Community Backs Scope’s ‘Let’s Play Fair’ Campaign

Educators’ union Community has given its backing to Scope’s ‘Let’s Play Fair’ campaign, which calls for all new and refurbished playgrounds to be made with disabled children in mind.

A new report from the disability equality charity found that only one in ten playgrounds in the UK are accessible for disabled children. Similarly, one in ten parents surveyed by Scope said that their disabled child had hurt themselves because of inaccessible play equipment, while one in seven said that their family were not able to enjoy going to the playground as siblings were unable to play together.

Community’s National Officer for Education and Early Years, Helen Osgood, said:

“Community fully supports Scope’s important ‘Let’s Play Fair’ campaign. Every child deserves the right to access play, and public playgrounds are an essential part of this – especially during the Easter break and other school holidays. It’s totally unacceptable that so many of our playgrounds are inaccessible spaces for disabled children and their families, as shown in stark detail on Scope’s national Playground Accessibility Map.

“The UK Government has said it will explore creating guidance on how to develop more inclusive and accessible playgrounds as part of its Disability Action Plan, but this needs to be followed through with meaningful action across the country.”

Community’s Regional Organiser and Lead for Early Years, Letita McCalla, said:

“Play is vitally important to children’s development and enrichment, and public playgrounds are a vital resource for so many families, particularly those from deprived backgrounds. It’s very worrying then that so many of our playgrounds are totally unsuitable for children with disabilities, whether due to inaccessible equipment, or a lack of space for wheelchairs, uneven floor surfaces, or no appropriate fencing. Scope’s new report makes for troubling reading, but highlights the extent of the problem. It’s time for government at all levels to heed the warning and ensure that our playgrounds are accessible for every child.”

You can view Scope’s Playground Accessibility Map 2024 here.

You can read more on Scope ‘Let’s Play Fair’ campaign here.

Community is the union for education and early years professionals: representing teachers, headteachers, education, school support staff and early years staff. With over fifty years’ experience, we represent members and campaign to improve conditions for education and early years professionals. We are a modern trade union, campaigning for a better working world.

If you are a member of Community and need advice or support, please contact our Service Centre at help@community-tu.org or on 0800 389 6332.