Islington Council is set to review its play spaces and services, addressing concerns about the lack of green spaces in the borough and the impact on children's development. The review aims to identify best practices not only from Scandinavian countries, but also from across the UK and internationally.
The decision was made at the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee meeting on 14 July 2025, where members discussed the initiation of their 2025-26 scrutiny topic. The committee recognised that play is crucial for children's development, and the limited availability of green spaces in Islington could hinder their opportunities to engage in play. The scrutiny initiation document is scheduled to be finalized and agreed upon in September. The committee will be gathering evidence and drafting recommendations through March 2026, with the final report scheduled for April 2026.
Several factors motivated the committee's decision to focus on play spaces. Members noted that mental health and wellbeing are top concerns for young people, and promoting play can support them in this area. They also acknowledged that it had been some time since there had been a regional focus on play, making it a good opportunity to remind families of its importance in an increasingly digital environment.
To understand the needs and preferences of children, the committee plans to hold focus groups with parents and carers who have access to play offers.
Other key considerations included:
- Safety concerns: Some parents have expressed worries about the safety of play spaces. The review aims to identify these specific concerns and barriers.
- Benefits of play: The committee aims to increase understanding among families about the benefits of play to early development, citing significant evidence supporting its importance.
- Human right to play: Members emphasised that the right to play is a human right and suggested seeking international feedback, particularly from Scandinavian countries where play is integrated into the education system.
- Boosting existing strengths: The review will focus on identifying what is working well in Islington's play spaces and services and how to enhance these aspects.
- Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: The pandemic has highlighted the need for more play spaces and services in the borough.
- Limited open space: Islington has one of the lowest amounts of open space among local authorities in the country.
- Antisocial behaviour: Some open spaces are prone to antisocial behaviour, which needs to be addressed.
During the meeting, Councillor Zammit suggested that the committee should look at what kind of evidence-based research Scandinavian countries use for outdoor play.
Councillor Ozdemir noted that the officers are excited about the topic, and she is equally very excited. She also suggested placing a bit more emphasis on mental health in the initiation document, as play is very supportive of it.
The committee aims to increase the sense of security in using communal spaces for play and promote a greater understanding of the benefits of play for early development. The review will consider the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the limited open space in Islington, and issues related to antisocial behaviour in some areas.
The Minutes 16062025 Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee from the previous meeting further detail the rationale behind selecting play spaces and services as the scrutiny topic for 2025-26.
