Dr Amanda Gummer, Chair of the Association of Play Industries, examines research which highlights both the challenges facing school play provision and the role the play industry can play in addressing them
The latest State of Outdoor Play in Primary Schools report from the Association of Play Industries (API) paints a clear picture of an education system under pressure, where outdoor play is widely valued but increasingly vulnerable. For the play industry, the findings reinforce the importance of quality, safety, inclusivity and long-term thinking at a time when schools must make every investment count.
A steep decline beyond the early years
The research reveals a significant drop in the quality and use of outdoor play spaces as children progress through primary school. While Early Years settings continue to prioritise outdoor play, only eight per cent of primary teachers rate their outdoor spaces as excellent, and one in five schools describe their Key Stage 2 provision as poor or very poor. Daily outdoor access falls dramatically from EYFS to KS2.
This decline highlights a long-standing issue: outdoor play is often treated as an early years priority rather than an essential part of every child’s development. For the play industry, this underlines the need to support schools with age-appropriate, challenging and engaging environments that evolve alongside pupils’ needs.
Curriculum pressure and the squeeze on outdoor learning
Although educators overwhelmingly recognise the benefits of outdoor learning, the report shows that curriculum pressures are pushing aside play-based and outdoor approaches. By KS2, outdoor learning accounts for just 1.5 per cent of lesson time.
Well-designed play spaces can help bridge this gap. Increasingly, schools are looking for outdoor environments that are not single-purpose playgrounds, but multifunctional spaces that support physical activity, social development and curriculum-linked learning. This is where experienced play providers can add real value in helping schools maximise limited space while aligning design with educational outcomes.
Risk aversion and the need for balanced design
The research also highlights how risk and safety concerns are shaping playground provision. Low-risk features such as markings and mud kitchens dominate, while equipment that offers higher levels of physical challenge is now rare.
This trend points to a growing need for reassurance and expertise. Schools want to provide safe environments, but they also recognise the importance of appropriate risk in developing confidence, resilience and physical capability. Trusted play companies, working to recognised safety standards and best practice, are well placed to help schools strike this balance through thoughtful design and compliant installation.
Inclusion: a gap that must be addressed
One of the most striking findings is the lack of inclusive outdoor provision. Seventy per cent of schools report having no specialist equipment for pupils with SEND, and inclusivity is still not a main consideration in many purchasing decisions.
This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the play industry. Inclusive design should not be an afterthought or an expensive add-on, but a core principle built into play spaces from the outset. Providers with experience in inclusive consultation, accessible design and compliant equipment can help schools create environments that work for every child, regardless of ability.
Tight budgets demand long-term value
With most schools spending under £10,000 on outdoor play in recent years, investment decisions are understandably cautious. Schools are prioritising maintenance, durability and versatility, alongside inclusive and weather-resistant solutions that deliver year-round use.
In this climate, schools increasingly need partners who can demonstrate financial stability, proven experience and long-term value – from initial consultation through to installation, inspection and ongoing maintenance. Choosing suppliers who operate to high professional standards gives schools confidence that limited budgets are being spent wisely.
The role of trusted industry partners
As the report makes clear, outdoor play remains a cornerstone of children’s health, wellbeing and learning, but without the right support, it is often the first area to be cut. The play industry has a vital role to play in reversing this trend by supporting schools with evidence-led design, compliant equipment and practical guidance.
This is where working with recognised, accountable play providers becomes increasingly important. API members, for example, are required to meet rigorous standards around safety compliance, financial stability, professional conduct and inclusive design, while also offering added value such as stakeholder engagement, post-installation inspections and maintenance support
Looking ahead
The future of outdoor play in primary schools will depend on collaboration between educators, policymakers and the play industry. By prioritising inclusive, flexible and well-designed spaces – and by working with trusted, accredited providers – schools can ensure outdoor play is not confined to the early years and embedded throughout the whole of primary education.
For the play industry, the message is clear: quality, expertise and accountability are no longer optional. They are essential to delivering play spaces that meet today’s challenges and stand the test of time.
About the Association of Play Industries
The Association of Play Industries (API) is the lead trade association for the UK play sector. Its member companies are the UK’s leading providers of outdoor playground equipment, indoor play equipment and safety surfacing for schools, local authorities, parish councils and more. All API members are bound by a Professional Code of Conduct and have to meet the required standards for operational proficiency and integrity to maintain a high and improving standard of service to the industry. For more information about the API and its members visit www.api-play.org.
