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A former Assistant Minister has described it as "disappointing" that the new Government has not progressed plans to develop a play strategy for the island.
Deputy Lucy Stephenson submitted written questions to the Environment Minister, the Children's Minister, and the Economic Development Minister asking them to detail what actions their department has undertaken to develop a play strategy.
The Bridging Island Plan called on the three Ministers to work together to develop a play strategy for the island, with a specific focus on play area provision in St Helier.
It also requested that the Environment Minister develop and publish supplementary planning guidance for developers in relation to the provision of play space.
But in response to Deputy Stephenson's written questions, it emerged that the new Government has not progressed the strategy since taking office in January.
Pictured: Deputy Stephenson pointed to the section of the Bridging Island Plan which outlined plans to develop a play strategy for the island.
All three Ministers wrote: "Following the change of Government earlier in 2024, this workstream was taken on by the Department for Children, Young People, Education and Skills [CYPES].
"All departments have undergone a prioritisation exercise, and it is understood that this work has subsequently been delayed due to resourcing constraints within CYPES."
Children's Minister Richard Vibert explained: "A specific play strategy has therefore not been progressed as it was felt that the additional resource to coordinate a play strategy were not consistent with the government and departmental commitment to reduce the growth of the public sector at this time and fell outside those areas of additional spend as set out in the Common Strategic Policy 2024-6."
Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel said: "The Department for the Economy’s involvement has been limited to supporting CYPES in drafting the Play Policy and working with Infrastructure and Environment on playground redevelopment at Les Quennevais."
Environment Minister Steve Luce added: "Other competing priorities within my own portfolio has meant that the development of supplementary planning guidance for the provision of play space remains to be developed."
Pictured: Deputy Lucy Stephenson was an Assistant Minister in Kristina Moore's Government.
Speaking to Express, Deputy Stephenson described the lack of progress as "disappointing".
She said: "Places all over the world are starting to recognise the benefits of taking a strategic approach to play to ensure good practice and shared values are embedded in policy, systems and spending across government departments and links effectively with outside agencies and groups.
"Previous Youth Parliaments have identified play as a priority for them and we know that many parish Connétables are actively working to improve play opportunities in their areas – by coordinating and having shared aims we can work more effectively and efficiently for young islanders and their families."
She explained that a simple example of this would be to map what play equipment exists in the island and where, to ensure that parks and evenly distributed and don't end up being too similar.
"By taking a strategic approach, Jersey can improve access to a variety of inclusive play equipment for those with different needs," she added.
Pictured: Deputy Stephenson also raises questions about the future of an indoor soft play facility in town when Fort Regent closes.
Deputy Stephenson also said that she wants a strategic answer to the future of an indoor soft play facility in town which is accessible and affordable.
She explained: "Inevitably the one at the Fort will have to close at some point while work is carried out to the building.
"Even if the plan is for one to return in a newly refurbished Fort the island should not be without such a facility in the interim.
"This is something I was actively considering during my time as an Assistant Minister in government."
Deputy Stephenson said: "We shouldn't underestimate the importance of play – it is essential for a child's development on so many levels and places like play parks also provide parents and carers with valuable opportunities to socialise and find support in others, even if it's just a smile across the swings when you're having a tough day."
She added: "It does make me question, what's the point in having these policies in documents like the Bridging Island Plan if Ministers are just going to ignore them anyway?"
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