That this House believes that the quality of school grounds is an important factor in children's development; notes that 66 per cent. of junior school children who participated in a recent survey, commissioned by the educational charity, Learning through Landscapes, claimed that playing in their school grounds actually reduces stress and anxiety, that two-thirds of children said that the playground was the best place to make friends, and that 36 per cent. said playing in their school grounds makes them feel happiest at school; believes that National School Grounds Week 2000, organised by Learning through Landscapes and drawing attention to the schools which develop and manage their school grounds in various innovative ways, has made a real difference to the educational and social development value of school grounds in all parts of the country; believes further that improving school grounds has a positive impact on the lives of thousands of children and their families and contributes to raising standards in schools; and calls on honourable Members to provide support for participating schools in their constituencies by visiting the school to see for themselves how improvements in design and management of their grounds benefit children and local communities.

That this House believes that the quality of school grounds is an important factor in children's development; notes that 66 per cent. of junior school children who participated in a recent survey, commissioned by the educational charity, Learning through Landscapes, claimed that playing in their school grounds actually reduces stress...

That this House considers that play is an integral part of a child's education; recognises that, at a time when there are ever increasing dangers facing children, the provision of safe play areas is more important than ever; is appalled to learn that the Liberal-Tory coalition on Rochdale Council are about to dismantle those safe play areas remaining in Littleborough and Wardle; notes the concerns of parents and children which will be expressed at the full meeting of Rochdale Council on Wednesday 19th July; and joins with them in calling for the Council to reverse this deplorable and misguided policy.

That this House considers that play is an integral part of a child's education; recognises that, at a time when there are ever increasing dangers facing children, the provision of safe play areas is more important than ever; is appalled to learn that the Liberal-Tory coalition on Rochdale Council are...

That this House condemns the appalling state of many of Leicestershire's playgrounds; notes that some 800 children in Leicestershire need hospital treatment every year following playground accidents; further notes that most of these accidents are caused by crumbling, hazardous and totally inadequate equipment; and calls on the Government to provide funds immediately to replace defective equipment so that children in Leicestershire are not longer at risk.

That this House condemns the appalling state of many of Leicestershire's playgrounds; notes that some 800 children in Leicestershire need hospital treatment every year following playground accidents; further notes that most of these accidents are caused by crumbling, hazardous and totally inadequate equipment; and calls on the Government to provide...