VALE OF GLAMORGAN
PLAY STRATEGY
2010 - 2013
Contents
1.
Purpose of the Strategy ……………………………………… page 3
2.
Background ……………………..………………………………page 4
3.1. What is play
3.2. A View of the Vale
3.
The Vision & Aims for Play Development in the Vale ……. page 7
4.
The Context of the Strategy …………………………………. page 8
5.1. National Policy Context
5.2. Local Policy Context
5.
Key Objectives for the Future
Objective One – Encouraging More Play Provision …………. page 11
Objective Two – The Role of Schools ………….……………... page 12
Objective Three – Play in the Community ……………….…… page 13
Objective Four – A Play work Profession …………………….. page 15
Objective Five – Managing risk & Parental concerns ……….. page 18
Objective Six – Play across the Vale of Glamorgan ………… page 19
6.
Action Plan …………………………………………………….… page 20
7.
References ………………………………………………………. page 36
8.
Appendices ……………………………………………………… page 37
2
1. PURPOSE OF THE STRATEGY
In their Play Policy and Implementation Plan (2002), the Welsh Assembly
Government clearly highlights the importance of play in the development of all
children and young people. They state that :
“Play is so critically important to all children in the development of their
physical, social, mental, emotional and creative skills that society
should seek every opportunity to support it and create an environment
that fosters it. Decision making at all levels of Government should
include a consideration of those decisions on children’s opportunities to
play.”
(Welsh Assembly Government’s Play Policy, 2002)
In support of the above statement, the Vale of Glamorgan Council has
developed a play strategy that compliments the actions and policies identified
within key government publications and internal corporate documents, which
are identified in appendix 1.
The purpose of this document is to set out the strategic direction for the
development of play in the Vale of Glamorgan for the period of 2010 – 2013
by :

highlighting and maximising the contribution that the Vale of Glamorgan
Council and partner organisations can make towards developing play
opportunities, which subsequently impact on the health and social wellbeing of children and young people across the authority.

creating a strategic play development action plan in conjunction with
key partners.

ensuring that all actions link into appropriate aims identified within key
local and national policy documents including the Children and Young
People’s Plan, the Council’s Corporate Plan and the Welsh Assembly
Governments Play Policy and Implementation Plan.
3
2. BACKGROUND
2.1. What is Play ?
“Play encompasses children’s behaviour which is freely chosen,
personally directed and intrinsically motivated. It is performed for no
external goal or reward, and is a fundamental and integral part of
healthy development – not only for individual children but also for the
society in which they live.”
(Welsh Assembly Government, 2006)
Play is the natural instinctive process of learning and development. When
playing, children and young people should themselves be able to choose what
they want to do, how they want to do it and why they want to do it. It provides
opportunities
for
problem
solving,
language
development,
creativity,
communication, negotiation, listening skills as well as an opportunity to learn
about risk, which is an essential element of confidence building.
Play can also be therapeutic and gives children the chance to deal with
difficult or painful circumstances. It provides children and young people with
the opportunity to let off steam and have fun! It is the means by which children
explore their environment, their world, their roles and relationships; supporting
positive mental health in our future generations. It is an essential process that
impacts on the lives of children and young people as well as the community in
which they live.
Play is a fundamental right of all children and young people living in the United
Kingdom. It is enshrined in Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the
Rights of the Child, to which the UK is a signatory. The provision and
development of play opportunities in the Vale of Glamorgan is the
responsibility of a wide range of organisations, groups, individuals and
communities working in partnership for the best interests of children and
young people and the wider community.
4
2.2. A View of the Vale
There are 31,693 children and young people between the ages of 0-19 years
living within both rural and urban areas of the Vale of Glamorgan (Census,
2001). There are twenty two wards in the Vale. Whilst the Vale of Glamorgan
is predominantly regarded as affluent, there are three designated Community
First areas, Castleland, Gibbonsdown and Court which have a number of
development programmes in place to increase the opportunities available to
the population in these areas.
Eight of the wards in the Vale are considered to be rural covering
approximately 80% of the area. Rurality brings with it associated implications
when considering access to services such as play. A study commissioned by
the Vale Centre for Voluntary Services ‘Capacity Deficits in the Vale of
Glamorgan’ (Beman & Davies, 2000), found that “in the rural Vale the people
and families experiencing poverty and disadvantage are scattered and
subsumed statistically into the relative affluence of the rest of the population”.
Therefore it is important to highlight that the geography of the Vale of
Glamorgan greatly impacts on the level of play opportunities available to
children and young people. Whilst the rural nature of the Vale can present
challenges, it also brings many opportunities to develop natural play
environments.
Through the utilisation of Cymorth funding, the Vale of Glamorgan Council has
employed a Play Development Officer to develop opportunities for children
and young people aged 5-14 years (and up to 19 years for disabled young
people) and a Play Development Worker to develop play as part of the
Western Vale Integrated Children’s centre (WVICC). The play programme
budget is also funded through Cymorth with additional money from the Welsh
Assembly Government funding stream to facilitate play for disabled children.
The Welsh Assembly Government (2006) places a duty on local authorities to
cooperate in addressing the play needs of children and young people,
including the need for staffed adventure play. The Children’s Act 2004
guidance states that the “Welsh Assembly Government wishes to see
5
additional staffed adventure play which provides children with a rich play
environment (Shared Planning for Better outcomes, Sept 2007, p.49).
The success of the play development scheme within the Vale of Glamorgan
Council is currently measured via targets set out within the Cymorth plan. At
present these targets only reflect the work undertaken by the Play
Development team. These targets include the following :

