The measure was set out in the UK's first national play strategy, Play in Wales, launched by the Welsh Assembly last Monday.
The strategy, based on the principles set out in the 2002 Play Policy for Wales, says the Assembly 'will include in Children Act planning guidance a duty to co-operate in addressing the play needs of local children and young people'.
Mike Greenaway, director of Play Wales, the national organisation for children's play, said, 'For us this is the most important aspect of the plan. The "duty to co-operate" reinforces the need for local authorities to work with the voluntary sector in Wales. As a result of this play strategy the duty is far stronger in Wales than in the rest of the UK.'
England and Wales have both developed their own national statutory guidance on the Children Act. The English guidance for directors of children's services and children's trusts, published last September, does not place a duty on local authorities to cooperate with the voluntary sector over play.
But the Welsh strategy hints that guidance, due early next year, will make a firm commitment to play in Wales.
Mr Greenaway said, 'This is a staggeringly impressive policy. All the actions deal with quality and quantity of play provision; the impact these actions will have in five years time will be very significant. Ultimately, we hope to see a similar statutory duty placed on children's play as the Childcare Bill places on childcare, which ensures sufficient provision is available for those who want it.'
Issy Cole-Hamilton, policy and research officer, Children's Play Council, said, 'It's very forward-thinking of the Assembly to take play this seriously. It would be great to have the same commitment in England.'
In the spring, Play in Wales is expected to receive funding from the 20m Big Lottery programme dedicated to children's play, healthy eating and exercise.
For more information visit www.learning.wales.gov.uk.
