The Foundations of Inclusive Play: Exploring the HAGS Play Pyramid

At HAGS, we believe that play is essential to every child’s development, and our designs reflect the importance of creating inclusive, engaging, and developmentally beneficial play spaces. Central to our approach is the HAGS Play Pyramid, a framework that guides us in designing playgrounds that cater to children’s physical, cognitive, and social growth.

The right to play!

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child became law?on January 1, 2020. It states that all children have the right? to play in a stimulating, safe and accessible environment.

Article 2: All children have the same rights and?equal value.

Article 3:?The best interests of the child shall?be taken into account in all decisions?concerning children.

Article 6:?All children have the right to life and?development.

Article 12:?All children have the right to express?their opinion and be respected.

In addition to these four articles, we want to highlight?two more of great importance from a play?perspective.

Article 23:?Children with disabilities have the right?to a full and decent life as well as help?to actively participate in society.

Article 31:?Children have the right to play, rest and?leisure.

The Play Pyramid: A comprehensive framework for play

The HAGS Play Pyramid is a conceptual tool designed to ensure that every playground offers a balanced range of activities that support children’s growth. The HAGS Play?Pyramid is built on years of international experience and insights from leading Child Development experts, ensuring maximum developmental benefits. It offers an intuitive framework for designers, specifiers, and buyers to create inclusive, accessible play spaces for all.

It highlights the importance of providing opportunities for:

• Physical Play: Activities that encourage movement, strength, and coordination.
• Imaginative Play: Spaces that inspire creativity and storytelling.
• Social Play: Features that foster cooperation, interaction, and friendships.
• Sensory Play: Elements that engage the senses, from tactile surfaces to auditory features.

This structured approach ensures that playgrounds offer something for everyone, regardless of age or ability.

Development Areas: Supporting growth through play

Children learn and grow through play, and the HAGS Play Pyramid is aligned with key Development Areas, which include:

• Physical Development: Play equipment like climbing walls, balance beams, and swings help children build strength, coordination, and agility.
• Social Development: Inclusive play zones and group activities encourage teamwork, empathy, and communication.

• Creative Development: Free play allows children to express themselves, build confidence, and navigate emotions in a supportive environment.
• Cognitive Development: Cognitive play experiences foster curiosity, understanding of the world.?

By addressing these Development Areas, our playgrounds provide children with holistic opportunities for growth.

Play Experiences: Diverse and inclusive opportunities

Inclusive playgrounds must offer a variety of play experiences to meet the needs of all children.

At HAGS, we incorporate features that support:

• Physical Play: Gives opportunity of challenge, excitement, improve?motor skills such as balance, coordination,?strength and dexterity.
• Social Play: Gives opportunities to interact positively and nurture mutually beneficial relationships.
• Creative Play: Great for Children who have difficulty accessing?physical play as they can gain a lot of benefits?from this type of play opportunity.
• Cognitive Play: Experiences foster curiosity?and understanding of the world.

This diversity ensures that every child can find activities they enjoy, regardless of their preferences or abilities.

Play Enablers: Making play accessible and enjoyable for all

To access different Play Experiences, some users need Enablers. Collaborating with FUNdamentally Children - Home of Dr Gummer's Good Play Guide we've identified 10 Enablers. The HAGS Play Pyramid?surpasses conventional 'Play Frameworks' by providing a practical tool that identifies these Enablers. This helps buyers and specifiers better match products to their specific play space requirements.?

Play Enablers are the essential elements that bring playgrounds to life, ensuring they are accessible, safe, and inclusive. Some examples include:

• Accessible Pathways: Smooth, clear routes that allow everyone to navigate the play space.
• Adaptive Equipment: Play features designed to support children with varying abilities.
• Intuitive Design: Simple layouts that make play spaces easy to understand and use.
• Sensory Features: Tactile, auditory, and visual elements that enhance engagement for children with sensory sensitivities.

Together, ten Play Enablers create an environment where all children can feel welcome and empowered to participate.

Building playgrounds that inspire and connect

By combining the Play Pyramid, Development Areas, Play Experiences, and Play Enablers, HAGS designs playgrounds that go beyond fun—they inspire, educate, and connect children and families. This comprehensive approach ensures that every child has the opportunity to thrive through play.

If you’re ready to bring inclusive, developmentally enriching play spaces to your community, contact HAGS today. Together, we can create playgrounds where every child can learn, grow, and have fun.