Childhood and play expert Tim Gill said that while he welcomed the strategy, to be published this summer, it was important not to create a series of "play ghettos" where children are out of sight, but instead include play areas fully in the local community.

"It must be founded on a vision where children are active, visible and engaged," he said.

Gill said he would like to see the strategy, the first of its kind in England, follow the example of Scandinavian countries where children are safe and able to walk or cycle by themselves.

The government has already said the strategy will include 30 pilot areas which will test supervised adventure play parks in disadvantaged areas.

Adrian Voce, chief executive of Play England, said: "I hope these pathfinder authorities will be top-tier councils. We want to see aspirations for a play offer to the whole community."