Dawn Bowden MS, Minister for Children and Social Care
Today I am pleased to present the Ministerial Review of Play Progress Report, which demonstrates the progress made so far and outlines the actions Welsh Government will take forward between now and May 2026 to achieve the Ministerial Review of Play Steering Group anticipated outcomes. Good progress has been achieved against the sixty-seven highlighted actions, with forty-eight short, medium and long term actions being completed and continued focus on progressing the remaining nineteen medium and long term actions.
We will continue to work with local authorities to support our ambitions in improving the availability of play opportunities and improving the quality of play spaces, creating inclusive and accessible play spaces.
The Welsh Government published its final budget for 2025-2026 on 20 February 2025 and this includes further funding of £5m to local government to improve playgrounds and play facilities for children.
Our ambitions can only be achieved by working collaboratively, across Welsh Government policy areas, and with key stakeholders in: advocating the importance of children’s rights to play; promoting the benefits of play for children’s wellbeing; and ensuring children have sufficient opportunities to play.
I express my thanks to Play Wales, the local authorities and other key stakeholders for their ongoing support for children’s play, supporting our ambitions for Wales being a play friendly country becoming a reality. We want a Wales for all children – a Wales where all babies, young children, their families and communities can thrive, through enriched playful opportunities and experiences.