Government Invests in Children’s Play Areas to Promote Play
The Chancellor has confirmed a commitment of £18 million in the Budget to revitalise around two hundred children’s play areas across England. While these locations have already been selected following extensive assessment, the announcement marks a significant moment for the wider sector. After years of underfunding and declining local spaces, this investment signals a renewed Government recognition of the essential role that play holds in children’s development, wellbeing and social connection.
A Clear Signal: Play Is a National Priority Again
For decades, educators, health professionals and play advocates have highlighted that play is not an optional extra, it is a core part of a healthy and thriving childhood. It supports behaviour, emotional regulation, physical activity, creativity, social skills and inclusive learning.
The need for higher-quality play is also evident in the data.
Research shows that 60% of primary teachers use lesson time to resolve playground behaviour issues, highlighting the impact that poor-quality or overstimulating environments can have on learning time and emotional regulation.
Physical activity levels are another concern. According to national data, only 47% of children achieve the recommended 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity each day, despite UK Chief Medical Officers advising that daily movement is essential for cognitive development, mood and long-term health.
Children in disadvantaged communities are often most affected. Research shows they typically have less access to safe, high-quality play spaces — limiting physical activity, creativity, confidence and social development.
The Government’s renewed investment reflects a growing policy shift: play is being recognised not as a recreational luxury, but as a vital contributor to children’s lifelong development.
Sector Advocacy: Bringing Play to the Forefront
Much of this progress has been driven by organisations such as Play England, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Play, and national bodies campaigning for improved childhood environments. Their work has ensured that the benefits of play — particularly unstructured, active play — have been represented in Government decision-making and wider policy discussions.
This funding follows years of evidence-based advocacy highlighting:
- The behavioural benefits of regular play
- The importance of play for social and emotional development
- The need for accessible and inclusive environments
- The growing concerns about reduced physical activity levels
- The rising number of children with SEND who need tailored play spaces
Experts note that children who are less active in Years 3–6 are more likely to develop negative attitudes toward physical activity later on, reinforcing the need for high-quality environments from an early age.
While the £18m fund will directly transform a select number of playgrounds, its broader value lies in signalling that these concerns are finally being addressed at a national level.
A Welcome Step Toward Long-Term Investment
Sector organisations widely acknowledge this investment as a positive first step — but also one part of a much bigger picture. Hundreds of playgrounds across England remain outdated, unsafe or inaccessible. Councils continue to face financial pressures that make routine maintenance difficult, and schools often lack the budgets required for major redevelopment.
This is why many advocates continue to call for a national play strategy: a long-term commitment that ensures every child, regardless of their postcode, race, ability or socioeconomic background, can access safe, imaginative and enriching play opportunities.
The current investment may be the beginning of a new policy direction — one that places play where it should be: at the heart of children’s development.
Supporting Inclusive, Accessible and Meaningful Play
Although the specific funded sites have already been identified, the announcement brings fresh momentum for the wider sector. It highlights the growing importance of designing play environments that meet the needs of every child, including those with SEND, sensory sensitivities, mobility challenges or social communication differences.
This renewed focus encourages deeper conversations around:
- Sensory-rich spaces
- Predictable and calm zones
- Opportunities for movement and regulation
- Accessible surfacing and pathways
Equipment that supports cooperation, communication and imaginative play
With so many children now engaging with screens more than face-to-face play, experts also warn that many young people are not developing the basic social skills that traditional playtime teaches. This makes inclusive and varied outdoor play provision even more essential.
By elevating inclusion and accessibility in national dialogue, the Government is reinforcing that every child deserves a play environment where they can thrive.
What This Means for Schools, Nurseries and Local Authorities
Even though this particular funding is not open for new applications, the announcement remains relevant for all providers involved in children’s play.
It demonstrates that:
- National policy is moving toward greater support for play
- Investment in outdoor spaces is once again being prioritised
- Play is increasingly recognised as central to wellbeing, behaviour and learning
- Inclusive design is becoming an expectation, not an afterthought
Schools, nurseries and councils can use this national shift to strengthen their own cases for local funding, PTA support, multi-academy trust investment or council-led improvement projects.
This policy momentum provides a valuable foundation for reimagining spaces that allow every child to explore, socialise and develop with confidence.
Now is the perfect opportunity for schools to support this increased investment and focus on play by ensuring that the facilities in your grounds can also provide great opportunities for children in your local area.
If you’d like to explore how your school or nursery can create inspiring, inclusive play spaces that align with this national focus on play, speak to our play experts today to design a space every child will love.
Phoenix Play’s Ongoing Commitment
At Phoenix Play, we welcome this renewed spotlight on outdoor play. For years, our team has championed the belief that high-quality, inclusive environments are essential for children’s growth — physically, socially and emotionally.
This announcement reflects a growing Government commitment to placing play at the centre of children’s wellbeing and development, and aligns with our ongoing mission to design spaces that bring communities together and support children of all abilities.
As further details emerge, we will continue to monitor developments and help schools, nurseries and local authorities make informed decisions about creating long-lasting, impactful play areas that truly serve their children and communities.
