Kids launch own play strategy in London Borough

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is to launch a play strategy written and produced by children, to complement the official council document.

Children talked to council officers and conducted their own interviews to produce the report, including setting up a Big Brother-style diary room on National Play Day in August to allow children to comment on the play strategy.

Their input highlighted safety, variety, exciting activities and good play equipment/spaces close to their homes, as well as the importance of friends and of their voices being heard, as key issues.

Cllr Shireen Ritchie, cabinet member for family and children's services, said: "Play is a vital component of the life of every child and young person. Children need every opportunity to explore the physical and social environment around them.

“Here in Kensington and Chelsea we are committed to making sure that children and young people shape our play strategy and help us to deliver it.

“The children's own version of the Play Strategy is just one way of demonstrating our commitment to ensuring play is at the fore of their development; and their involvement doesn't stop there. We will continue to talk with, listen to and seek the active involvement of young people when it comes to us making decisions that affect them."