A new national survey commissioned by the Association of Play Industries, and carried out by The Education Company, reveals a concerning picture of outdoor play provision in England’s primary schools.
The survey found a sharp drop-off in outdoor play as children move through primary school. While 78% of Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) settings use outdoor areas throughout the day, only 16% of Key Stage 2 (KS2) classes do the same.
Similarly, play-based outdoor learning is nearly universal in EYFS (98%) but falls to just 10% in KS2.
“Schools are telling us they want to do more,” says API Chair, Dr Amanda Gummer. “They understand the benefits but they need support, funding and guidance to make their outdoor ambitions a reality.
“Outdoor play should be protected, funded and celebrated at every stage of a child’s school journey. If we’re serious about improving physical health, mental wellbeing and education outcomes, we need to take play seriously.”
Outdoor play is a cornerstone of learning, health and wellbeing. It deserves a strategic approach that centres equity, accessibility, and creativity—not just in the early years, but throughout a child’s journey through school.
Recommendations from the report include:
- Conduct an annual review of outdoor play – Regularly assess how your outdoor spaces are used, identify what's working well, and spot opportunities for improvement or investment.
- Champion inclusive equipment in funding bids and PTA projects.
- Prioritise flexible, multifunctional spaces over single-use installations.