Provide a Play Development Officer to coordinate the play project

Adopt and implement the Vale of Glamorgan Play Strategy by April 2010

13 Playschemes and 2 Teen schemes operated in targeted areas of the
Vale of Glamorgan during the school holidays to be attended by 400
children/young people

50 places for disabled children and young people requiring additional
support to access integrated Playscheme/Teenscheme across the Vale

Children and young people with special needs not requiring additional
support are encouraged to attend appropriate schemes

90% positive feedback from the children and young people attending the
schemes

To develop 2 community based play initiatives

200 children to attend playschemes in the Western Vale
6
3. THE VISION & AIMS FOR PLAY DEVELOPMENT IN THE VALE OF
GLAMORGAN
The Vale of Glamorgan Council is committed to the development of quality
play opportunities. In conjunction with key partners the Council will co-ordinate
the strategic development and promotion of play opportunities within the area.
The vision for play development in the Vale of Glamorgan is:
“To work in partnership with both voluntary and statutory
organisations to enable the development of sustainable play
opportunities that best meet the needs of children and young people,
including disabled children and the wider community”.
The aim of the play development programme is to increase the number of
children and young people that have access to quality play opportunities. The
key objectives for the programme mirror those identified by the Welsh
Assembly Government in their Play Policy Implementation Plan (2006) and
are as follows :
Objective 1. To encourage more play provision
Objective 2 : To develop play in schools
Objective 3 : To develop play in the community
Objective 4 : To work towards the development of a Playwork profession
Objective 5 : Managing risk and parental concerns around play
Objective 6: Play Across the Vale - to raise the profile of play and facilitate coordination amongst agencies involved with play to effect change
and policy development
7
4. THE CONTEXT OF THE STRATEGY
4.1. National Policy Context
Play is central to the development of all children and young people. The
Welsh Assembly Government indicate that :
“Play is first and foremost the process of a child’s own self-directed
learning and as such is a process that has validity for all ages of
children. It is as such a vital component of a child's life that the child's
capacity for positive development will be inhibited or constrained if
denied free access to the broadest range of environments and play
opportunities”.
(Welsh Assembly Government’s Play Policy, 2002)
The Vale of Glamorgan’s Play Strategy has been developed in line with, and
is committed to supporting, the principles and values outlined in the Welsh
Assembly Governments Play Policy (2002) and Play Policy Implementation
Plan (2006). It is essential that a clear commitment is made to ensure children
and their needs are central to policy making and that provision is developed to
meet those needs. The principles are as follows :

Every child is entitled to respect for their own unique combination of
qualities and capabilities.

The perceptions of the child, their views and opinions should always be
respected for each child is connected to, and a bearer of, a wider culture.

