The purpose of a Play Sufficiency Assessment (PSA) is to assess the quantity, quality and accessibility of play spaces for all children. These values can be measured in a range of ways. In conducting PSAs and giving advice to different local authorities, Play Scotland has been able to investigate the most effective ways of gathering information, and through reflective practice considered what was the most useful information to gather.
Play Scotland carried out the first PSAs in Scotland, for East Ayrshire Council and for East Lothian Council. By working with these and other local authorities and groups, Play Scotland developed a revised range of tools and indicators which have been used to update the Getting it Right for Play Toolkit.
Getting it Right for Play supports the implementation of our world-leading framework for children’s right to play in Scotland, so that every child can play, have fun and enjoy their childhood. Local authorities are key to upholding every child’s right to play, and they can do this by using the toolkit to engage with children and communities in the assessment and development of play spaces.
Getting it Right for Play toolkit — a key resource designed to help local authorities assess local play spaces and produce Play Sufficiency reports.
The resource has been shaped by extensive engagement with families, communities, and organisations, with a strong focus on the voices and experiences of children and young people with additional support needs. This guidance acknowledges the specific needs and barriers specific groups of children face and provides local authorities — and local community groups — with practical assessment tools to help them evaluate and improve play opportunities and spaces.
This revised version of Getting it Right for Play reflects Scotland’s strengthened commitment to children’s right to play, aligned with the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, National Planning Framework 4, and the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024. It also supports delivery of Scotland’s Play Vision Statement and Action Plan 2025:2030, which recognises place as a primary driver which can create ‘free, accessible, inclusive and safe public play spaces, developed in consultation with children and families.
