A history of play provision in the UK
Raymond Wills entered play work as a Community Service Volunteer in the early 1960s. Throughout his time in play work, he was an active member of numerous play bodies, Play Councils, regional play associations and national...Read more
A happier childhood: Ahmedabad initiative is reuniting kids with playgrounds
Gadgets and indoor play have resulted in the child of today missing out on the joys of nature and outdoor life experienced by previous generations, says Indian educationalist and aProCh founder Kiran Bir Sethi. aProCh (a...Read more
Do ‘screaming children’ in playgrounds ruin neighbourhood parks?
It’s a fine winter morning and you’ve just made a cup of tea. You’re warming your hands around the mug and gazing at the trees behind your house that sway as birds hop along the...Read more
South Delhi rolling out sensory parks for children
Children in southern Delhi are to benefit from a new initiative that will see local parks revamped to create new and challenging ‘sensory spaces’. The first such facility should be up and running by the end...Read more
Delivering a ‘play plan’ for Dublin’s children
Dublin’s all-inclusive policy to put young people at the heart of the decision-making process has enabled the city to truly address the ‘play’ issue for its youngsters. It’s a dynamic approach that child professionals at...Read more
Building free and accessible playgrounds in Brazil
By donating free and accessible playgrounds, the Brazil-based ALPAPATO Project is creating valuable opportunities for children – both with and without disabilities – to connect through play. Julia Zvobgo, Community Manager of Child in the...Read more
Famed Mexico City fountain gets play makeover
The transformation of a historic Mexico City fountain into a children’s playground has shown what can be done with underused urban spaces. The makeover – albeit a temporary one – was the winning entry in the...Read more
CiTC conference preview: ‘Let’s end zero-risk play’
When it comes to planning new city infrastructures, children’s needs are still being ignored. Worse still, they are being pampered with ‘risk-averse’ thinking. But acclaimed child play expert Tim Gill’s belief that things are changing...Read more
New child-sized city opens in Johannesburg
Johannesburg will soon be the latest global metropolis to have a KidZania ‘replica city’, using play to show children all about careers. Youngsters visiting these enormous indoor playgrounds – there are 24 worldwide – experience what...Read more
Changing perceptions, transforming play
The neighbourhood playground is an environment where families create community. But for decades, an entire group was missing from these vital hubs: caregivers and children with disabilities, who make up 19% of the US population. Two...Read more
Imagine and explore through ‘playful’ learning
A ‘playful’ approach to learning can hugely benefit children, but the system must give teachers the freedom to create the right environment. Making the case is Nicola Whitton, Professor of Education at Manchester Metropolitan University,...Read more
A guide to encourage outdoor play during school hours
The International School Grounds Alliance and Green Schoolyards America recently published a new, expanded version of their Activity Guides set. This free online resource is designed to engage children aged 3-18 in using their school...Read more
Outdoor play for Dutch children declines
‘Dull play areas’ are the reason why two-thirds of Dutch children never play outside or only once a week, according to research. This alarming trend equates to a 10 per cent rise in the last...Read more
New book will “stimulate new research into children’s play”
Critics have given a positive verdict on Policy Press’s new publication, ‘Practice-based research in children’s play’. Published last month, it utilises new methodologies in researching children’s play. The book is edited by Doctors Wendy Russell and...Read more