A three-year strategy which outlines how the island can become more child-friendly has been published – without any attached funding.
What is the play plan and how did it come about?
Jersey’s first Play Plan, published last week, aims to improve children’s wellbeing and development through community engagement and address concerns about their safety and the growing influence of digital technology.
It outlines how the island can improve and promote play for children and young people aged up to 18 in various settings, including public spaces, at school and at home.
Its publication comes 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.
The document, which sets out a vision for the plan, states: “We want Jersey to be the best place for all children to grow up.
“Every baby, child and young person needs a safe and fun place to play and adults who enable and encourage them to do so, regardless of where they live in the island.”
Spearheaded by Assistant Children’s Minister Malcolm Ferey, the plan was designed using 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.
What are the priority areas?
The 40-page document outlines five priority areas. They are: play infrastructure, play at home, in early years and education settings, play in the community, and support.
It also lists several barriers to play from socioeconomic, environmental and inclusion challenges as well as outlining children who would need extra support to play better.
The Play Plan describes the benefits of play for individuals and communities, including improved cognitive development, emotional wellbeing, physical health, social skills and moral and cultural understanding.
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.
The government said the strategy also aligns with the Population Health Plan 2023- 2027 in its promotion of health and wellbeing amongst children, and physical
activity.
According to the document, the Play Plan also supports the Common Strategic Policy 2024-2026 in prioritising children and families.
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.”
What are the next steps?
The plan states that a Play Plan Delivery Group will need to be set up in 2026 to “develop an action plan”.
The plan said a progress report would be produced after a year of the formation of the delivery group, with an end-of-plan evaluation due in 2028.