Disabled children and young people have the right to play and be included in their local communities. The national Play Strategy makes it explicit that all new play provision must be accessible and inclusive – and that disabled children and young people are to be consulted in the process.

There are six inclusive design principles which are being followed (in addition to the 10 design principles as stated in Design for Play):

1. Diversity and difference – Recognising that disabled people (like children generally) are not a homogeneous group and that consultation and play equipment should address this. Consider the play needs of children with sensory impairments, physical impairments, learning difficulties etc.


2. Ease of use – Ensuring no-one is forced to exert undue effort, experience discomfort or a loss of dignity.


3. Freedom of choice and access to mainstream activities – Where possible children should be able to use the facilities independently, but equally support and assistance should be required to those who need it. All children should be able to exert some choice over what to play with, and how to play in an area regardless of their abilities or likes.


4.  Quality – Aspects of design incorporated to meet the specific requirements of disabled children should be produced to the same high standard as the whole development. Where possible accessible toilets should be made available and sign posted.


5. Legibility and predictability – Signs and maps should be in an accessible format to all, and sites should be logically orientated, with some visual cues to ease movement around the space.


6. Safety – the environment should be free from unexpected hazards.

The Play Pathfinder team are working with KIDS (an organisation working in partnership with Play England to Challenge and Support the playbuilder and pathfinder programme with regards to inclusion) to ensure that all of our new play areas are inclusive.

For further information on developing inclusive play, please get in touch with the Play Pathfinder team, or contact KIDS at www.kids.co.uk or 0207 359 3073 for further guidance.