Written question asked by Alex Salmond (Scottish National Party) on Monday, 24 July 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 October 2006. It was answered by Phil Woolas (Labour) on Monday, 9 October 2006 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Additional Learning Needs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what her policy is on the provision of adventure playgrounds or play facilities designed for pupils with additional learning needs.

Answer: Planning Policy Guidance note 17: Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation provides the framework within which local authorities meet the differing and distinctive needs of local communities for recreational facilities and open spaces. This includes the provision of play areas for all children.The cross-Government Cleaner, Safer, Greener Communities programme supports the provision of quality public spaces that can be used by all members of the community. In 2003 the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (now Department for Communities and Local Government) published Developing Accessible Play Space: a good practice guidance.Within schools the provision of specialised play equipment for pupils with additional learning needs is a matter for the Department for Education and Skills. Kidsactive receive grant funding from DfES to deliver their Playwork Inclusion Project (PIP) to increase the numbers of disabled children being included in play out of school settings.These policies apply to England only.

Secondary information