more confidence in their abilities
33% are sleeping better
change helps me to share an honest insight of what’s happening within our service with commissioners. Without access to that data, reporting would be very difficult, especially with the volume of clients we see each year.”
The nal report of the Raising the Nation Play Commission was published in June. PlayNation spoke to industry leaders for their views on the report, which outlines measures designed to restore play into every childhood
The Raising the Nation Play Commission published its final report in June, following a yearlong inquiry into play and childhood in England. The report calls on the government to create a cross-departmental National Play Strategy and put in place a statutory “play sufficiency duty” for local authorities.
Called Everything to Play For: A Plan to Ensure Every Child in England Can Play, the report warns that cuts to clubs and playgrounds, busier roads and increased fears among parents and children about safety, have left children with fewer safe places to play. As a result, children’s independence to play outside has shrunk dramatically over the last 30 years, impacting on their health and happiness and increasing screen time.
Outdoor play has declined by 50% in a generation, and children travel shorter and shorter
distances independently. New polling commissioned by the inquiry shows over half of parents (55%) believe their youngest child plays outside less than they did when they were children.
The report says that to tackle the decline in play, there is a need to establish a National Play Strategy, which should include a commitment to new investment in play that is part-funded by the sugar tax. The strategy should also feature plans for a Minister for Play, a ban on ‘No Ball Games’ signs, raising the digital age of consent to 16, restoring play to our education system including banning phones during the school day and a statutory Play Sufficiency Duty for local authorities.
Play should also be central to the Government’s strategies for boosting opportunity and growth, tackling the crisis in children’s physical and mental health. Among its main recommendations is the creation of a new, cross-departmental National Play Strategy for England with a 10 year vision, led by a Minister with
responsibility for Play. This should be backed by an annual budget of £125 million to the end of this parliament, part-funded by measures including the Soft Drinks Industry Levy and unspent funds currently held by councils and collected from developers to mitigate the impact of new developments.
There is also a call for developing child-friendly neighbourhoods as part of reviving a culture which embraces play and childhood independence. This, the report says, would also give parents the confidence to “allow their children to play again”.
The Raising the Nation Play Commission was launched in June 2024 and is chaired by entrepreneur and campaigner Paul Lindley OBE – founder of Ella’s Kitchen, the UK’s biggest baby food business. It has worked in partnership with former Children’s Commissioner Baroness Anne Longfield’s Centre for Young Lives think tank and has been advised by a panel of leading experts.
We asked industry leaders for their views on the report...
Tom Hayes
Member of Parliament for Bournemouth East
Whether I’m meeting parents, teachers, or young people in Bournemouth, the message is clear when I mention play: children need more time and space to do it. This report makes a compelling, evidence-based case for action, with the kind of solutions we can get behind at both national and local levels.
I’ve been working alongside experts like Play England to put play back on Parliament’s agenda. We’ve taken the issue to the Commons, to No. 10, and even turned the Palace of Westminster into the ‘House of Play’. We’ve secured assurances from ministers that they’ll work with me on embedding play in planning and national policy. Thanks to this report, our mandate to keep pushing has got even stronger.
Richard Shaw CEO
Sports and Play Construction Association
The Play Commission report not only lays out clearly why play is critical to the wellbeing of children, it also rightly highlights the worrying trend in playground closures and a lack of money for public play facilities. I say trend – the decline in the investment in play is nothing new. Play has been neglected by both successive governments and local authorities for nearly two decades.
It is also great to see the report underline the important relationship between play and community. Having spaces to play can help enable connections and enhance social cohesion. It can bring communities together and instigate community conversations. The erosion of play spaces, which has taken place over the past few decades, can be reversed. Children deserve safe, inclusive and engaging spaces in which they can play, learn and explore.
The report lays out a strong case why there must be sufficient time built into the curriculum to allow children the time to play and to socialise. Schools are at the centre of children’s lives and it is where great habits – such as physical activity and play – can be learnt. Play that’s embedded into teaching has been proven to stimulate brain capacity, improve social and emotional skills and boost concentration levels. However, there should be opportunities for children to play in a meaningful way wherever – and whenever – possible. Not just at school. Play is a crucial component of every child’s development. All children and young people should have access to free, high quality, local opportunities for play.