The child’s free choice of their own play is a critical factor in enriching their
learning and contributing to their wellbeing and development.
This play strategy aspires to link in with the seven core aims set out in the
Welsh Assembly Government’s document ‘Children and Young People’s
Framework - Right’s to Action’. The seven core aims and their link to play are
highlighted in appendix 2. Although Core Aim 4 of the aims directly refers to
play, all of the aims must be considered in any play service development.
8
All play development initiatives within the Vale will consider the ten
entitlements for children and young people that have been set out by the
Welsh Assembly Government in their Extending Entitlement (2002) document
with particular reference to participation, health and wellbeing, accessible
information, education and employment and the opportunity to participate
safely and securely in activities within their own communities.
4.2. Local Policy Context
Play contributes to the achievement of many of the Council’s corporate
objectives (Corporate Plan, 2009 – 2013) such as community wellbeing,
lifelong learning and community leadership. In addition to acknowledging the
value of play for play’s sake, play development initiatives within the Vale
embrace and take account of the priorities identified within the Community
Strategy including actions relating to the implementation of the foundation
phase, assisting community members to return to work and lifelong learning.
The Vale’s Children and Young Peoples plan (2008-2011) clearly identifies
the need to increase the level of importance currently attached to play in the
Vale and has identified the adoption and implementation of this play strategy
as one of its key actions. The plan also identifies the need for all partners to
work together to promote the value of play provision and look at opportunities
for sharing resources to expand provision.
Play is a fantastic vehicle to promote inclusion. Actions identified within this
strategy will consider the Disability Discrimination Act and ensure that policies,
practices and programmes take account of the social model of disability,
offering choice to disabled children and young people where practicable.
A Play Steering Group has been established and this group will be
instrumental in advocating on behalf of play and developing play services in
line with this strategy. It is intended that this strategy will provide a firm
foundation upon which partners can build for the future. It is for this reason
9
that this strategy is a working document, which will evolve in line with the
identified play needs of children and young people.
By valuing play, we value children and young people
10
5. KEY OBJECTIVES FOR THE FUTURE
This strategy sets a clear direction so that play opportunities in the Vale can
develop. The following outlines how the key objectives will be achieved.
5.1. OBJECTIVE ONE : ENCOURAGING MORE PLAY PROVISION
What we want to achieve :
To develop appropriate local provision that best meets the needs of children
and young people, including disabled children.
Current Situation :
Current play opportunities are provided by the Council and external partners
including afterschool play providers and community organisations. The
majority of provision delivered by the Council takes place during the summer
holidays and is delivered by sessional staff in community buildings, local parks
and open spaces. To ensure inclusive provision, a multi-agency approach has
been implemented between partners including the Play Development Team,
Children with Disabilities Team, Cardiff & the Vale Parents Federation and the
Family Information Service to enable disabled children to access play
opportunities alongside their peers. Currently there is little play provision
taking place outside of the summer school holiday period and only a limited
amount is delivered within the voluntary sector through, for example,
afterschool clubs.
How we will achieve our objective :
5.1.1. Promote the importance of play.
5.1.2. Audit current play opportunities to identify gaps in provision.
5.1.3. Consult with children and young people, including disabled children
and their carers, to establish their play needs.
5.1.4. Promote and maintain the current level of play opportunities and
develop new initiatives in conjunction with current and new partners.
11
5.1.5. Encourage joint working to better meet the play needs of children and
young people.
5.1.6. Ensure that new provision is developed in line with legislation to
promote the inclusion of disabled children.
5.1.7. Expand the communication network amongst partners to share good
practice, avoid duplication and pool resources where appropriate.
5.1.8. Develop opportunities for play provision in the rural Vale.
5.1.9. Access appropriate funding streams to facilitate the development of
new play opportunities.
5.2. OBJECTIVE TWO – PLAY IN SCHOOLS
What we want to achieve :
To develop rich play opportunities within the school environment.
Current Situation :
Schools play a key role in creating and improving opportunities for play and
informal recreation. School playgrounds and playing fields can often represent
the only open space in local areas. (Welsh Assembly Government, 2006). The
Play Development Officer in partnership with education representatives, has
developed inclusive play projects that take place in some school facilities
during the summer holidays. These projects support the principal that
community focussed schools are well placed to meet local people’s noneducational needs, where there are no other public facilities available.
Vale schools are currently developing play through the implementation of the
Foundation Phase development for all 3-7 year old children. This advocates
children learning through first hand, experiential activities and play, and places
a child’s personal and social development and well being at the heart of the
curriculum. The Welsh Assembly Government argues that play and active
learning should be an essential part of the children’s curriculum and that there
should be opportunities for children to follow their own interests and ideas
through play.
12
How we will achieve our aim :
5.2.1. Offer appropriate training to teaching and non-teaching staff to enrich
play environments and give an understanding of children and young
peoples play needs.
5.2.2. Consult with children, young people and the local community about
preferred opportunities within their local schools and grounds and
develop appropriate play spaces.
5.2.3. Encourage and develop inclusive out of hours school play opportunities
within community focussed schools.
5.2.4. Implement the Foundation Phase roll-out to Vale schools by 2011.
5.3. OBJECTIVE THREE – PLAY IN THE COMMUNITY
What we want to achieve :
To ensure that communities are supported to further enhance and develop
doorstep play opportunities.
Current Situation :
A Play Forum has been established to support local play providers and acts
as an avenue for members, including parents, Welsh Assembly Government
representatives and community play providers to share good practice,
resources and develop workforce skills.
Due to increases in traffic, children and young people can encounter issues in
relation to travelling around their local communities safely. “Walking Buses” to
playschemes have been successfully piloted by the Council. Similar
consideration is needed to enable children to safely travel to their local play
areas throughout the year. The Welsh Assembly Government’s Road Safety
Strategy calls for more 20mph zones, and has developed it’s “Safe Routes to
Schools” scheme into a “Safe Routes in Communities” scheme which means
that routes to community facilities, such as leisure centres and play areas, can
be considered. This initiative has been supported during National Playday
13
events and was supported by the Cardiff Blues Rugby Team, raising the
importance of slowing down traffic during the school holidays.
Community programmes have been delivered in the Vale and can be built
upon when considering future developments. These include :

Gibby Rangers - a partnership project between the Gibbonsdown / Court
Communities First initiative, and the Council. An adapted shipping
container (POD) has been used to provide a base from which to deliver
doorstep play opportunities.

Stratford Green Project - a partnership project between the Council and
the Stratford Green Tenants and Residents Association. Following
consultation with residents, doorstep play opportunities are facilitated by
qualified Play Rangers and local residents have attended play training to
assist with sustainability of the provision.

