WIREDGOV

Recently regulations and statutory guidance for play “sufficiency assessments” have come into effect, setting out criteria for assessing play opportunities in each local authority area: audits of open spaces, play and recreation provision and other considerations including traffic, transport and community initiatives.

The assessments will be used to develop local authority action plans to improve play opportunities for all children across Wales. The deadline for the completion of assessments is 1 March 2013.

Deputy Minister for Children and Social Services, Gwenda Thomas said:

"Wales is already leading the way on promoting children’s rights and the articles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.  There is no more important right, than the right for children to enjoy the freedom and enjoyment of play. It is essential we guarantee the availability of places that are safe and freely available, for children to play, now and in years to come.

"Play is vital for children’s development. Research tells us that play benefits children’s health, their ability to make friends and understand themselves and others. Play can contribute significantly to their emotional, physical and cognitive development. It also has a role in tackling poverty, offering life experience and helping children to learn resilience during difficult times.

"It’s good for children but also benefits their families and the whole community. These regulations show that Wales values its children and takes their rights seriously."

Mike Greenaway, Director of Play Wales says:

“Play Wales welcomes the commencement of the duty that requires all Local Authorities to assess the sufficiency of play opportunities in their area. It is genuinely ground breaking. Wales has had a national Play Policy since 2002, and this development demonstrates a commitment by Welsh Government to ensure that government policy is translated into actions that make real differences for children in their own streets and communities.

"Playing contributes to the wellbeing and resilience of children. Having welcoming places, enough time and friends to play with every day, is of great importance to all children. When asked what is important to them, children consistently say playing with their friends – outdoors; this duty will help them.

"As adults we should all welcome this new duty. It is a large piece of the jigsaw of changes we need to make that will enable Wales to become a nation where we recognise and provide for every child’s play needs."

Keith Towler, Children’s Commissioner for Wales, said:

"This is yet another world first for Wales. For such an ambitious vision to become reality, we need to ensure local elected members have adequate resources to fully understand and implement this new duty. During a period of financial constraint, play must not be seen as an added extra but rather as the right of every child. The eyes of the world’s play community are upon us so we must make sure this vision becomes a reality."

A spokesman for WLGA said:

"The WLGA welcomes the commencement of the new duty, which will build on the proud track record that local authorities in Wales already have in providing play facilities and opportunities.  We recognise the importance of children being able to access a wide range of safe, stimulating and challenging environments within their local communities.  Such facilities contribute to the health and wellbeing of children and the introduction of the new duty will assist local authorities to further improve play opportunities, by helping to identifying any gaps in local provision."

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