The report comes at an opportune time for the sector, as there is now real momentum behind pushing play up the political agenda. Play England recently published its new 10-year strategy and, in Tom Hayes MP, we have an engaged champion in Westminster. For play spaces to be safe, inclusive and attractive, they need to be designed, built and maintained to a high standard. This is where SAPCA and its members play a huge role, because only companies that have demonstrated a proven track record and trading history can become SAPCA members. By working with SAPCA member companies, those developing play spaces can be safe in the knowledge that they are trusting their projects to specialist contractors with the necessary expertise and experience to deliver to the highest industry standards.
Eugene Minogue
Executive Director
Play England
The report sets out a compelling and urgent case for placing play back at the heart of public policy – and childhood itself. This is not just another policy report – it is a call to arms, and a moment of reckoning for a country that has increasingly sidelined its children’s need to play.
The report doesn’t just diagnose the problem –it offers a practical, evidence-informed roadmap for systemic recovery. It proposes a new, crossdepartmental National Play Strategy, led by a Minister for Play and backed by a £125 million annual investment fund, sourced through mechanisms such as the sugar levy and unspent developer contributions. It puts forward bold measures to address the digital displacement of play – including banning smartphones in schools, raising the digital age of consent to 16, and regulating addictive app features targeted at children.
The report also calls for a national ban on ‘No Ball Games’ signs, the restoration of play within the school day, and planning reforms to make play an expected and essential feature of every neighbourhood. This is a joined-up framework to embed play as a public good – not a policy afterthought.
At Play England, we fully support the report and its recommendations, which echo the core proposals we set out in our 2024 manifesto – a new National Play Strategy for England, a statutory Play Sufficiency duty for local authorities and a £125 million annual investment in play.
These are not abstract demands. They are practical, evidence-based measures that would give every child the time, space, freedom, and opportunity to play – and help reverse rising childhood inactivity, poor mental health, school disengagement, and social isolation.
Together, the report and our own It All Starts with Play! strategy offer a clear and credible route map: from fragmented and underfunded provision to a coherent national system that protects, promotes, and plans for play — in law, in policy, and in everyday life. The report marks a historic opportunity. For the first time in over 17 years, there is broad, cross-sector consensus that play must be prioritised in national policy — not as a ‘nice to have’, but as a cornerstone of healthy childhoods, thriving communities, and a fairer society.
The message is clear: play is not a luxury. It is essential to learning, wellbeing, development and belonging — and must be treated as such in the decisions that shape children’s lives.
We urge the Government to act on the recommendations — and to do so without delay.
Dr. Amanda Gummer CEO FUNdamentally Children
The Raising the Nation Play Commission Report is a strategic win for play. It lays out a bold and evidence-based blueprint for embedding play at the heart of national policy.
Without space, time and freedom to play, children’s health is at risk
At FUNdamentally Children, we’ve always advocated for play as more than just fun – it’s foundational to children’s physical, emotional, social and cognitive development. The Commission’s findings strongly echo our core beliefs and validate the work we’ve been doing for years.
Among the headline findings were that outdoor play has halved in a generation, with fewer than 30% of children playing on their streets, while children aged 5–7 now get 45 minutes less breaktime per week than they did in 1995. These changes correlate with rising childhood obesity, anxiety and developmental challenges.
The report underscores that without space, time and freedom to play, children’s health and potential are at risk, and highlights the need for urgent cross-sector action.
Whether you’re a toy company, app developer, content creator or education supplier, the report opens important doors – and raises new expectations.
For example, developers of children’s apps and games should note that, while the report states that digital play is valid, there are concerns around screen time, addiction and displacing real-world play. This is why the report calls for regulation of digital design and clearer wellbeing standards. It also recommends that developers must prioritise child wellbeing and ethical design, such as restricting manipulative features and incentivise balanced use.
