Play England an organization that advocates for children by Mike Prochaska

Adventure playgrounds in the UK have different opening times depending on how well they are funded and the needs of the local community. Most aim to open 5 days per week, usually a combination of after school, weekends and school holidays. But many have had to reduce opening hours due to cuts and austerity.

Most adventure playgrounds in the UK were started in the 1970s. The original aims were to support poorer children in disadvantaged areas and they were often run by teachers during school holidays. The original aims of supporting disadvantaged children have remained and most adventure playgrounds now aim to support children's freely chosen play.

What is child directed play?

Child directed play is when children have freedom and control in their play and are free to play as they choose. It's important because it helps children to explore the world around them for themselves at their own pace and in their own way.

In the UK adventure playgrounds are playgrounds where children are free to come and play unaccompanied by parents. They are staffed by professional playworkers, whose role is to support play.

Adventure playgrounds are particularly strong at attracting the most disadvantaged children - children who are growing up in poverty or experiencing difficulties at home or at school. Adventure playgrounds provide added support for these children, for example somewhere safe to go with friends outside of school, where there is food to eat and a trusted adult to listen and support.

Do children get to use real tools At All playgrounds?

Yes, children use real tools at adventure playgrounds to build their own creations - hammers, nails, saws, drills, etc. Children are also able to play with sand, earth, water, and cook on a fire. Most adventure playgrounds also have play structures that have been designed and built by children and staff.

What would you tell the critics who are afraid kids will get hurt?


The most common accidents at adventure playgrounds happen when children are playing football or are minor trips and slips that occur when people are not paying attention.

Risks can be managed effectively by carrying out a Risk Benefit Assessment (as described in the Play England publication, Managing Risk in Play Provision). The Playworkers at adventure playgrounds are trained to supervise higher risk activities, eg like cooking on a fire and also to check and maintain the play structures.

Why is play important for children?

Vital for children's health, wellbeing, learning, development, creative and emotional health.

What are the advantages of allowing children to do risky things?
People get a sense of exhilaration and accomplishment when they achieve something that they never thought they would be able to do. Children learn to manage risk for themselves.


The adventure playgrounds that we're referring to are not pop up - most have been around since the 1970s. There are also some great pop up play ideas like play streets and play ranger services in parks and public spaces many of which are based on trying to take the adventure playground experience out to a wider audience.

Who started the organization play England ?

Play England was originally called the National Council for Voluntary Play Organisations. It aimed to support the small charities that ran adventure playgrounds in England. In 2011 Play England became an independent charity in its own right and was set up by its first board of trustees who were the founding members of the new charity. The trustees were drawn from local play organisations across England.

What is play England and its mission?

Play England is a charity that aims to promote better play opportunities for children. We provide advice, guidance and support on a wide range of issues relating to play including Designing for Play, Managing Risk in Play and Quality in Play.

How do you support play for all children?

Our main way of supporting play for all children is through advocacy - via media, social media and to politicians.

Why is play important for children.?

Play is vital for children's health, wellbeing, learning, creativity and development. It's also important for fun and enjoyment.

Why is outdoor play important for children?

Play England would see all forms of play as being important - both indoor and outdoor. There are particular health benefits associated with outdoor play, for example, children getting enough vitamin D. Currently in England many children are spending so much time indoors that vitamin D deficiency and rickets is a growing concern.

What would you tell parents who are afraid to let their kids get dirty ?

Getting dirty is an important childhood experience. Children learn through play when they are allowed to play with sand, earth, mud, paints, etc.

Is it really ok for children to play In puddles?

Yes. The risks are extremely low and children enjoying stamping in puddles.

What else would you like to share about your organization ?

Play England is run by a small group of volunteer trustees, who donate their time and expertise to support better play opportunities for children in this country.

Do you have a Facebook and twitter?

Yes, @playengland, www.facebook.com/playengland