Children to get more play opportunities

Date: 18th January 2012
Category: Education, Leisure and Cultural Activities

Free play opportunities for Scotland's children will be increased following a £3 million investment from the Scottish Government.

Children's Minister Aileen Campbell announced the funding during a visit to Thornlie Primary in Wishaw. The money will see an expansion of a selected number of 'Play Ranger' models (£1.5 million) which provides children with community based play opportunities and the 'Grounds For Learning' initiative to improve school playgrounds (£1.05 million). It will also be used to support and develop staff across Scotland's play sector (£450,000).

The funding package runs until 2015 and will be managed by Inspiring Scotland (IS) and Grounds for Learning (GfL).

Ms Campbell said:

"Play is central to how children learn and a basic part of their overall quality of life. As a Government we recognise it's crucial to develop quality play spaces for our children as part of their positive, wider development. This funding will help build upon some of the great work already underway to enhance play opportunities for our children and help make Scotland the best place for children to grow up.''

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