The report also highlights a need for more play-based learning, especially to meet the government’s 75% school readiness target by 2028. It’s clear that children still want realworld play, and parents want practical play ideas. That’s why the report calls for stories that model imaginative or social play are positively viewed.
For example, companies and organisations working in the field of educational products and services should look to provide products that blend learning with physical, emotional, and social development will be in demand. Schools and after-school providers will need training, tools and support to build confidence.
As national focus on play intensifies, businesses in the children’s sector have a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to respond. FUNdamentally Children is here to support them with insight-driven, evidence-based solutions.
Rob Speirs
MD
Sutcliffe Play
While shocking, the output of the report is not unexpected. Working in the industry as Sutcliffe Play does, we are all too aware that outdoor play is in steep decline, playtime in schools has shrunk, play infrastructure is deteriorating, children’s independence has plunged, and consequently, the health of our children is a cause for concern.
Yes, of course, Sutcliffe Play has an interest in the infrastructure for play generally but we all have or know children and we recognise the issues raised in this report and the impact it has on the children we know. What Sutcliffe Play does is only part of the solution, but we whole heartedly support all 10 of the report’s recommendations fundamentally making play a national priority in England bringing it in line with Scotland and Wales making play a statutory right for our children.
Michael Hoenigmann CEO Jupiter Play
In light of the findings of the report, at Jupiter Play we believe the play industry has a crucial role to play in transforming how children experience outdoor spaces. We urge the sector to raise the bar – to go beyond standard solutions and lead with creativity, sustainability, and inclusivity. This means embracing natural materials, prioritising landscape-led
design and delivering greater innovation that captures children’s imagination and keeps families engaged. Play spaces must make children of all ages and abilities feel welcomed, challenged and inspired – spaces that encourage longer dwell times and build community cohesion. By designing with intent and ambition, from a child’s perspective rather than an adults, the industry can help restore play to the heart of every childhood –and support healthier, happier futures for all.
Barry Leahey President Playdale
The Raising the Nation Play Commission report has come at a much-needed time, with plenty of opportunity to address many of the challenges our communities face. The changes in planning guidance, the long-term health
of our children, the burden on the NHS – for me, the report contains obvious answers to address the issues presented. We need a new National Play Strategy, supported by funding that will provide long-term, engaging and safe facilities that will more than pay for themselves several times over – complete with all the benefits a play area is proven to bring.
Rob Baker MD Proludic
At Proludic, we are all fully supportive of the report and the fantastic work being done by many individuals and organisations across the sector, in a bid to recognise the vital role that play can deliver on, for the developing child. With increasing pressures on children, screen distractions and growing concerns over the decline in the physical and mental wellbeing of the next generation, it is fantastic that this report is tackling the problem head on. As a nation, it would be fantastic
for everyone to get behind a campaign aimed to provide good quality and fun play opportunities for children, to not only enjoy but to learn and develop from, setting them up for the rest of their lives. We fully support the call for a National Play Strategy and it is fantastic that there is an aspiration across a plethora of organisations, calling for a significant political contribution, to provide high quality and inclusive play spaces as part of the solution to improving play opportunities.
All children have the right to play & to be outside, in safe, well-designed & inspiring environments.
A
new report on outdoor play, commissioned by API, shows that while schools are investing in play, the type of equipment and opportunities vary hugely from one playground to the other
Anew report from The Education Company, commissioned by the Association of Play Industries (API), reveals how outdoor play is currently prioritised in primary schools across England. The State of Outdoor Play in Primary Schools uncovers a sector where usage of outdoor play spaces is high, but investment in play provision is often inadequate, particularly beyond the Early Years.
“Outdoor play isn’t a luxury,” says Dr Amanda Gummer, Chair of the API. “It’s an essential component of child development. It supports physical health, mental wellbeing, learning outcomes and social connection. Schools are telling us they want to do more - they understand the clear benefits - but they need support, funding and guidance to make their outdoor ambitions a reality.”
The survey found a sharp drop-off in outdoor play quality and frequency as children move through primary school. While 78% of Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) settings use outdoor areas throughout the day, only 16% of Key Stage 2 (KS2) classes do the same. Similarly, play-based outdoor learning is nearly universal in EYFS (98%), but falls to just 10% in KS2.
