The charity Scope is calling on the government to set up a £37m fund to make sure all children, regardless of ability, can use playgrounds.

Disabled children do not feel safe in playgrounds, according to the equality charity Scope, which says they are being denied fun, friendship and development opportunities.

Research by the charity shows one in 10 parents of disabled children said they did not feel their child was safe using inaccessible equipment and the same number said their disabled child had hurt themselves using it.

Emma Vogelmann, lead policy adviser at Scope, told Sky News: “Families with disabled children already face so many challenges in their everyday life and one challenge that they’re enduring at the minute is not being able to enjoy this core community space of a local playground and feeling included in their communities.

“Many playgrounds aren’t designed with disabled children in mind. For example, many have woodchip or sand floors which may be difficult for children with wheelchairs or walkers, and concrete floors are dangerous for children who are prone to falling.”

The charity is calling on supporters to sign an open letter asking the government to invest in making playgrounds accessible for disabled children.

“Inclusive play, when disabled and nondisabled children play together, offers a space for shared experience, enabling children to have equal status and provides the chance to break down social barriers.”

Sign the open letter here