Research from Playday 2008 shows that 51% of children aged 7-12 years are not allowed to climb a tree without adult supervision and that 77% of children and young people aged 7-16 would like more opportunities to take risks while playing. The report entitled Managing Risk in Play Provision: Implementation guide shows how play providers can replace current risk assessment practice with an approach to risk management that takes into account the benefits to children and young people of challenging play experiences, as well as the risks. The guide is a collaboration of practitioners, academics and play providers fully endorsed by leading play safety specialists and the HSE.

Baroness Delyth Morgan, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children, Young People and Families, said: ‘Every parent knows that outdoor play is a very important part of childhood and is a valuable way to help children stay happy and healthy. After consultation with over 9,000 parents, children and young people we developed a Play Strategy emphasising the importance of putting the fun back into play and the need to provide exciting outdoor play opportunities for children of all ages. Visit www.playengland.org.uk/resources to see more.

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