February 2024 Signs of optimism
Political parties should prioritise children’s physical activity Ali Oliver, Chief Executive Officer of children’s charity the Youth Sport Trust, is calling on political parties of all colours to unlock the potential of physical activity, including PE, sport and play, to develop happier, healthier and more successful children. In response to Labour’s new Child Health Action Plan, which includes a commitment to ‘get kids moving, by implementing a mandatory national curriculum that is balanced and broad, and makes a wide range of physical activities compulsory for all schools.’ Ali Oliver said: “For years, the Youth Sport Trust has campaigned for an urgent focus
on increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary lifestyles as a form of preventative healthcare for our nation’s children. “Active children are happier, healthier, more resilient, perform better at school and have overall improved wellbeing. As Keir Starmer himself says, ‘Healthy, happy children is not something nice to have, it’s a basic right that has economic urgency’. “The UK’s Chief Medical Officers’ recommend children are vigorously active for at least 60 minutes a day to maintain health, but unfortunately, the most recent data from Sport
England shows that fewer than half (47%) of children in England meet this guidance and 1 in 3 (30%) are active for less than 30 minutes per day. What we’re doing currently is not working – too many children are inactive, and are unhappier, unhealthier and more distracted as a result.” Last month, the Youth Sport Trust met with MPs from across the political spectrum in Parliament to launch its new manifesto for action. A key part of this plan is elevating the role of PE in schools and ensuring every child has guaranteed access to two hours of highquality, inclusive PE each week.
Proludic Redrawing boundaries with inclusive play “The manifesto sets out five recommendations in total, to deliver the transformational change needed to give every child an active start in life,” continued Ali Oliver. “In an election year, we are calling on political leaders to prioritise physical activity to improve children’s health and wellbeing; improve their educational attainment and ultimately increase their happiness.”
The Youth Sport Trust believes improving children and young people’s wellbeing is a national priority. Key to this is putting the child at the centre of our thinking and unlocking the potential of physical activity including PE, sport and play to develop happier, healthier and more successful children. Youth Sport Trust Enquiry 34
Sector meets with meet with Shadow Minister for Sport Shadow Sport Minister Stephanie Peacock MP has met with the sport and physical activity sector’s representative organisations to discuss how Labour can harness the
impact of sport, recreation and physical activity to create a happier, healthier and more prosperous nation in the event of a change of Government. The sector has the power to
change lives and help address key priorities including relieving NHS pressures, breaking down barriers to opportunity, strengthening local communities and boosting economic growth.
By offering opportunities to be active across communities and schools, the sector already saves the NHS £9.5bn through preventing illness and generates £85bn by boosting wellbeing, empowering communities and generating economic activity. But a third of people living in the UK remain physically inactive and already stark inequalities are widening. A shift in how the nation looks at improving the health and wellbeing of this nation must be at the heart of any future Government’s strategy, and the role sport and physical activity will be integral to this. “We must make it easier for people to play, move and be active in any way they choose by ensuring sport, recreation and
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physical activity is accessible and affordable for everyone,” said a spokesperson for ukactive. “This must be based on a crossgovernmental approach, given the potential of grassroots sport and physical activity to provide national solutions across many of the Government’s priorities and responsibilities. “Our country needs impactful solutions to rapidly support its renewal, and our sector is committed to play its fullest role, if leaders have the ambition to unlock its potential. We welcome the engagement from the Shadow Sport Minister and look forward to working with her and the shadow Labour team on their plans for our sector.” ukactive Enquiry 35
Leafield’s bin is compact and space saving Page 12
Amberol Amberol affirms positive behaviour to rubbish Page 12
The Play & Activity sector has always been a vibrant innovator. After a difficult time, it is starting to attract the spotlight again. Our regular special features on the sector are the perfect showcase for your products and services. We can help you highlight the best of the sector by reaching the decision-makers. Contact our Landscape & Amenity Product Update team today to learn more about our print, digital & online packages Kellie: 07971 365588 | kellie@tspmedia.co.uk or Colette: 07495 378380 | Colette@tspmedia.co.uk READER ENQUIRY 36
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FEBRUARY 2023
Redrawing the boundaries with Proludic’s inclusive play Despite the chilly start to the year in the UK, the fun hasn’t halted in West Bridgford, Nottingham, thanks to the revitalised playground at Boundary Road Play Area.