Play Rangers – a Council initiative placing Play Rangers in local park
areas and open spaces providing children with the opportunity to
experience play outdoors, which may otherwise be limited due to parental
fears about safety. This provision extends the range of opportunities
beyond traditional fixed play areas.
How we will achieve our aim :
5.3.1. Encourage & support community groups to provide local play
opportunities.
5.3.2. Offer a training programme to local volunteers and play providers to
encourage sustainable community based play opportunities.
5.3.3. Develop a support network for community groups involved in providing
and developing play opportunities.
5.3.4. Work in partnership within the Council to ensure that consideration is
given to the play needs of children and young people.
5.3.5. Support the further development of the Vale play forum.
14
5.3.6. Engage with older residents within local communities to harness their
experience and time.
5.3.7. Link with other initiatives such as Alleygates scheme, to provide safe
community play environments.
5.4. OBJECTIVE FOUR – A PLAYWORK PROFESSION
What we want to achieve
To develop and retain a quality play workforce.
Current Situation in the Vale
A project has been piloted whereby all play staff employed by the Vale
Council attended Play Wales P3 training, which is a Level 2 training
qualification for playwork embedded in reflective practice. This proved very
successful and playworkers reported that they felt better equipped to deliver a
professional service. There is a need for long-term investment in a play
workforce as many of the current Council staff are university students who are
only available for sessional employment during the summer period which has
obvious limitations for the development of a trained, committed workforce that
can deliver year round play opportunities. There is limited funding available for
workforce development within the Flying start initiative.
The Welsh Assembly Government is working with the UK Government on the
development of a children’s workforce, including the development of a single
qualifications framework, incorporating playwork, and a common core of skills
and knowledge. The Welsh Assembly Government are leading on a
recruitment drive, “Play, Learn, Grow”, for the children’s workforce, for the
purpose of attracting appropriate individuals into pursuing a career with
children.
15
Training opportunities have been coordinated to support the continuous
professional development of Playworkers with the EYDCP contributing monies
to run courses including the ‘Let’s All Play course’ promoting inclusive
playwork. ‘Get Out & Play courses have also taken place to encourage
parents and grandparents to revisit their childhood play opportunities and
encourage them to better understand the play needs of children today.
How will we achieve our aim :
5.4.1. Support the development and implementation of new training materials
ensuring they are underpinned by the current playwork principles.
5.4.2. Recommend that Play providers and volunteers are appropriately
qualified and receive ongoing training and support as required by the
Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales.
5.4.3. Ensure that play providers are aware of standards and guidelines as
established by governing bodies.
5.4.4. Promote and encourage reflective practice for playworkers and play
providers by using tools such as ‘First Claim’.
5.4.5. Raise the status of play and the Playwork profession within the Vale of
Glamorgan.
5.4.6. Encourage and promote Playwork as a career choice within the
secondary school environment.
5.4.7. Offer play training to members of the local community, which
encourages volunteering and supports adults returning to work.
5.4.8. Provide access to appropriate training materials for staff to encourage
an inclusive working environment.
5.4.9. To provide access to Welsh language play opportunities through the
development of Welsh speaking playworkers.
5.4.10.Ensure that all play workers undertake disability awareness training
courses as part of their basic training
16
5.5. OBJECTIVE FIVE – MANAGING RISK AND PARENTAL CONCERNS
What we want to achieve :
To assist parents and carers to recognise the importance of managed risk in
play as part of their child’s development.
Current Situation :
There is a need to raise understanding of the importance of play amongst
parents and carers. Unknowingly children’s play can often be undermined by
adults.
Parents and carers have genuine concerns about the health and
safety of their children, such as a fear of traffic or predatory adults, which can
have an impact on access to play opportunities. Good practice in risk
management recognises that support for play and children’s development
requires a balanced judgment of risk.
Through the Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales, the Assembly
Government regulates staffed play provision serving children aged under 8
and can ensure that such a balanced approach is taken in these settings.
The minimum standards set out by the Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales
consider the health, safety and care needs of children. Currently they only
apply to settings that include children under 8. Where play provision is not
registered with the CSSIW, it is important that play opportunities meet these
needs as far as practicably possible, particularly where disabled children and
young people are included.
Two Health and Safety officers from the Council have attended a ‘Risk in Play’
seminar run by Play Wales, the national organisation promoting children’s
play in Wales.
17
How will we achieve our aim :
5.5.1 Raise awareness about the importance of managing risk in Play.
5.5.2. Support other partners to acknowledge that children and young people
need to experience risk whilst at play.
5.5.3. Promote effective risk assessment of play opportunities.
5.5.4. Train Playworkers to confidently deal with parental
concerns
surrounding risk.
5.5.5. Produce user friendly information for parents and carers on risk in Play.
5.5.6. Liaise with parent groups to identify their concerns, especially relating
to the needs and perceived risks faced by disabled children and young
people.
5.6. OBJECTIVE SIX – PLAY ACROSS THE VALE OF GLAMORGAN
What we want to achieve
To raise the profile of play and facilitate co-ordination amongst agencies
involved with play to effect change and policy development.
That play is recognised and valued within the Vale for its positive impact on
the lives of children and young people as well as the wider community.
Current Situation :
A multi-disciplinary Play Steering Group has been established to discuss
developments in relation to play. It is linked to the Children and Young
People’s Framework Partnership and feeds into the Core Aim 4 group.
The Vale of Glamorgan Play Forum has representation on both the play
steering group and the regional advisory group (RAG) for play. The role of the
RAG is to support cross county play initiatives feeding into the work of the Recreate Cardiff and the Vale infrastructure project.
