David Yearley, Head of Play Safety for RoSPA, is proud of the fact that RoSPA has been, for a long time now, at the forefront of the campaign against the “dumbing down” of play opportunities for children. Indeed the slogan originally used by RoSPA Playsafety “as safe as necessary, not as safe as possible” is now the official line for the whole of the RoSPA organisation.
The ideas of what is safe and acceptable have changed considerably through the ages. RoSPA’s extensive library has an American book from 1905 (thought to be the oldest book specifically on the subject) which shows “good design” that by today’s standards would be considered totally unacceptable. Play has tended to come from a very high risk basis through to an attempt to have virtually no risk, to what we are beginning to see now and what we hope will become the standard – a level of risk which allows minor accidents to happen but aims to prevent serious injury. Children learn the ability to assess risk through their play and therefore it is essential that they are exposed to a controlled level of risk. The gathering of statistics has helped towards improving play safety. How many of us remember the old “Witches Hat” play item. It was great fun but it was only when accident statistics begun to be collated that it was realised that it was also a killer and that children were dying using it.
Recent research has indicated the high value of play to older people and it is good to see that the first play area specifically designed for being played on by adults in the UK, has just opened in Blackley, Manchester. Congratulations to all at the Dam Head Residents' Association, Northwoods Housing Association, and to also Manchester City Council Leisure Services for their support. RoSPA hopes to see many similar play areas in the future. Is it expensive? Well this site of six items cost only £15,000.
RoSPA believes in inclusion in play. This means opportunities for ALL, regardless of ability OR age. Why cannot grandparents play on a play area with their grandchildren? It both improves bonding between them as well as giving exercise to both and helping to keep the elderly active and healthy. The Manchester site is a good example of what can be achieved. Locals report that the most interesting part is the giggling and laughter of the pensioners.
Unfortunately one of the areas of play opportunity which tended to disappear from use is water play. Water plays an essential part in everyone’s life (indeed we cannot live without it) and it can, if properly managed, provide very high play value for children. Children have always had a fascination with water and the older ones among us will remember paddling in local streams or playing on river banks. It is good to see the re-emergence of water as a play medium. Perhaps global warming will increase the desire for water play.
Many manufacturers are beginning to produce items that involve water. No great depth is necessary to provide the stimulation and excitement that water can give. For instance running water 2-3mm deep down a gentle incline enables a child to splash to their heart’s content without any risk (provided of course that reasonable controls are in place as to water cleanliness). Interactive water jets coming from the ground, or above, are particularly popular in the summer.
Rospa
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