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Playgrounds: Standards

Answer

The Government have not issued guidance to local authorities on the area to be provided per child for outdoor play. The Government's planning policy on open space, which includes the provision of land for outdoor play, is contained in Planning Policy Guidance Note 17, 'Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation'. This states that local planning authorities should set their own local standards for the provision of different types of open space, taking account of factors such as the demographic profile and extent of existing buildings, residential and commercial development in their area.The Government published 'Aiming High for Young People: Ten Year Strategy for Positive Activities', in 2007. Backed by over £900 million of investment, it sets out plans to help all young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to take part in enjoyable and purposeful activities in their free time. As part of the strategy, myplace is delivering £270 million of Government capital investment in world class youth facilities as part of a 10-year commitment to deliver new and improved youth facilities in every constituency by 2018. Aiming high supports local authorities in their duty to secure access to positive activities for all young people.An extensive consultation, 'Fair Play', was undertaken by the DCSF in April 2008 with children, young people and parents on play facilities. The national Play Strategy, launched in December 2008, set out the Government's commitment to invest £235 million to deliver 3,500 new or refurbished outdoor play areas, plus 30 staffed adventure playgrounds, by 2011. This funding is allocated to every top tier local authority in England and intended to support play for all ages, but with a particular focus on eight to 13s. All local authorities are required to develop a strong understanding of local levels of need for outdoor play facilities as part of their decision-making on how this capital investment will be spent, and are supported in this process by the Government's national delivery partner, Play England. The views of local children, families and residents are a vital part of these considerations.Non statutory guidance; 'Embedding the Play Strategy', will be issued to local authorities in February 2010 to help children's trusts and local strategic partnerships plan their local play offers and improvement programmes. This guidance recommends ways for local partners to determine how much and what kind of outdoor play provision they might need.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

504 c312-3W; 309478

Session

2009-10

Subjects

Playgrounds Standards

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk