A LONG-AWAITED strategy outlining how the Island can better promote and accommodate outdoor play for children has been published.
The three-year Play Plan aims to improve community engagement and address concerns about safety and the growing influence of digital technology among the Island’s children and young people aged up to 18.
The plan, spearheaded by Assistant Children’s Minister Malcolm Ferey, was designed following feedback and consultation with children, parents, and subject experts.
It also used the findings of a 2023 Jersey Youth Parliament report that identified barriers to socialisation and a lack of safe community space for teenagers.
The 40-page document outlines five priority areas in realising the plan. They are: play infrastructure, play at home, in early years and education settings, play in the community, and support.
The actions listed include expanding community initiatives such as Play Streets and School Streets, improving access to play for children with disabilities, developing ‘Play Champions’ across government and parishes, and simplifying planning rules for maintaining and replacing existing play infrastructure.
A Play Strategy was originally promised in an amendment to the Bridging Island Plan 2022 to 2025.
Its publication this week came as a result of the approval of a 2025-2028 Budget amendment by former Children’s Minister Deputy Inna Gardiner, which requested £66,000 be re-allocated within the Public Realm fund to complete work to develop the plan.
No ring-fenced funding is attached to any such delivery of the Play Plan.
Announcing the publication of the first Play Plan, Deputy Ferey said: “This plan is about making sure every child in Jersey, regardless of where they live or their circumstances, has the chance to play safely and freely.”
He added: “By prioritising play, we are investing in happier, healthier futures for our young people and creating stronger, more connected communities. I encourage everyone, families, schools, and the community to join us in making Jersey a truly play-friendly island.”
The plan states that going forward, a Play Plan Delivery Group will need to be set up in 2026 to develop an action plan.
The plan said a progress report will be produced after a year of the formation of the delivery group, with an end-of-plan evaluation in 2028.
