Play
The link between play and wellbeing Playgrounds are included in the government’s Healthy Pupil Capital Fund, which goes towards building projects that could help tackle obesity and inactivity in children and young people The government’s Healthy Pupil Capital Fund includes money for playgrounds, as it is recognised that active play can help tackle obesity and inactivity in children and young people. This is welcome news, given the amount of public parks closing down or at risk of closing down. The Association of Play Industries (API) conducted research recently that showed that between 2014 and 2016, 214 playgrounds had been closed, with a further 234 planned closures between 2016 and 2019. Local authorities cited lack of budget to maintain, repair or replace equipment as reasons for the closures. This worrying picture is backed up by Fields in Trust research which showed that 16 per cent say that their local park or green space has been under threat of being lost or built on.
Play and wellbeing The Mental Health Foundation states that Mental health problems affect about one “being in good physical health, eating a in 10 children and young people, according balanced diet and getting regular exercise, to the Mental Health Foundation. and having time and freedom to play indoors The link between play and wellbeing is and outdoors” can help keep children well documented thanks to numerous and young people mentally well. studies into how play is crucial Many children do not have for children’s emotional, gardens so a trip to their local As social, cognitive and playground represents one the num physical development. of their few opportunities One study from the to enjoy outdoor play. of com ber American Medical Indeed, research from play spa munity ces dec Association said: the Association for lines, playgro “Children will be Public Service Excellence unds in schools smarter, better able to (APSE), showed that are bec get along with others, 95 per cent of parks increasi oming healthier and happier professionals are n when they have regular concerned that a lack of importa gly nt opportunities for free and investment in parks will have unstructured play outdoors.” health and social impacts. E Volume 23.8 | EDUCATION BUSINESS MAGAZINE
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