API Chair

Tweets from Dr Amanda Gummer, Chair of @apiplay, voice of the play industry. Campaigns for policy recognition of the value & benefits of play #APImember

[API @apiplay]

Can playgrounds help tackle loneliness?

In the second of her blog series, @API_ChairUK @DrAmandaGummer explores the growing loneliness crisis and why the spaces where children can meet, play and connect matter.

Drawing on insights from architect and author #DinahBornat, Amanda makes the case for playgrounds as vital social infrastructure - another powerful reason to invest in them.

Read the blog: https://t.co/U49DxiaMNc

#PlaygroundPower #Playgrounds

[API @apiplay]

Book now for the National Play Conference & Awards 2026!

Taking place at the University of Warwick on 08-09 October, this inaugural event from @PlayEngland and @SAPCA will bring together manufacturers, designers, contractors, local authorities, policymakers and play professionals from across the sector.

The conference programme will cover #play and public health, planning, funding and physical activity, with @TomHayesBmouth and @mhclg among the speakers announced so far.

Find out more & book: https://t.co/kWgOqOonAt

#NationalPlayConference

[Tom Hayes MP @TomHayesBmouth]

After tabling an amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill and working with @mtpennycook, I’m delighted that we have significantly enhanced play opportunities in the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). 🛝

Huge thanks to @PlayEngland and the whole play sector.

[API @apiplay]

Is the proposed social media ban for children a ‘ban without a plan’?

Social media is often where young people connect. If we take that away, we need to think seriously about where those connections can happen in real life.

Public playgrounds are already the No.1 location for children’s play outside the home - free, local spaces where children & young people can meet, play and connect face-to-face.

Investment in free-to-all community playgrounds should be a pillar of any plan. Playgrounds have always mattered, but perhaps never more than now: https://t.co/PouNWoysS2

#PlaygroundPower #SocialMediaBan #Playgrounds #OutdoorPlay #Community

[API @apiplay]

Important new research on children’s outdoor play was in the spotlight on @LBC's @NickFerrariLBC this morning, with @API_ChairUK Dr Amanda Gummer discussing the findings and what they mean for children.

The research, led by @DrHelenDodd – who also led the research behind our #PlaygroundPower campaign – provides yet more evidence of the vital role outdoor play has in children’s health and wellbeing.

Amanda highlighted the importance of accessible community playgrounds. We need to invest in them and recognise them for what they are - public health infrastructure.

Huge congratulations to Helen Dodd on the launch of the new Outdoor Play Research Centre at the @UniofExeter - an exciting development for children’s play research.

https://t.co/8Uz4mGBBMj

#OutdoorPlayResearchCentre #PlaygroundPower

[API @apiplay]

In a country where some children spend 139 hours a year in playgrounds while others get fewer than 10, we’re not just talking about access to play. We’re talking about very different childhoods.

Playgrounds are essential infrastructure for childhood. They give children space to choose, take risks, make mistakes and try again.

That’s not simply recreation. It’s part of growing up.
https://t.co/PouNWoysS2

#PlaygroundPower #EqualPlay

[API @apiplay]

Great playgrounds build healthier childhoods.

Our new research adds to the case for protecting and investing in local #play spaces, with more time spent playing in #playgrounds linked to happier children.

Imagine if every child had easy access to a great one.

Read more: https://t.co/PouNWoysS2

#PlaygroundPower #APImembers #mentalhealth #outdoorplay #ItAllStartsWithPlay

[API @apiplay]

Great to see @EYAlliance sharing our new #PlaygroundPower campaign.

Our latest research highlights the link between spending more time in playgrounds and better #mentalhealth in young children, reinforcing why high-quality public playgrounds matter.

Read their coverage here: https://t.co/eEKXC2W1gH

[API @apiplay]

Happy #PlayDay! This #PlayDay2026, let's celebrate the power of playgrounds.

Our new #PlaygroundPower campaign highlights the vital role that free-to-use public playgrounds play in children's lives. New research by @DrHelenDodd shows that children who spend more time in playgrounds have better wellbeing and fewer emotional difficulties.

Hear from our Chair @DrAmandaGummer and explore the campaign: https://t.co/PouNWoysS2

[API @apiplay]

Most children use playgrounds regularly. But not all.

Around 1 in 20 children spend fewer than 10 hours a year in a playground.

We need to understand why and make sure every child has the opportunity to benefit from great local play spaces.

Read the new research here: https://t.co/x7Q3suiLJQ

#PlaygroundPower #ItAllStartsWithPlay

[API Chair @API_ChairUK]

RT @apiplay: Playgrounds aren’t just good for young children’s physical health. They’re good for their #mentalhealth too and that matters e…

[Play England @PlayEngland]

Only 1️⃣ week to go until #Playday2026

How are you celebrating? Tag us and don't forget #PlayEverywhere!

