Play in Southampton

‘Play is an essential part of every child’s life and vital to their development. It is the way children explore the world around them and develop and practice skills. It is essential for physical, emotional and spiritual growth, for intellectual and educational development, and for acquiring social and behavioural skills.
Play is a generic term applied to a wide range of activities and behaviours that are satisfying to the child, creative for the child and freely chosen by the child. Children play on their own and with others. Their play may be boisterous and energetic or quiet and contemplative, light-hearted or very serious.’
‘The new charter for children’s play’, published by Children’s Play Council.

In Southampton a play strategy has been developed by a number of organisations working with children.
The strategy, ‘Southampton Play’, was developed with PLAYLINK, the national play organisation, and funded by Southampton City Council Play Services, Thornhill New Deal for Communities and Outer Shirley Regeneration Board.

Click here to see a copy of the 'Southampton Play' Strategy.

There has also been some research done with both childen and parents about outdoor play in Southampton - click here to see the results of the research.

Working in partnership with voluntary and statutory children’s organisations, Southampton aims to offer a wide range of local, safe, stimulating, quality play opportunities that allow all children freedom of choice.

Click on the headings below to find out more about some particular schemes:

5-13 Year Olds Funding

Play Builder Investment in Play Areas

Big Lottery Children

Open Access Play