SPORT & PLAY
PLAYGROUNDS ARE THE NO . 1 PLACE FOR
OUTDOOR PLAY
HOW TO FIND A QUALITY PLAY PROVIDER
outdoor playground equipment and safety surfacing for schools , local authorities , parish councils , leisure attractions , holiday parks , housing developments , hospitality venues and commercial enterprises .
All API member companies adhere to a Professional Code of Conduct to ensure a benchmark of service in play practice and design .
Ask for Evidence A credible play supplier should be able to provide a portfolio of previous work . API members will provide you with references and case studies of play projects highlighting their competence and commitment to quality .
Children ’ s mental and physical health is at an all-time low ; an inactivity epidemic has resulted in record levels of childhood obesity and rising referrals for mental health interventions . When public playgrounds closed in March 2020 due to lockdown , children faced months indoors , alone and sedentary , making an already growing problem even worse .
Away from the home , playgrounds are the most common places for children to play according to a national survey from the University of Reading . In the largest study of play in Britain , children on average spent more time playing in playgrounds than any other place . Playgrounds are crucial spaces for children ’ s outdoor play and it is essential that all children have access to them for their health and wellbeing .
Ensuring all children have access to play facilities is especially important in the UK , where 1 in 8 UK households have no outside space or garden . This rises to 1 in 5 in London and those from the most disadvantaged areas are disproportionately affected . Given the importance of playgrounds for children ’ s health , it is vital that community play spaces are highquality , challenging and stimulating areas so that children can make the most of their outdoor play time .
Top Tips for finding a play provider Choosing a play space provider can be a daunting process . First , confirm your play supplier is part of a recognised body . The Association of Play Industries ( API ) is the trade association for the UK play sector . Its member companies are the UK ’ s leading providers of
Play Value The API Charter encourages members to design fun and challenging play spaces with elements of built-in risk . This drive for innovation ensures API members are always at the forefront of new thinking in play value , inclusivity , safety , diversity , educational value and landscaping .
Identifying an API Member If your play supplier displays the API logo , ask to see their annual certificate of membership . All API members should be able to produce this proof of membership on request . Check the API website for an up-to-date list of all our current members .
Financial Security Ensure you have carried out a credit check on your potential play supplier and explored their trading history . Do this before creating a shortlist as ratings change over time .
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