Where nature meets play Playdale Playgrounds Limited has launched a brand-new sustainably sourced modular timber range with 12 tower units. With a strong focus on sustainability, the new range is made from slow-grown laminated timber poles. The timbers are sourced from FSC and PEFC certified suppliers to guarantee the long-term health of forest ecosystems and provide a natural and recyclable material choice for playground projects. By using timber as the primary material, Playdale ensures that these playground structures have an environmentally friendly lifecycle from creation to endof-life. The Woodland Eco Towers range has been designed to seamlessly
blend with its surroundings, enhancing the overall natural play experience. Each of the 12 units will allow children to embark on social exploration, engage in imaginative play, and connect with the great outdoors. Creating an environment where their creativity and imagination can truly flourish. All Playdale manufactured products, including the Woodland Eco Towers range, undergo thorough testing and certification to comply with European Playground Safety Standards EN 1176 & ASTM F1487 The Woodland Eco Range offers up to 20 years guarantee a testament of the ensuring durability of the range. Martyn Bland, Technical Manager at
Playdale Playgrounds, said. “With a strong emphasis on environmental responsibility, our team has worked tirelessly to create a range that not only offers engaging play experiences but also prioritises the long-term health of forest ecosystems. “The use of slow-grown laminated timber poles sourced from certified suppliers ensures a natural and recyclable material choice, aligning perfectly with our commitment to sustainability. We are confident that the Woodland Eco Towers range will captivate children’s imaginations, foster a deep connection with nature, and provide a safe and enjoyable play environment for years to come.”
Its 90-litre capacity makes it ideal for nurseries, crèches, pre-schools, schools, leisure centres and swimming pools. This novelty bin encourages
and inspires young children to dispose their waste appropriately. The unique talking potions provide added interest as well as teaching polite greetings and manners. Manufactured in the UK in a tough, durable and weather resistant plastic material. Amberol Enquiry 39
Leafield’s Pencil Bin The Leafield Pencil Novelty Bin is compact and space saving with a generous 70-litre capacity. Ideal for use both indoors and outdoors. Designed to encourage and educate children about the importance of collecting general and recycling waste. They are perfect for children of all ages and ideal for use in nurseries, crèches, pre-schools, schools, leisure centres and swimming pools.
Manufactured in the UK in a tough, durable and weather resistant plastic material. Standard colours include black, blue, grey, lime green and red. Recycling labels available in paper, aluminium cans, mixed recycling, plastics or general waste. Optional ground fixing kit and lock available. Leafield Enquiry 40
Reopened by Councillor Wheeler of Rushcliffe Borough Council, West Bridgford’s Boundary Road Play Area is now officially back in action following a £63,000 investment in upgrades. Proludic’s renovations have introduced exciting new features including a climbing wall, zipwire, wheelchair-accessible seesaw, swing sets, and springers. To mark the reopening, Rushcliffe Borough Council,
The refurbishments involved replacing a large earth mound with more accessible equipment and incorporating natural play elements into the design. This project is part of the Council’s wider commitment to enhancing local parks and outdoor spaces. Last year, the Adbolton Lane play park in Lady Bay underwent an £80,000 makeover, also benefiting from Proludic’s expertise. Cllr Jonathan Wheeler, the Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Wellbeing, emphasized the importance of such community play facilities, stating, “We are delighted to provide these essential upgrades to the park,
enhancing them for the long term and ensuring they are well-suited for the future.” He further added, “The redevelopment of Boundary Road introduces accessible and inclusive equipment, allowing all children to enjoy the play facilities, which also integrates natural play elements. It was wonderful to welcome Year 2 children from Heymann Primary School to the park and witness their enjoyment of the newly refurbished facilities.” Kiran Chouhan, Proludic’s Area Manager for Nottinghamshire, underscored the company’s commitment to local communities, reflecting on the significance of their involvement in projects like this. Proludic Enquiry 38
Playdale Enquiry 37
Amberol’s Penguin Bin Amberol’s Penguin Bin includes an optional voice box, so it can speak every time rubbish is thrown into it, affirming positive behaviour towards disposing litter.
Rushcliffe Borough Council partnered with Proludic to breathe new life into this wellloved play space, which has seen extensive use over the years.
Proludic Ltd, and local children from Heymann Primary School came together for a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Playing and being well – review summary published Play Wales has published a summary of its forthcoming publication, Playing and being well. Undertaken by Dr Wendy Russell, with Mike Barclay and Ben Tawil from Ludicology, it’s a review of recent research into children’s play, social policy and practice, with a focus on Wales. Commissioned by Play Wales, the literature review investigates the connections between play sufficiency and children’s wellbeing. It draws mainly on academic research, across a range of disciplines, but also draws on professional, advocacy and practitioner literature where appropriate. The review focuses on the role of play in children’s wellbeing, children’s play patterns, and adult support for children’s play. The summary includes information about: • •
the scope and approach of the literature review an overview and findings
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from each of the chapters in the review the authors’ proposal of a relational capability approach to children’s wellbeing through actions to create conditions that support playing closing thoughts on adults’ responsibility for children’s play.
This review has been carried out 10 years after the commencement of the Play Sufficiency Duty and while the Welsh Government was undertaking its Ministerial Review of Play. The evidence gathered in the literature review will inform this ongoing work. Play Wales
Enquiry 41