Every child deserves a safe place to play.

Appropriate fencing and secure gates are required where playgrounds are exposed to foreseeable hazards.

I am the grandmother to a wonderful neurodivergent grandson who loves to explore his environment. However, this natural curiosity brings unique challenges.

 My daughter, his mum, constantly faces the heartbreaking dilemma of wanting to give him the joy and development that comes through play while ensuring his safety. Their local play areas are all open, surrounded by main roads, bodies of water and other hazards,  making them unsafe for children like my grandson who are prone to eloping.

A playground should be a place where children can run, explore and have fun — without being unnecessarily exposed to nearby roads, car parks, waterways or other hazards.

This petition aims to address a critical gap in our playgrounds' safety standards for neurodivergent children and their families. The freedom to enjoy play spaces without fear should be a universal right, yet, for many families, it is a daily struggle. Research indicates that neurodivergent children are at a significantly higher risk of absconding or eloping, a behavior that, if not properly managed, can result in dangerous situations. A study conducted by the Interactive Autism Network (IAN) revealed that nearly half of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder attempt to wander or run off, often placing them at increased risk of injury or fatalities.

A simple yet effective solution to this problem is the installation of fences and gates around all public play areas in the UK.

Enclosed play spaces not only provide an added layer of security but also offer peace of mind to parents and caregivers, knowing that the children are safe to play freely and without constant supervision. This would also foster inclusivity, as families with neurodivergent children would feel welcome and supported in their communities, leading to improved social interactions and emotional well-being for the children.

No single measure can eliminate every danger, but where a suitable physical boundary can help separate a children’s play area from a foreseeable hazard, it should be considered as part of responsible playground design.

 

What we are asking for

We are calling for:

• Risk assessments of public playgrounds and their surrounding environment.

 • Appropriate perimeter fencing where a foreseeable hazard exists.

• Secure, child-safe gates where necessary.

• Particular consideration for playgrounds next to busy roads, car parks, waterways and other significant hazards.

• A review of existing playgrounds so that locations presenting significant risks can be prioritised for improvement.

By signing this petition, you are supporting a necessary change that ensures all children, regardless of their neurological differences, can safely access the essential environments that help them grow and develop. Let us come together to create inclusive and secure play spaces for every child in the UK.

Please sign and share this petition to urge the government and local councils to mandate fenced and gated play areas.

One signature may seem small, but every signature helps demonstrate that people want children’s play spaces to be designed with foreseeable risks properly considered. 

Our children deserve nothing less.