Play England has hosted free webinars which explore the best ways to ensure playgrounds stay open through the coming months

“Play England have been aware throughout the pandemic that children have been massively impacted by the restrictions resulting from Covid-19.  Our aim is to support government, local authorities and play providers to ensure that access to play opportunities remain a priority for us all,” said Anita Grant, chief executive of Play England.

“Through play children explore their world, develop essential skills and build resilience. Play England’s webinars are being planned because it is vital that the whole community work together to mitigate the effects of recent events on children and young people and that decision-makers and managers get up-to-date information and practical ideas about how to keep playgrounds open.”

Speaking at a webinar last month, chair of the Association of Play Industries, Mark Hardy,said it was hard to overstate the vital role that playgrounds play in children’s physical and mental health. 

“Playgrounds are the number one place that children play outdoors and without them children will experience the hardships of lockdowns much more acutely. One in eight UK households have no outside space and without public playgrounds these children would effectively be under house arrest.”