Inclusive play

We currently provide over 200 play areas across South Lanarkshire and try to ensure that an element of inclusive play is incorporated into any new design. However, given the vast range of abilities, age of children as well as the size and design of different play areas, it is impossible to meet the needs or preferences of every individual child.   The ethos of inclusive play is to ensure that children with a range of abilities can play together.

The inclusive equipment listed is categorised by suppliers and may not be instantly identifiable as the subtle difference could be back support on a springy, a wider slide for adults to accompany a child or it could simply mean that a child can sit on an item that other children would traditionally stand on.  More easily identified are items such as wheelchair-accessible roundabouts or a basket swing for children who may have limited postural support but are able to lie flat.  Wheelchair swings are also considered inclusive, however, as per supplier recommendations, these are not deemed suitable for unsupervised play areas. 

Irrespective of ability or age, not every piece of equipment will be suitable for each child.  It is therefore necessary for accompanying adults to provide adequate supervision and establish whether a particular piece of equipment is appropriate based on a child’s ability and/or age.

In addition to routine play inspections carried out by Grounds Services, the list of inclusive play equipment was last updated in May 2020.

It is, however, important to note that the council cannot guarantee that all items listed will be available on your visit due to ongoing repairs and maintenance. Additionally, in some instances, specific items may have been completely removed by the council if deemed unsafe or inappropriate for further use following an inspection. 

For a full list of all our play areas see Parks and play areas.