All children need and have a right to play. Play is vital for children’s health, well-being and happiness – particularly for children facing barriers like discrimination and exclusion.

This statement aims to support those involved in play spaces, playgrounds and adventure playgrounds in the UK in making these facilities more accessible and inclusive. It is written for local authorities, voluntary organisations, housing associations and schools, amongst other play providers – including private providers (e.g. pubs, holiday parks, camp sites, service stations, theme parks, zoos).

The statement is produced by the Children’s Play Policy Forum (CPPF) and the UK Play Safety Forum (PSF), two UK national bodies committed to enhancing quality play opportunities for all children. Both advocate for all children to experience a range of play opportunities, with their work underpinned by children’s right to participate in decisions that impact on their lives and on their right to play.

These rights are protected under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the United Nations Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) as well as a broad range of national legislation across the UK.