Northern Ireland

New study finds 'inequity in play provision' for children in NI

The study shows children who live in the most densely populated areas 'have the worst access to outdoor play spaces'
The study shows children who live in the most densely populated areas 'have the worst access to outdoor play spaces' The study shows children who live in the most densely populated areas 'have the worst access to outdoor play spaces'

THERE is "inequity in play provision" for children in Northern Ireland, according to a new study.

Data shows that children who live in the most densely populated areas in the north "have the worst access to outdoor play spaces".

The Association of Play Industries (API) said that the "postcode lottery in access to outdoor play in Northern Ireland will have significant ramifications".

It comes as the organisation launches its 'Equal Play' campaign based on new research which shows that access to public play spaces in the UK is "unfair and unequal".

A Freedom of Information survey revealed that some UK regions have almost five times the free-to-access play provision of others.

Mark Hardy, chair of API, said: "The average number of children per playground in Northern Ireland is 447.

"However, a more detailed look at the data reveals as much inequity in play provision in NI as anywhere else in the UK. The data shows that children who live in the most densely populated areas in Northern Ireland have the worst access to outdoor play spaces.

"It is precisely these children who are the most likely to have limited or no private outdoor space in which to play and who need public, community playgrounds the most.

"This postcode lottery in access to outdoor play in Northern Ireland will have significant ramifications for the children there.

"Evidence for the crucial role that outdoor play has in children’s development and on their mental and physical health is overwhelming. Children who cannot regularly and frequently play outside are at a severe disadvantage.

"There is an urgent need for investment in play and in children’s welfare."

Jacqueline O’Loughlin, chief executive of PlayBoard NI, said that as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, "access to high quality outdoor play spaces that meet the needs of a variety of ages has never been so important".

"Councils across Northern Ireland have a key role in ensuring that children and young people have access to play, and over recent years a number of councils, with the support of PlayBoard, have invested significant strategic capital funds aimed at enhancing access to play," she said.

"Whilst progress has been made, this research undertaken by the API indicates that further work is required, and PlayBoard look forward to working with both the API and colleagues in local government to enhance access to play for all children and young people."