“This decline isn’t because outdoor learning becomes less important as children get older,”
Dr Gummer explains. “It’s because we haven’t built it into the structure and expectations of older year groups. That needs to change.”
Only 8% of respondents in primary settings rated their outdoor play areas as “excellent”, compared to 33% of EYFS professionals. One in five schools rated their KS2 outdoor space as poor or very poor.
When it comes to equipment, safety concerns and affordability tend to guide choices. Playground markings and mud kitchens were the most common features in school play spaces. But higher-risk equipment, such as swings, was found in fewer than 1 in 10 schools.
“Children need challenge and variety to fully benefit from outdoor play,” Dr Gummer says. “Over-sanitising playgrounds in the name of safety actually increases risk by depriving children of essential learning.”
Most schools (65%) spent under £10,000 on outdoor play in the last three years, and nearly half say they are unlikely to invest more than £10,000 in the next two to three years. Tight budgets are a key barrier, as are space constraints, staffing levels and competing school priorities.
Perhaps most concerning is the persistent lack of inclusive provision. 70% of schools surveyed said they don’t have specialist equipment for children with disabilities or additional needs. Only 36% considered inclusivity when making purchasing decisions.
“We’re still seeing far too many children excluded from play because the space simply doesn’t meet their needs,” says Dr Gummer. The report also notes that schools in rural areas and those rated Outstanding were significantly more likely to have high-quality, inclusive outdoor spaces, pointing to a postcode lottery in play provision.
Despite the challenges, school leaders remain committed to outdoor play and learning. Many are making creative use of the space and equipment they have, and the top development priorities identified by schools are to maintain current equipment, invest in inclusive and multifunctional play resources, and weatherproof outdoor areas for year-round use.
in the name of safety actually increases risk
The API is urging schools to conduct annual reviews of their outdoor provision and integrate outdoor learning into the curriculum beyond EYFS. The association also recommends prioritising inclusive equipment in funding applications and PTA initiatives.
“Outdoor play should be protected and funded at every stage of a child’s school journey,” adds Dr Gummer. “If we’re serious about improving physical health, mental wellbeing and educational outcomes, we need to take play seriously.”
● For further information about the Association of Play Industries visit: https://www.api-play.org/
& builders of beautiful sports courts.
Some children are starting reception school “unable to climb a staircase”, while others use Americanisms in their speech because of too much screen time
For the past five years, childhood development charity, Kindred², has conducted an annual survey of thousands of teachers and parents to source evidence of the proportion of children that are considered ‘school ready’. The data is then compared to the perceptions of parents.
Kindred²’s latest annual school readiness report was conducted using focus groups and surveyed more than 1,000 teachers and 1,000 parents of Reception children across England and Wales in the September 2024 Reception cohort. The results highlight the scale of the school readiness challenge.
According to the report, teachers report that more than a third (36%) of children struggle to play with other children, while a similar proportion (34%) don’t know how to listen or respond to simple instruction and one in four (25%) are not toilet trained.
Worryingly, the report shows that children are becoming increasingly sedentary and lacking elementary physical skills. Among the comments from teachers included in the report is one from a deputy headteacher in the North
West of England: “We’ve had a lot of delayed walkers. Their movements are quite clumsy, dropping things, unable to climb a staircase.”
Another comment, from a reception teacher, reads: “I’ve got 2 children [in my class] who physically cannot sit on the carpet. They don’t have core strength. And when I went to visit one of the girls in July, she’d never been to a nursery, she’d been sat in a corner sofa on an iPad so she hasn’t developed her core strength and it’s really affecting her whole development.”
She’d never been to a nursery, she’d been sat in a corner sofa on an iPad so she hasn’t developed her core strength
There is a huge gap between parent and teacher perceptions of how ready children are for school. Nearly all (90%) parents believe their child is ready for school. However, teachers report that a third (33%) of children who started Reception in 2024 were not school ready. This is the same number who fail to achieve a Good Level of Development each year, indicating that the
Reception year is not closing the development gap.