18
How will we achieve our aim :
5.6.1. Promote the Play Strategy across the Council.
5.6.2. Link to actions in the Children & Young People’s Plan.
5.6.3. Support the Re-create Cardiff and Vale infrastructure project.
5.6.4. Support the Vale Play Forum.
5.6.5. Raise awareness of the cross cutting nature of play and its potential
impact on key corporate objectives amongst senior management,
cabinet members and internal Council departments.
5.6.6. Raise awareness of benefits of play and highlight achieved outcomes
amongst external organisations and the community.
5.6.7. Raise the profile of Vale play development programmes on a regional
and national level.
5.6.8. Raise awareness of the cross cutting nature of play and its potential
impact on key corporate objectives.
19
Action Plan
Sub
Ref
1.1.
Ref to
Other
Action
Plans
Action
Success Criteria &
Outcomes
Organisation of events
highlighting the importance of
play
Organisation of annual Vale
Family Fun Day to be attended
by 150 people.
Organisation of annual ‘Get
Out & Play’ event to be
attended by 50 people
1.2.
Map current provision including
fixed play sites, open access
staffed provision in both the
voluntary and statutory sectors.
Flying Start to arrange three
events per year where all 627
FS children are invited
Report / map produced
identifying all existing provision
across the Vale of Glamorgan
High,
Medium
or Low
Priority
Officer
Responsible
Objective 1 : Encouraging More Play Provision
Start
Date
Finish
Date
Resources
Implications
Officer time
Cymorth funding
M
Play Dev
Officer
April
2010
Sept
2013
M
Play Dev
Officer
Jan
2010
March
2013
M
Flying Start
Manager
Jan
2010
March
2011
Flying Start
funding
H
Recreate
Regional
Executive
Officer /
Play Dev
Officer
Jan
2010
July
2010
Big
Lottery
Infrastructure
funding
Officer time
Cymorth funding
Officer time
Cymorth funding
Progress
Sub
Ref
1.3.
1.4.
1.4.
1.5.
1.6.
1.9.
Ref to
Other
Action
Plans
Action
Develop an appropriate tool(s)
to facilitate consultation with
children and young people
regarding their play needs.
Success Criteria &
Outcomes
Identification of an appropriate
consultation tool(s).
High,
Medium
or Low
Priority
H
Report produced highlighting
gaps in provision and future
play needs.
Present
report
findings
regarding
current
play
opportunities and future play
needs to appropriate internal
and
external
partners
to
strategically
plan
the
development
of
play
opportunities across the Vale
Report
produced
and
distributed to all partners.
Community
outreach
play
programme to be developed in
conjunction with Cardiff Council
Children’s Play Services and
the Regional Advisory Group.
BLF bid successful.
Appointment
of
1
Play
Development Officer and 5
playworkers
Presentation delivered at Play
Steering Group
Officer
Responsible
Objective 1 : Encouraging More Play Provision
Play Dev
Officer
Start
Date
Finish
Date
Resources
Implications
Jan
2010
Dec
2010
Officer time
Cymorth
Funding
Policy and
Consultation
Officer for
Social
Services
M
M
H
Children’s
Participation
Officer
Play
Dev
Officer
Play
Officer
Dev
Play Dev
Officer
Progress
July
2010
Dec
2010
Officer time
July
2010
Oct
2010
Officer time
Jan
2010
April
2013
BLF funding
Officer time
Sports & Play
Dev Manager
Outcomes identified within BLF
plan achieved
21
Sub
Ref
1.4.
1.5.
1.7
1.3.
1.4.
1.5.
1.6.
Ref to
Other
Action
Plans
Action
High,
Medium
or Low
Priority
Success Criteria &
Outcomes
Utilise the Vale Play Steering
Group and Vale Play Forum to
encourage
joint
working
between open and closed play
providers.
Create an inclusive play coordinator post (part-time,
seasonal) to support the
summer play provision. The
post holder will encourage and
support the inclusion of disabled
children and young people into
local play provision.
1 pilot partnership
developed
project
Officer
Responsible
Objective 1 : Encouraging More Play Provision
Start
Date
Finish
Date
Resources
Implications
L
Play Dev
Officer
Sept
2010
Sept
2011
Officer time
Cymorth funding
Disabled children and young
people are supported to
access play provision
appropriate to their needs and
wishes (targets to be set once
baseline data gathered).
H
Play Dev
Officer
April
2010
Sept
2013
Officer time
To monitor the number of
disabled children and young
people accessing current play
provision.
Identify current baseline data
regarding participation of
disabled children and young
people accessing play
provision.
M
Officer time
Consult with disabled children/
young people, their parents/
carers to ensure any play
provision developed considers
their needs.
Barriers
to
participation
identified
and
information
regarding these distributed to
partners via the Play Steering
Group.
M
Inclusive
Play Coordinator
May
2010
Oct
2010
Inclusive
Play Coordinator
May
2010
Oct
2010
Progress
Play for Disabled
Children funding
Officer time
22
Sub
Ref
1.5.
1.7.
1.1.
1.4.
1.8.
Ref to
Other
Action
Plans
Action
High,
Medium
or Low
Priority
Success Criteria &
Outcomes
Promote current play network
and further develop links with
other partners to encourage
them to participate in the Play
Steering Group and Play Forum
by organising events and
meetings at varying times
throughout the day.
4 Vale Play Steering Group
meetings held annually
Work in partnership with the
Western Vale Integrated
Children’s Centre and other
partners including community
focussed schools to assist them
in developing open access play
opportunities.
Action plan developed
Western Vale
Identify other funding streams to
ensure sustainability of
programmes in partnership with
the voluntary sector
M
Officer
Responsible
Objective 1 : Encouraging More Play Provision
Play Dev
Officer
6 Vale Play Forum meetings
held annually
Play Forum
Chair
Increased membership to the
Vale Play Steering Group and
Vale Play Forum
Play
Development
Worker
for
6 play provisions delivered in
the Western Vale
200 children and young people
to
attend
summer
playschemes
2
community
developed
H
WVICC Play
Development
Worker
Start
Date
Finish
Date
Resources
Implications
Jan
2010
March
2013
Officer time
Jan
2010
June
2010
Officer time
Progress
WVICC Cymorth
funding
WVICC
Centre
Manager
Other
funding
streams
projects
23
Sub
Ref
1.9.
Ref to
Other
Action
Plans
Action
Success Criteria &
Outcomes
Facilitate the accessing of
funding streams by partner
organisations to enable them to
develop more play provision.
Funding leaflet created and
distributed to all partner
organisations and placed on
website.
Liaise with the Vale Centre for
Voluntary Services to identify
appropriate funding
mechanisms.
Leaflet updated on an annual
basis
High,
Medium
or Low
Priority
M
Officer
Responsible
Objective 1 : Encouraging More Play Provision
Play
Officer
Dev
VCVS Officer
Start
Date
Finish
Date
Resources
Implications
Sept
2010
Dec
2010
Officer time
Progress
Cymorth
Funding
Distribution database created
24
Sub
Ref
2.1.
2.2.
2.3.
Ref to
Other
Action
Plans
Action
Success Criteria & Outcomes
Offer advice and guidance to
schools in the re-development
of outdoor play spaces for use
during school breaks and
through the foundation phase.

