Play has many benefits for children and young people, their families and the wider community:

• It is through play that children and young people learn and understand the world around them.
• Play contributes to the physical and mental health of children and young people, and contributes to social, physical, intellectual, cultural, emotional and psychological development.
• Positive play experiences can help to reduce anti-social behaviour and levels of crime.
• Through play, children can test their boundaries and challenge themselves.
• Play is known to develop children’s confidence and self esteem all of which will lead to higher educational aspirations leading to better job prospects.
• Play services can provide opportunities for community involvement and social interaction.
• Play provisions bring economic benefits through jobs and training for the local community.
• Good play provision enables parents to return to work or undertake training. This leads to a better-trained workforce, lower unemployment levels and higher household incomes.
• Play provision often acts as a focal point for parents and carers to meet, giving them an opportunity to socialise with other adults.