3. What steps is the Welsh Government taking to ensure equal rights for children with disabilities? OQ57955

The Welsh Government has led the way in promoting children's rights through our practical commitment to the principles enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. We aim to ensure that all children have their individual needs met, thus enabling them to have equality of opportunity.

Thank you. On 9 February this year, I did highlight to our Senedd that, despite all children having the right to play as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and section 11 of the Children and Families (Wales) Measure 2010 requiring local authorities to have regard to the needs of children who are disabled persons in relation to the sufficiency of play opportunities, there are still, Minister, many playgrounds across Wales that simply don't have a single suitable facility for a child with a disability. You stated at the time, and I quote:

'I certainly will be taking this up and exploring this, particularly with the Deputy Minister for Social Services'.

Three months on, can you confirm what discussions have taken place with the Deputy Minister and would you advise us what additional steps will be taken to ensure that not a single child is deprived of their right to play in Wales? Diolch.

Diolch, Janet. This is a very important question. Children's rights are enshrined in Welsh law through the Rights of Children and Young Persons (Wales) Measure 2011. That does mean that, whenever we use any of our powers to make a decision, we must consider the impact on children. Of course, that includes the right of all children to play and also recognising those rights in terms of their physical, cognitive and emotional development. This is about continuing our commitment to improve opportunities for all children and young people to play in safety—

What discussion?

Of course, this is a message—if I'm allowed to continue—that local authorities are required to ensure sufficient play opportunities for all children in line with the provisions under section 11 of the Children and Families (Wales) Measure 2010, a specific provision for the needs of disabled children, and 'Planning Policy Wales' has a clear requirement that recreation and play spaces should be provided. So, I'm sure you will be checking out your local authority's play sufficiency assessment each year. There's one due at the end of June this year.