CFC 10: Children’s play and leisure activities in the community

CFC 10 looks at children’s play and leisure opportunities in the local community and how adults can support children to access them safely and inclusively. The links on this page cover community organisations and activities, the developmental benefits of play and leisure, and the barriers that can prevent some children from taking part. This introduction helps you connect those ideas to everyday practice beyond your setting.

Children learn in many places, not just indoors. Parks, libraries, leisure centres, community halls, children’s centres, places of worship, and local events can all offer valuable experiences. Community play and leisure activities can support physical development, language, social skills and emotional wellbeing. Fresh air and a change of environment can boost mood and curiosity. Meeting new people and trying new activities can also build confidence.

This unit asks you to identify organisations that provide play and leisure activities and to give examples of activities available locally. When you do this, try to include a mix: free or low-cost options, indoor and outdoor activities, and opportunities for different ages. Examples might include library rhyme times, toddler groups, swimming lessons, sports clubs, local festivals, soft play, community gardens, and family learning events.

CFC 10 also asks you to state ways play and leisure support development. Physical development can be supported through climbing, running, balancing, cycling and swimming. Social and emotional development is supported when children practise turn-taking, cooperation, empathy and coping with small disappointments. Language and communication develop when children ask questions, negotiate roles in play, and learn new vocabulary from real-world experiences.

Adults have an important role in making community activities positive and safe. That includes planning ahead, checking suitability for the child’s age and stage, and following your setting’s procedures for outings, ratios and supervision. Support might involve explaining what will happen, using clear routines, and offering reassurance while still allowing the child some independence. Behaviour guidance matters in public spaces too—children need consistent expectations, kind reminders, and praise when they manage something well.

Inclusion is a key theme. Not every child can access community activities easily. Barriers can include cost, transport, language, family work patterns, a child’s additional needs or disability, lack of confidence in new environments, or fear of discrimination. Some children may also find busy places overwhelming due to sensory needs. Adults can reduce barriers by choosing accessible venues, checking facilities in advance, offering quieter times, adapting activities, and planning visits that are short and successful rather than long and stressful.

Here’s a practice example: a child becomes anxious in crowded soft play. An inclusive approach might be to attend at a quieter time, agree a clear meeting point, build in breaks, and offer a familiar routine (arrive, play for ten minutes, drink, then decide what’s next). Another example: a child with mobility needs wants to join a playground session. Adults can plan for accessible routes, adapt games, and choose equipment and spaces that allow meaningful participation, so the child is included rather than watching from the side.

Partnership with parents and carers is also important. Families know their child best and can share what helps them feel secure in new situations. You can share observations and ideas respectfully, while staying within your role and your setting’s policies. Confidentiality matters too: personal information about children and families should never be shared without permission.

As you work through the links on this page, keep your answers grounded in local life and practical support. By the end of CFC 10, you should be able to list community organisations, give examples of play and leisure activities, explain how these support development, outline the adult role in supporting safe participation, identify barriers, and describe how children with particular needs or disability can be included so community opportunities are fairer for everyone.

1. Know about play and leisure activities for children in the local community

2. Know the benefits of play and leisure activities for children

3. Know the role of adults in supporting play and leisure activities in the community

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