New playgrounds for school hols

Over 300,000 children will have improved access to play areas this summer, primary school staff may be interested to hear.

The Department for Children Schools and Families has announced that 530 new sites have opened across the UK since last year.

A further 3,000 more are expected to be built by 2011 as part of a £235 million investment in children's play.

Announcing the initiative, children's minister Dawn Primarolo said that up to 1.5 million children would benefit from the new facilities.

"Play is first and foremost to help children have fun, but it can also keep them happy and healthy and allow them to develop and achieve their full potential," she added.

Yesterday saw families and children's centres across the UK take part in a programme of events to mark national Playday.

Organised by children's charity Play England, the theme for the day was Making Time.

Adults were encouraged to set time aside to support children's activities.

Meet the Teaching Personnel news team >>