The benefits for children of outdoor play, like messing about on climbing frames, are obvious. Fresh air, exercise, overcoming challenges and playing in a social way all help children develop and stay healthy.
Research shows though that when playtime arrives and the children run off to play on the playground equipment, disabled children are left behind. The benefits are just as important, if not more so, for disabled children, as they can need to spend more time assessing and getting to know their physical limits and learning to interact with others. On top of that, advocates argue that it is a basic human right for disabled children to have the same play opportunities as non-disabled children.
It’s not just that they are excluded by their peers – a whole raft of reasons can prevent them from being involved. Over protection from parents, teachers or other minders can play a part, as can the self-esteem of the child. The irony being that playing with other children on equipment such as climbing frames can increase self-esteem and independence.
It is natural that care-givers would be protective over disabled children, and steps do need to be taken to make the experience positive and as safe as possible.
Mencap advise that staff are fully trained to be able to support the children’s play, and a significant part of this is talking to families about their needs and including them in actions and plans. There are times when staff will not have the necessary skills or resources to provide the support needed. It is recommended in these situations that an agency with suitable experience is found to act as a partner and boost support.
If possible, Mencap recommend that parents are consulted about the design of play spaces – schools, nurseries, youth clubs etc who are considering installing equipment could benefit from taking this advice. Play areas have evolved from being just swings to including a range of equipment and designs which can accommodate a variety of needs. Safety is now a big factor in designing spaces, but this does not have to impact upon content. For example, wet pour and rubber mulch surfaces provide a safer flooring to absorb some impact during falls, but can also be brightly coloured and decorated with games and other stimulating designs. Equipment such as climbing frames have a variety of different play purposes so children of various ages, sizes and abilities can use them in some way.
Where possible equipment in a play space should be varied, mixing climbing equipment with structures which are less physically demanding, such as those closer to the floor and mentally stimulating installations like musical benches, which will benefit all children and help to turn playgrounds into an inclusive sensory experience.
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