On Sunday 20 December 2020, Wales entered Alert Level 4 lockdown, this is what Welsh Government guidance says about children’s play:

Are children’s playgrounds open?

Yes. The benefits of outdoor play to children are significant and keeping parks and playgrounds open supports children’s mental and physical health and wellbeing. Outdoor environments are lower risk in relation to coronavirus transmission.

However, the risk cannot be eliminated, and parents and guardians are encouraged to ensure playgrounds do not get too busy, and take responsibility for social distancing. In particular, you must not arrange to meet with other households at playgrounds and should not socialise there.

We also encourage frequent handwashing or sanitisation, not eating or drinking in parks, wiping down equipment with your own wipes, and maintaining low numbers within parks and on equipment by taking turns or using parks at less busy times.

Can children play outside in the street in their neighbourhoods?  

Yes, if they do not have access to other outdoor space, if it is safe to do so and if they are supervised appropriately by adults. The benefits of outdoor play to children are significant and being able to play outside supports children’s mental and physical health and wellbeing. Outdoor environments are lower risk in relation to coronavirus transmission.

Children can play outside with members of their own household or support bubble but should not arrange to meet with children from other households. This applies to under 11s as well as to over 11s. Where children are old enough to understand the rules, they should be encouraged to follow them and to avoid mixing with other children outside their household or support bubble.

This also applies where children are in the same ‘school or class bubble’. This is because play at school is likely to be more controlled and organised with less likelihood of coming into unintended contact with people from outside of the bubble. 

Are parks open?

Parks are allowed to remain open for outdoor exercise. You can visit parks with members of your household but you must not arrange to meet with other households.

However, some parts of parks such as skate parks will be closed.

Will I still be able to use childcare and play services at alert level 4?

Yes. Childcare services will still be allowed to open, including day care, child minding, sessional, crèche, out of school/holiday provision and flying start provision. Nannies can also continue to provide childcare. Full or half day activity camps used as childcare can also remain open during school holidays,.

Children can also continue to attend staffed playwork provision, like open access play sessions.

All childcare and playwark providers, including Flying Start childcare, can remain open and offer their normal services, including provision through the school holidays. This includes childcare and playwork providers operating from school sites, community centres, places of worship, leisure centres and sports venues.

Find out more from the Welsh Government