This mirrors the report’s findings of almost half (49%) of teachers saying that the level of school readiness is worse than the previous year, while a further third (33%) say the situation is about the same. Only 18% think the school readiness is improving.
When asked for their views on why they think children aren’t ready, more than half (54%) said it is because parents are spending more time on electronic devices than with children – in other words, they are not playing with their own children.
One of the Reception teachers surveyed for the report said: “When it’s home time, you just see parents on their phone. They are just not interested. The amount of times I’ve seen children so happy and excited wanting to tell their mum and dad, ‘Look what I’ve made!’ They’re just not interested and it just makes you feel so sad for the child.”
The fact that more than a third of children struggle to play with other children is directly related to the way opportunities for play – both at school and away from school – have been reduced in the UK over the past three decades. Data from another report – by the Raising the Nation Play Commission – shows that time spent playing outdoors has declined by 50% in a generation and fewer than three in ten children say that they play out on the street.
As the annual park budgets for England fell by more than £350 million between 2011-23, a lack of investment has also lead to the loss of hundred – possibly thousands – of playgrounds. At least 400 playgrounds closed across England alone between 2012-22, leading led to a situation where more than two million children in England up to age 9 no longer live within a 10-minute walk of a playground.
The School Readiness Report was compiled by Savanta on behalf of Kindred². To download the full report, visit: www.kindredsquared.org.uk
PlayNation looks at products and solutions designed for older children and teenagers
Kore, developed by SAPCA member, Jupiter Play & Leisure, has been created to transform teenage play provision and multi-use games areas (MUGAs) through adaptable, user-centred design. As a modular system, Kore grants the ability to reimagine a space over time and easily integrates into existing environments.
At its heart is the Kore Konnex consultation process –putting the power of design in the hands of the end users. Engaging with the community, residents are given a blank grid and a series of tiles that represent different play kits or features. From chillout zones and parkour units to the interactive Fono DJ booth, participants select and arrange their ideal combination of kits to design their dream play space.
The hands-on approach has been designed to empower individuals to express their preferences and to facilitate an inclusive dialogue about the needs and desires of the broader community. Every choice made by participants is recorded and quantified, offering valuable insights into the interests of the end users to shape the design. The result is a play space for the community, designed by the community.
Sutcliffe Play has installed its first new Pentagon multiplay range in Upton Play Area in West Yorkshire. Radius – one of four units in the range – has already proven a big hit with young visitors and given a boost to the playground. Intended for children aged six to 14, Pentagon’s five-sided towers come in many configurations, with each delivering play opportunities at ground level, 1.6m, and 2.4m high.
Standard features across all four towers include a crevasse ladder, a circuit climber, a scramble rope climber and more, while a number of individual features make each one unique. All units in the range feature a compact design which minimises their overall footprint, and reduces the amount of safety surfacing required. Each is also constructed from curved powder coated posts, galvanised steel support frames and HDPE panels, making them durable in nature and sustainable in origin. Each Pentagon unit is available in lime and forest green and grey and enhanced with vivid orange accent detailing.
Kompan’s Galaxy lets tweens and teens have fun too!
The impressive Galaxy range from Kompan fills the gap for older children to hang, climb and have fun with friends safely.
Not that long ago, tweens, let alone teenagers, viewed a playground as a place for their younger siblings rather than for their own enjoyment – and perhaps with good reason. It wasn’t that there was just a
gap in the market, there was a crying cultural need. No one really offered fun and exciting playgrounds for teens and tweens, they were, too often, left to their own devices.
To satisfy the need required a rethink, not a remodeling of well-trodden play techniques. The Galaxy looks like nothing that preceded it. It was a game changer, a free play structure offering built-in activities that are responsive and dynamic, and the first to give play access to everyone regardless of ability.
In spring 2025, eibe Play completed the installation of the Rockmaster Tough Trail unit at KC Active, a sports and recreation facility in Kings Cliffe, Peterborough. The dynamic new addition forms part of KC Active’s ongoing mission to improve play access for local children.
