Children's play

Factors to consider when building a play area:
safety - ground material, fencing to keep out dogs and keep small toddlers in.
supervision
equipment which should be interesting and challenging to children in terms of size, shape and colour
equipment which children would enjoy using

Children’s Play Activities Jan 05

2a Identify four types of children’s play activity

Ø Adventure playgrounds
Ø crèche within leisure centre
Ø play areas in family pubs
Ø holiday play schemes
Ø after school clubs (4 marks)

2b. Explain three factors that should be taken into account when play areas are being built.
Ø Location
Ø Type of equipment
Ø Fencing
Ø Type of ground surface
Ø Nearby football or cricket pitches
Ø Seating for adults
Ø Location of a public telephone
Ø Main roads (6 marks)

2c. Explain the reasons why many pubs, restaurants and shopping centres have developed play provision for young people

Attract whole family – parents can relax whilst knowing children are safe and entertained
Encourage repeat business
Increase popularity and therefore repeat business
(6 marks)

2d Using a play activity that you have investigated, explain how this activity might help children to develop.
Wacky Warehouse - Olton
Ø It develops children’s physical, mental and social skills
Ø It helps children to mix with others – emotional development, talking, interact, sharing, cooperation
Ø They learn new skills
Ø They have to think for themselves
Ø They use their imagination – pretend, dressing up
Ø Use creative skills - arts
Ø They play physical games – physical coordination
Ø Have fun


Changes over past 10 years:

Adventure playgrounds have been developed through the use of better materials that provide a safer environment for children to play. The surrounds of swings are no longer hard concrete but a much softer tarmac material. There have also been developments in the types of apparatus used within these playgrounds to stimulate and interest children.

Many local authorities now run play schemes throughout the year not just during summer holidays. Ten years ago there would have been very few of these schemes but now they are a common part of leisure provision. The play schemes are out of hours and are based at leisure centres, community centres and schools. They offer a wide variety of activities from mini sports to arts and crafts. The play schemes are aimed at 5 - 11 year olds.

Children's activity centres are more specific and often privately run. They will offer more specialist coaching in either outdoor pursuits or sports. The main area of growth has been activity holidays run by companies such as PGL who offer activity holidays either with a particular outdoor pursuit focus or provide taster sessions.


Holiday Play Schemes
Often run by local authorities and aim to provide wothwhile activities: sports, day trips, nature walks, camping.

Some are privately organised - e.g. Phys-kids