Find more information about celebrating here: https://t.co/miuHB6IcZy

[API @apiplay]

NEW RESEARCH: The Power of Playgrounds
Today we’re launching #PlaygroundPower – making the case for playgrounds as vital infrastructure for children, families and communities.

New research reveals a clear link between playground use and children’s wellbeing and mental health.

Children who spend more time playing in playgrounds are happier, have better wellbeing and experience fewer emotional difficulties.

Find out more here: https://t.co/PouNWoysS2

#PlaygroundPower #PowerOfPlaygrounds

[API @apiplay]

Every #child deserves to #play and have a sense of belonging.

API members help #schools create inclusive outdoor environments that support a wide range of abilities, needs and experiences.

Our latest research highlights why inclusive play provision matters more than ever.

Read the report: https://t.co/kM0R2k8r48

#inclusiveplay #primaryschools #ItAllStartsWithPlay #EqualPlay #outdoorplay #outdoorlearning

[API @apiplay]

Great outdoor spaces offer more than somewhere to spend breaktime.

API members help schools create engaging environments that encourage movement, imagination and social connection through a wide variety of play experiences.

Our latest research explores why variety and challenge matter in school play provision.

Read the report: https://t.co/kM0R2k8r48

#primaryschools #playtime #playgrounds #outdoorlearning #APImembers

[API @apiplay]

Playgrounds are not simply recreational spaces.

They are public health infrastructure.

And if we continue treating them as optional, we will keep paying for that decision elsewhere.

ICYMI: NEW Blog from @API_ChairUK : https://t.co/7CWm5JRjnU

#Playgrounds #ItAllStartsWithPlay

[API @apiplay]

Outdoor learning delivers benefits far beyond the early years.

Yet our latest research shows that play-based learning drops dramatically as children move through primary school.

API members help schools create outdoor environments that support learning, confidence and physical development for every stage.

Read the full report: https://t.co/kM0R2k8r48

#outdoorlearning #primaryschools #outdoorplay #playgrounds #APImembers

[API @apiplay]

Every child deserves opportunities to #play and thrive throughout their #school years.

That's why API members work with schools to create outdoor spaces that grow with children, supporting active play, learning and wellbeing at every age.

See what our latest research reveals about the state of play in UK schools.

Read the report: https://t.co/kM0R2k8r48

#outdoorplay #outdoorlearning #primaryschools

[API Chair @API_ChairUK]

.@apiplay has launched its brand-new website, creating a fresh new home for everyone passionate about children’s #play.

We're kicking off our new blog series with my latest article: “The Playground is Public Health Infrastructure”: https://t.co/UvGHQkBDo0

[Eugene Minogue @EugeneMinogue]

After a lot of work behind the scenes, it is great to see @MHCLG publish the guidance for the £18m Playground Fund.

https://t.co/SfhBhsJ0AE

The fund will support 66 local authorities in England to create, improve or enhance playgrounds in communities with some of the greatest need.
Each authority will receive £270,000 over 2026/27 and 2027/28, made up of £240,000 capital and £30,000 revenue.

For me, the significant policy win is that the guidance does not frame this simply as an equipment replacement programme. Instead, it embeds many of the principles @PlayEngland has been seeking to advance:
• evidence-led site selection
• meaningful engagement with children, families and communities
• accessible and inclusive design
• play value, not just new equipment
• risk-benefit
• inspection, maintenance and long-term stewardship
• wider play sufficiency principles

That matters! It is also encouraging to see the ministerial foreword recognise play as fundamental to childhood and playgrounds as part of the everyday infrastructure that helps children thrive.

Playgrounds are not just pieces of equipment. At their best, they are everyday social infrastructure for childhood. They are places where children move, imagine, make friends, experience challenge and risk, spend time outdoors and feel part of their community.

@PlayEngland has been pleased to work closely with @MHCLG to help shape the guidance and embed core principles from the play sector.

I also want to thank @TomHayesBmouth, Chair of the @APPGonPlay, for helping create the parliamentary momentum for this work; Dr Michael Martin and colleagues at the @SheffieldUni for the important playground provision data and methodology work that helped underpin the targeting approach, and Chris Worman MBE, Chair of the Parks Working Group, for helping keep the realities of parks and local delivery firmly in view.

This fund is not the whole answer. England still needs a new National Play Strategy, underpinned by a play sufficiency approach and dedicated investment. But it is a practical and welcome step forward.

If delivered well, this investment will improve playgrounds in communities that need them most and help build the case for future national investment in children’s play.

#ItAllStartsWithPlay #Playgrounds #PrideInPlace #PlaySufficiency