![Alice Ferguson: 'Most of all, we want the Government to acknowledge outdoor play is a basic need and right for all children that should be encouraged'](/media/w3ajzlzf/alice-ferguson.jpeg?width=1002&height=668&bgcolor=White&v=1da611d8237ece0)
Today, it is a national movement supporting children’s right to play outside for their health, happiness and sense of belonging. Ms Ferguson describes how their vision has spread to more than 1,000 UK street communities.
DESCRIBE THE INSPIRATION BEHIND PLAYING OUT
My neighbourhood in South Bristol is close to the city centre, with mostly terraced housing, few green spaces and busy roads. When our children were young, my neighbour, Amy and I, started to feel frustrated that their freedom to play out was so restricted, mainly because of the traffic that dominated local streets. So we had an idea that would both provide a temporary solution and start to change things more deeply. We knew that you could apply to have a street party, so why not use this procedure to close the street to traffic one day after school, giving over the space to children, we thought. We applied for a street party application from the council; consulted with residents; developed a safe model for opening up the street for children’s play – and, after a few months, Playing Out was born.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here