Press Release

Play England welcomes growing consensus on action for play

4 February 2008

Play England welcomes the Conservative party’s childhood review, launched 4 February 2008, which looks at how changing circumstances in the outside world have driven children indoors.

Adrian Voce, Director of Play England, said: ‘The Conservative’s proposals are a welcome addition to the ongoing political debate about children’s play and their access to public space. It is good news for children and families that play is now at the top of the agenda for child policy. This review signals a growing political consensus on the need for serious action across a range of policy areas that impact on children and space.

‘What is required now is a commitment locally to embed the current and promised spending programmes into long-term action to both renew public play provision and remove the barriers that children face to playing outside in their neighbourhoods and communities.

‘A culture change is needed if we are to really create a child-friendly public realm: poor planning and bad traffic management; parent’s fears for their children’s safety; children’s fears of bullying and anti-social behaviour; inter-generational mistrust and negative attitudes to young people. These are complex and interrelated factors that need a broad and strategic response’.

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