Playing Out CIC formally closed on 31 March 2026, bringing seventeen years of activism, community organising and policy influence to a dignified close.
In their final message to supporters, the team wrote that they were contacting “one last time to say thank you and goodbye” while emphasising that “the movement for children’s freedom and right to play out is alive, well and growing.”
Co-founders Alice Ferguson and Ingrid Skeels offered a powerful reflection as they “prepare to turn out the lights at Playing Out CIC”, expressing gratitude for the activism, collaboration and policy change driven by thousands of residents, practitioners and allies.
One of Playing Out’s final major contributions is the publication of Streets for Play, Streets for Freedom, authored by Alice Ferguson and Tim Gill. The report argues for a radical reframing of transport and street policy in England through a “child lens”, prioritising those most affected yet least considered in planning.
The email summarises the case succinctly: creating streets safe for children to “play, walk and wheel would save children’s lives, restore children’s freedom and transform children’s wellbeing”.
The report includes Ten Good Reasons for adopting this approach and is intended as a tool for influencing local and national decision-makers.
A Refreshed Website for the Future
Although the CIC has closed, the Playing Out website has been rebuilt to serve as a long-term resource hub. The team describe the original site as “aged about 100 in website years” and note that the new platform is designed to support the next generation of change-makers.
The site remains familiar but clearer, more navigable and future-proofed.
Beyond the CIC
Two important networks will continue independently:
1. The Play Streets Network
Hosted by Lucy Colbeck and Alison Stenning, this network offers:
- Monthly email updates
- Optional monthly Zoom forums
- Peer learning and shared practice
Sign up for the network by clicking here.
2. The Parent/Resident Facebook Group
A long-standing, friendly space for parents and residents to connect around play streets and playing out.
You can find the group on Facebook by clicking here.
Not The End
The email closes with a reminder from international allies: “We’re just at the beginning – things will grow and grow – as a system, we all have a role to support children’s right to get outside and play”.
You can also keep tabs on Alice Ferguson and Ingrid Skeels on their LinkedIn profiles.
The Playwork Foundation 