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Will austerity measures threaten kids' play facilities?

Date: 29/03/2011 / Category: Indoor play for disability schools and groups

The playground is important for encouraging exercise for kids - but there is growing concern that government austerity measures could lead to worsening facilities for children.

While indoor soft play centres rarely rely on government support for their upkeep and maintenance, the quality of school play facilities is very much determined in this way.

Two-thirds of families rely heavily on school playgrounds for essential outdoor exercise, according to new research published by leading woodcare manufacturer Ronseal.

Many children go to school early or stay late to take advantage of this important family entertainment resource, which provides a safe and social environment in which to exercise.

The majority of parents surveyed said that they feared facilities would get worse with government cutbacks, while almost half indicated that they have no access to other safe community facilities, such as parks or youth centres.

Responding to these concerns, Ronseal has launched a Playground Project campaign in collaboration with playground equipment manufacturer, Timberline.

Teachers, pupils, families and school teachers are being encouraged to nominate their local school, with one lucky winner set to receive a £30,000 playground makeover. Five runners up will also receive a story-tellers chair and Woodland Trust tree packs.

Dr Michaela Gummerum, of the University of Plymouth School of Psychology, said: "School playgrounds are vital, not only for promoting feelings of wellbeing, but also for helping children engage in creative play, which is central to their development.

"Children need safe, natural spaces to interact with friends, learn and explore."

The research also revealed the extent to which facilities would be missed by children.

More than a third of children spend between 1.5 and two hours a day with their friends in the school playground, compared to just half an hour every day playing in the garden at home.

Posted by Sarah Thomas ADNFCR-2594-ID-800479685-ADNFCR