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February 2017 Putting the spotlight on the vibrant play industry
Tackling the continuing problem of #nowheretoplay As an increasing number of children in the UK continue to have nowhere safe to play, the Association of Play Industries (API) is stepping up its campaign to encourage central and local government to play a more proactive role in reversing the trend. The Government has made housebuilding and the creation of new communities an on-going priority and is encouraging growth in the industry through a raft of incentives and new initiatives. The API, along with a number of other national bodies, is campaigning to ensure the provision of play areas and green spaces is high up the list of considerations when planning these new communities. It is also continuing to gauge public opinion on the provision of play facilities for children and plans to use the findings of this research to call for more and better facilities. Mark Hardy, Chair of the API, said: “We are at a tipping point
Major new funding to keep nation active Sport England is to invest nearly £88 million of National Lottery and Government funding in 26 national governing bodies of sport (NGB) in addition to opening two separate open funding programmes.
The investments and work will come into force in April 2017 and follows detailed discussions with each governing body about what contribution they can make to our new strategy.
Every investment made follows a new customer-led approach, where the needs and wants of the player, athlete or participant come first.Around one third of people (14.9 million) are currently in sport’s ‘core market’ – the people
who have a strong affinity with sport, including talented athletes trying to reach the top. Sport England wants to continue to support them and help grow the market by reducing drop out. Key investments include: gymnastics (£8,333,000); hockey (£9,030,000); cycling (£17,310,000); badminton (£7,250,000); cricket (£7,600,000); para-swimming (£850,000) Sport England will also invest heavily into governing bodoes and Phil Smith, director of sport, says: “These investments allow governing bodies to reach the customers they know best, and provide them with their regular sport in the way they want it. “These are investments in clubs, in coaches, in matches and in competitions – the ‘core market’ of sport.” Sport England
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as far as physical inactivity goes. “Children are naturally hardwired to play and be physically active, yet inactivity as a root cause of obesity is now an entrenched health crisis. “Without tackling this significant issue from the ground up, we risk overburdening the NHS as it struggles to cope with the effects. Play has a vital contribution to make in getting children moving more. “There has never been greater need for the ‘bold, brave measures’ promised - but sadly missing from - the government’s obesity strategy.” According to the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP), obesity prevalence in the school year 2015/16 was more than twice as high in year 6 (19.8%) as in reception (9.3%). Obesity has increased since 2014/15 in both reception (9.1% in 14/15) and year 6 (19.1% in 2014/15), with over a fifth of children (22.1%) in reception
and a third (34.2%) in year 6 now overweight or obese. Children living in the most deprived areas were twice as likely to be obese than those living in the least deprived areas, and boys were more likely to be obese than girls. “The Prime Minister said she would review the national obesity strategy if its measures weren’t effective,” added Mark Hardy. “There isn’t a minute to lose. Local authority budgets are under pressure – parks are being sold off and playgrounds closed. Many children simply have nowhere to play. This is a national disgrace and contravenes their fundamental human rights. The API’s mission is two-fold: to convince policy makers of the benefits of play to children’s development, physical and mental health and well-being; and to provide high-quality facilities for play and physical activity that benefit local communities. API
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Proludic has unveiled new concepts for 2017 Manufacturer Proludic has unveiled its new 2017 brochure, which includes the launch of two new multi play ranges - one is a rework of an old favourite and the other is a completely new concept, Kidzy. The popular Kanopé multi play range adventure has been developed with new elements, combining a modern aspect with natural inspirations. It builds on the existing Kanopé image, but with increased modularity and enhanced play features Kanopé also widens the user age range. The combinations offered are composed of 1,17m high platforms (allowing children from two years old easy access), up to 1,77m high (for dynamic and physical activities using
climbing and sliding play features aimed at older children). The elements connecting the platforms also provide more modularity for numerous combinations of various play features, dimensions and aesthetic effects. Proludic
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