Community Focused Schools
initiative to have representation
at Play Steering Group
meetings to facilitate access to
school facilities.

High,
Medium
or Low
Priority
PE and
School Sport
Co-ordinator
All schools to develop
outdoor spaces
appropriate to enhance
children’s holistic
development through
effective play
1 joint project developed
with Community Focussed
Schools to facilitate use of
school outdoor play
spaces as a community
play resource
Officer
Responsible
Objective 2 : The Role Of Schools
M
Foundation
Phase
Associate
Advisers
Community
Focussed
Schools
Officer
SIS
representativ
e-FP
Associate
Adviser
Start
Date
Finish
Date
Resources
Implications
Jan
2010
Ongoin
g
School budget,
capital funding
Sept
2010
Sept
2011
F.P. Associate
adviser time
Progress
Officer time
CFS funding
Play
Development
Officer
25
Sub
Ref
2.3.
2.1.
2.4.
Ref to
Other
Action
Plans
Action
Success Criteria & Outcomes
Encourage availability of
facilities within special schools
to assist with the inclusion of
disabled children and young
people within play projects.
1 new play programme
developed within a special
school
To identify funding to pilot an
open access ‘playworkers in
the playground’ project
facilitated by playworkers in
outdoor play spaces in schools.
Funding identified and 10
individuals to attend course
High,
Medium
or Low
Priority
M
M
Officer
Responsible
Objective 2 : The Role Of Schools
Community
Focussed
Schools
Officer
SIS
representativ
e-FP
Associate
Adviser
Play
Dev
Officer
Start
Date
Finish
Date
Jan
2010
Jan
2012
Dec
2010
Dec
2011
Resources
Implications
Progress
PESS
co0rdinator
26
Sub
Ref
Ref to
Other
Action
Plans
High,
Medium
or Low
Priority
Start
Date
Finish
Date
Resources
Implications
Senior Rural
Regeneration
Officer
April
2009
April
2011
M
Flying Start
April
2009
March
2011
Welsh Assembly
Government
Rural
Community
Development
Plan – Places for
People funding
Flying Start
finance
6 volunteers to run their own
community play sessions.
H
Vale
Forum
Play
Feb
2010
March
2013
Funding
accessed by
Vale Play Forum
Development of three resource
packs, one of which is an
outdoor pack.
M
Vale
Forum
Play
Jan
2010
Dec
2010
Annual
created
H
Play
Development
Officer
March
2010
March
2013
EYDCP funding
& funding
accessed by
Vale Play Forum
Cymorth
Action
Success Criteria & Outcomes
3.1.
3.7.
The Places for Young People
capital grant scheme promoted
to appropriate organisations to
assist with the development of
new play opportunities in the
rural Vale.
6 projects to be delivered in
Vale
M
3.1.
3.3.
Flying Start to offer 50 sessions
per week one to one ‘Play
Support’ in the homes to
encourage parents to use
strategies to improve child
development through play.
Consult with children, young
people and adults regarding
play and its importance to
children and young people in
the local community.
Develop play packs which can
be accessed by community
groups to support play
opportunities.
Offer a training programme to
local volunteers and play
providers
Parents to attend open access
groups with their children.
3.1.
3.2.
3.3.
3.5.
3.1.
3.2.
3.3.
3.2.
Officer
Responsible
Objective 3 : Play in the Community
training
&
calendar
promoted.
Progress
EYDCP funding
4 courses delivered
27
Sub
Ref
3.3.
3.7.
3.4.
3.7.
Ref to
Other
Action
Plans
Action
Success Criteria & Outcomes
To ensure that safe routes in
the community include access
to children’s play spaces.
Road Safety Officer to attend
play strategy group
Identify areas where traffic is a
barrier to children accessing
play provision and put actions in
place to minimise the impact on
the community.
Inclusion of Play in strategies
involving safe routes in the
community
To protect children’s formal and
informal play space through a
programme of development and
maintenance of identified areas
for unsupervised play and fixed
equipment play.
- Programme of development
and maintenance
established

