API Chair

Proud to see @API_ChairUK featured in @hellomag highlighting the importance of #play in 'real world' parenting. As she says, play is how children build confidence, resilience and essential life skills - something every child deserves: hellomagazine.com/healthandbeaut… @KensingtonRoyal

Our AGM is underway - bringing members together to reflect on progress, share ideas and shape what comes next. Great to see such strong engagement in the room 👏 #APImembers #ItAllStartsWithPlay

The Play 31 Challenge: Play is essential for every child’s development, wellbeing and happiness yet too many are missing out. We're proud to support the call to all #schools to give children 31 more minutes of #play on International Day of Play on 11 June. Find out more and get involved: childrensplaypolicyforum.wordpress.com/the-united-nat… #IDOP2026 #ItAllStartsWithPlay #Play31Challenge #ProtectPlayProtectChildhood

We’re looking forward to welcoming members to the Association of Play Industries AGM this Thursday at Coombe Abbey, Warwickshire. It’s a great opportunity to come together, reflect on the past year and look ahead at how we can continue to champion high-quality #play provision across the UK for all children. See you there! #APImembers

"We find that being part of the API instantly tells customers that we’re reliable, professional providers of high-quality #play equipment.  It gives them peace of mind that they’re choosing a reputable company." Find out what else our members say about us: api-play.org/our-members-sa… #APImembers

Public #playgrounds don’t just need investment, they need care. In @GovBusiness magazine, @API_ChairUK @DrAmandaGummer shares what good playground upkeep looks like in practice and why inspection, maintenance and lifecycle planning are essential to keeping #play spaces safe, open and valued. Read the full article here: issuu.com/psi-media/docs… #ItAllStartsWithPlay #APImembers

Planning a new #play project? We are on hand to provide practical information, advice and a directory of compliant member companies. API member companies are experienced, professional and trustworthy. Their expertise and commitment will ensure that your project is in safe hands from beginning to end. Find out more here: api-play.org/about-us/benef…

Play England has submitted our response to @MHCLG consultations on reforms to national planning policy & guidance. These consultations follow Ministerial commitments in Parliament to strengthen national planning policy on play. playengland.org.uk/newsblog/play-… #ItAllStartsWithPlay

@API_ChairUK on the panel this morning discussing "The power of play in a future education system" at the #YSTConference. Read our latest national survey revealing the state of outdoor play in schools across England: api-play.org/school-zone/ @YouthSportTrust @PlayEngland @playingout #ItAllStartsWithPlay #APIPlayZone #PlayIsLearning

"Local #parks and #playgrounds are valuable spaces to get outside." @API_ChairUK Dr Amanda Gummer shares her top tips to get children moving and explains why it’s so important. bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-peo… #ItAllStartsWithPlay @CBeebiesHQ

We're excited to be exhibiting at the @YouthSportTrust Conference on 04 March. Visit the API Play Zone and meet some of our member companies, with practical solutions to support #schools and the #education sector in creating high-quality, #inclusive #play spaces. Find out more here: youthsporttrust.org/school-support… #YSTConference

‘The hidden cost of “deplaytion”’ - @NewStatesman Ban social media all you like – but don’t ignore their crap playgrounds newstatesman.com/politics/socie… Councils have long struggled to maintain their playgrounds or open new ones since budget cuts were imposed more than a decade and a half ago. In the UK, nearly 800 playgrounds closed between 2013 and 2023, and we’re still seeing the effects. From Leicester to Greenwich in south London, children are on the brink of losing beloved local adventure playgrounds because of council funding pressures. playengland.org.uk/newsblog/to-pl… Poorer play areas are part of this picture, as are overprotective parents, traffic, digital life and the more intensive school day. The [play] commission recommends a national play strategy from the government to address the problem. The last one was 18 years ago, before most adults owned a smartphone, let alone their kids. playengland.org.uk/newsblog/play-… In the most recent Budget, Rachel Reeves announced £18m to refurbish play areas. And for the first time, proposed revisions to national planning policy include the need to consider children in street and space design. playengland.org.uk/newsblog/play-… #ItAllStartsWithPlay! #EvrythingToPlayFor #PlaySufficiency #NationalPlayStrategy

All our members are bound by a Professional Code of Conduct to maintain a high and improving standard of service to the industry, promote best practice and provide high-quality #play provision: api-play.org/about-us/api-a… #APImembers

Every child needs somewhere they feel they belong. For children and young people, local playgrounds are that place - free spaces to #play and connect. This #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek, let’s support the systems around children by investing in high-quality, local, free playgrounds that help every child feel "I belong here". #ThisIsMyPlace #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek2026 #Playgrounds #ItAllStartsWithPlay #PathwayToPlay

After weeks of grey skies, tomorrow’s forecast is finally looking sunny and dry for many! Take the opportunity to get the kids out to your local #community #playground. Fresh air, movement and time to #play #outdoors all make a real difference. Enjoy! #PathwayToPlay #ItAllStartsWithPlay

The latest issue of @PlayNationMag is now live! Published bi-monthly, the magazine focuses on the policies, people and places that help children, young people and families to play and be more active. 📰➡️ playengland.org.uk/newsblog/playn… #PlayNation #ItAllStartsWithPlay

“We value our API membership very highly. We know first-hand that customers look for it when they’re choosing a #play provider." Find out what it means to be an API member here: api-play.org/our-members-sa… #APImembers

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year to all our members!

With #ScreenTime rising our President @BarryLeahey spoke on @BBC_Cumbria about the need for a #DigitalDetox & highlighted the urgent need to invest in UK #playgrounds. @apiplay Listen to the Full clip here👉bbc.in/44vuPnr (38:38) #InvestInPlay

WATCH: As we approach the end of the year, @API_ChairUK shares a short Christmas message reflecting on the year and looking ahead to 2026. Thank you to all our members for your continued support - here's to a happy, healthy and playful 2026! #ItAllStartsWithPlay #PathwayToPlay #EverythingToPlayFor