Designed with challenge, adventure and inclusivity in mind, the Tough Trail has become popular for visitors of all ages. The Tough Trail range comprises a collection of engaging play units, targeting the teenage age group.
Inspired by the thrill of ninja warrior, parkour, free running and obstacle trails, they bring together climbing, balancing, crawling and coordination challenges in one continuous circuit. The layouts are modular, combining ropes, overhead ladders, angled climbing walls, monkey bars, traverse nets and jumping elements. Targeted at children aged 10+, Tough Trail supports both independent and social play. The courses are deliberately non-linear and unprescribed, meaning children can set their own pace and pathways.
The newly revitalised Water Adventure Play Park in Weston-Super-Mare has been transformed into a vibrant, seaside-themed destination that celebrates the town’s coastal charm. Located just off the promenade, the site faced environmental and logistical challenges, including deteriorating timber equipment, poor drainage and the need to work around underground flood defences.
Proludic was selected for its expertise in coastal environments and durable, innovative play solutions. Using robust materials like high-pressure laminate and structural steel - supported by lifetime guarantees - the new park was designed to endure salty air and high footfall while offering an exciting, inclusive play experience for children of all ages.
The centrepiece is the impressive 10.42 metrelong J2696 Whale from Proludic’s Aquatica range. This large-scale play structure accommodates up to 70 users and includes 59 play functions such as net climbs, slides, hammocks, and swings. Nearby stands
the 6.9-metre-high J47251 Lighthouse, featuring a spiral staircase, fire pole, and panoramic views.
A dedicated toddler zone features sensoryrich, developmentally supportive play with the J2646-M Odyssey, J2615 Little Boat, and inclusive J2406 WOK Spinner. A sensory pathway with seven tactile surfaces connects themed zones, while “play on the way” elements like sound panels and balance boards engage older children.
Accessibility is central to the design. The park features wide paths, inclusive swing seats, accessible surfacing, and communication panels for non-verbal users. Strategically placed seating and shade structures allow families to relax while supervising their children.
Despite the complexity of the site, careful planning ensured a layout that is safe, inclusive, and fun. The result is a dynamic coastal play destination where families of all ages and abilities can explore, play, and truly have a whale of a time - now and for years to come.
As children grow, so does their appetite for adventure and challenge. To cater for that, Wicksteed has launched the Adrenaline and Vertex ranges, specifically designed to captivate older children and teens through active, engaging, and inclusive play.
The Adrenaline Range features 12 dynamic steel and rope multiplay units ranging from 2 to 4 metres high – ideal for thrill-seeking children aged six and up. Packed with exciting features like climbing walls, twisted nets, 3D nets, spinners, and curved bannister slides, these units push
Russell Play has launched the new Twist 0.2 – a contemporary and playful piece of equipment where form meets function in a striking 7.2m-long spiral climbing frame. Designed to captivate both visually and physically, the sculptural structure encourages children and young people to move, balance, climb and connect in creative ways.
physical boundaries while fostering confidence, coordination, and healthy competition.
Complementing this is our Vertex Range – a collection of 17 bold and diverse boulders that blend physical activity with mental agility. With varying shapes, heights, and colour-coded climbing routes, Vertex is a natural draw for teens who crave real climbing challenges. From easier routes with close grips to advanced surfaces that demand strength and strategy, every boulder encourages progress and perseverance.
Designed for parks, playgrounds, or open spaces, both ranges deliver high-impact fun that keeps older children engaged and active.
Crafted with a durable combination of stainless steel, powder-coated aluminium, and steel core rope, the Twist 0.2 is built to withstand years of active play in even the busiest parks and public spaces. Nets are suspended seamlessly between each curve, creating flowing routes that invite imaginative movement and physical challenge.
As part of Russell Play’s landscape-led design philosophy, the Twist 0.2 doesn’t just offer a playground feature – it becomes part of the environment. Whether installed in a natural parkland or a modern urban setting, its sculptural design brings a sense of place, purpose, and play. Suitable for a range of ages and abilities, this is a piece that adapts to the way children play – not the other way around.
Retail-ready grip socks Drive secondary spend