Map formal and informal play
space
Parks & Grounds Maintenance
Division and Planning to attend
Play Steering group meetings
Local authority to maintain
quality play spaces, and where
appropriate to develop new
opportunities
High,
Medium
or Low
Priority
Officer
Responsible
Objective 3 : Play in the Community
M
Road Safety
Officer
M
Operational
Manager,
Parks &
Open Spaces
Start
Date
Finish
Date
Resources
Implications
April
2009
March
2011
Officer time
Progress
Officer time
Officer time
Core Budget
28
Sub
Ref
3.6.
Ref to
Other
Action
Plans
Action
Success Criteria & Outcomes
Link with Older Person’s
Participation & Involvement
Officer to increase number of
older people involved in play
volunteering.
Increased awareness of value
that older people can offer to
play experiences of children
and young people
High,
Medium
or Low
Priority
M
Officer
Responsible
Objective 3 : Play in the Community
Play
Development
Officer
Start
Date
Finish
Date
Resources
Implications
May
2010
March
2013
Cymorth
Funding
Progress
Officer time
29
Sub
Ref
4.1.
4.1.
4.7.
4.8.
4.9.
4.10.
4.1.
4.7.
4.1.
Ref to
Other
Action
Plans
High,
Medium
or Low
Priority
Action
Success Criteria & Outcomes
To carry out a training audit and
training needs analysis as part
of a workforce development
plan
To co-ordinate and deliver
playwork training as identified
within training needs analysis to
ensure continued personal and
professional
development.
Training to include :
- Child protection
- Disability awareness
- Religious festivals
Training audit and needs
analysis report produced.

H

H
To offer Child Protection and
Play training specifically for
adults delivering to 0 – 4 year
old
To support the Vale Play Forum
to provide opportunities for
organisations / individuals to
share good practice and
enhance CPD.
Flying Start to
childcare workers
Workforce development
plan created & identified
courses delivered.
Officer
Responsible
Objective 4 : A Playwork Profession
Start
Date
Finish
Date
Resources
Implications
Play Dev
Officer
Jan
2010
Dec
2010
Officer time
Play Dev
Officer
May
2010
April
2013
Officer time
Progress
Cymorth funding
EYDCP funding
Flying Start
train
120
H
Training
Officer
Flying Start
April
2009
March
2011
Flying Start
6 Vale Play Forum meetings
held annually.
M
Recreate
infrastructure
project
April
2009
April
2013
Officer time
Areas
of
good
practice
highlighted and built upon.
Vale Play
Forum
30
Sub
Ref
4.5.
4.6.
Ref to
Other
Action
Plans
Action
Success Criteria & Outcomes
Engage with schools, colleges
and careers advisors to identify
career paths through playwork.
Play volunteering programme
promoted amongst young
people.
Produce publicity materials to
promote
playwork
as
a
significant career route.
Promotional
literature
produced and disseminated to
all secondary schools, Barry
college,
via
the
Family
Information
Service
and
uploaded to web site.
Link into existing events within
the Vale of Glamorgan to
promote playwork as a career
choice.
Link made to one event
annually to promote playwork
as a career choice
4.8.
Ensure all staff are trained in
disability awareness issues
A competent and confident
workforce
4.9.
Work towards the inclusion of
children who communicate
through the medium of Welsh
Employment
of
speaking playworkers
High,
Medium
or Low
Priority
M
Officer
Responsible
Objective 4 : A Playwork Profession
Play
Development
Officer
L
Start
Date
Finish
Date
Resources
Implications
April
2010
Dec
2010
Officer time
Cymorth funding
Jan
2011
M
Welsh
March
2010
M
Play
Development
Officer
Progress
April
2010
Dec
2011
April
2012
April
2012
Officer time
Cymorth funding
31
Sub
Ref
5.1.
5.2.
5.5.
5.1.
5.2.
5.3.
5.4.
Ref to
Other
Action
Plans
Action
Success Criteria & Outcomes
Produce literature promoting
risk management and safe play
Leaflet produced and
disseminated to parents
Raise confidence amongst
parents and play providers in
outdoor risky play through
delivery of ‘Out to Play’ training
Out To Play training course
run annually
Increase knowledge of health
and safety through organisation
of risk assessment and child
protection training courses for
play providers
1 risk assessment course held
per year
Flying Start to give training to
childcare workers Child
Protection training in 0 – 4 age
group
100 per annum childcare
workers attend training
High,
Medium
or Low
Priority
L
M
Officer
Responsible
Objective 5 : Managing Risk & Parental Concerns
Play
Development
Officer
Family
Information
Service
Play
Development
Officer
Start
Date
Finish
Date
Resources
Implications
Jan
2012
March
2013
Cymorth funding
Progress
Officer time
Yearly
Yearly
Cymorth
Funding
EYDCP funding
H
Play
Development
Officer
Yearly
Amber
Constant
Flying Start
April
2009
Yearly
Officer time
Cymorth funding
Officer time
1 child protection course held
per year
M
March
2011
Flying Start
32
Sub
Ref
5.6.
Ref to
Other
Action
Plans
Action
Success Criteria & Outcomes
Liaise with parent groups to
identify their key concerns and
suggestions for including
disabled children in
playschemes via links with
Parents Federation and
Children with Disabilities Team
Having parent’s ‘onboard’ and
feeling part of the process
High,
Medium
or Low
Priority
Officer
Responsible
Objective 5 : Managing Risk & Parental Concerns
Start
Date
Finish
Date
Resources
Implications
Progress
Increase attendance by 10% of
disabled children accessing
play provision across the Vale
33
Sub
Ref
Ref to
Other
Action
Plans
High,
Medium
or Low
Priority
Action
Success Criteria & Outcomes
6.1.
6.2.
6.5.
6.6.
6.7.
6.8.
Play Strategy and Annual Play
Development report to be
produced and disseminated via
avenues such as placement on
Vale Council and Playwales
website and delivery to cabinet
members.
Annual report produced
6.1.
6.2.
6.6.
6.7.
To further develop the Play
steering group, to ensure other
professionals have access to
play development information
which can inform other
strategies and plans.
Play representation at
appropriate meetings and
groups to inform and influence
decisions.
Minutes of Play steering group
and end of year report
distributed.
H/M
Representation on Core Aim 4,
EYDCP, Core Aim 1,
workforce development group.
H
Promote all playschemes, play
rangers etc to families in the
Vale, at appropriate times and
using various literature
Develop an e-newsletter aimed
at keeping individuals informed
of playwork developments
FIS made aware of all
schemes and info available on
database and web site
M
2 e-newsletter produced per
year
M
6.1.
6.2.
6.5.
6.7.
6.8.
6.6.
6.7.
6.5.
6.6.
6.7.
H
Presentation made to cabinet
members
Officer
Responsible
Objective 6 : Play across the Vale of Glamorgan
Start
Date
Finish
Date
Resources
Implications
Play
Development
Officer
Yearly
Yearly
Officer time
Play
development
officer.
Play
development
worker
Play
development
officer, Play
development
worker.
Family
Information
Service
June
09
March
2011
Officer time
June
09
March
2011
Officer time
Vale Play
Forum
Sept
2009
Progress
Cymorth
Funding
Play Strategy included on Vale
website
Activale
brochure
March
2011
Website
Officer time
34
Sub
Ref
6.3.
6.5.
6.6.
6.7.
6.8.
Ref to
Other
Action
Plans
Action
Success Criteria & Outcomes
Work in partnership with
Recreate to deliver workshops
and conferences across the
Vale
2 events per year
High,
Medium
or Low
Priority
M
Officer
Responsible
Objective 6 : Play across the Vale of Glamorgan
Play
Development
Officer
Start
Date
Finish
Date
Resources
Implications
Sept
2010
April
2013
Officer time
Progress
Recreate
Play Forum
35
REFERENCES
Children’s Commissioner for Wales (2007). A Happy Talent. Disabled
children and young people’s access to play in Wales 2007 : a review of local
authority strategies.
Vale of Glamorgan Council (2008). Children & Young Peoples plan : Action
Plan 2008 -2001. Barry : Vale of Glamorgan.
Welsh Assembly Government (2006). Play Policy Implementation Plan : Play
in Wales. Wales : Welsh Assembly Government.
Welsh Assembly Government Policy Unit (2002). Extending Entitlement:
Supporting Young People in Wales. Wales: The National Assembly for Wales
Welsh Assembly Government (2002). Play Policy. Wales : Welsh Assembly
Government.
APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1 : Key Government, Council & partner organisation publications
Government Publications

Welsh
Assembly
Government
‘Children
and
Young
People’s
Framework - Right’s to Action’.

Welsh Assembly Government Play Policy

Welsh Assembly Government Play Policy Implementation Plan
Council Corporate Strategies

Childcare Strategy

Children & Young People’s 5 year Strategy

Children with Disabilities Strategy

Communities First Strategy

Community Strategy

Cymorth Plan

Early Years Education Plan

Education Strategic Plan

Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Strategy

Health Improvement Programme

Housing Strategic Operational Plan

School Organisation Plan

ACPC Business Plan
37
Partner Organisations

ACPC Business Plan – Superseded by the Local Safeguarding
Children’s Board

Cardiff and the Vale Trust Community Service Review and Bro
Morgannwg Trust Community Service Review

Crime and Disorder Strategy

Health Action Plan
38
APPENDIX 2 – Seven core aims set out in the Welsh Assembly
Government’s document ‘Children and Young People’s Framework Right’s to Action’.
Children :
1. have developed a flying start in life and the best possible basis for
their future growth and development.
Providing young children and families with quality opportunities to play
supports the development of positive early attachments. Play enables
physical, emotional and mental development and the learning of skills that
contribute
to
children’s
healthy
development.
It
also
supports
the
development of good parenting skills.
2. have access to a comprehensive range of education, training and
learning opportunities, including acquisition of essential personal and
social skills.
Play is recognised as essential to children and young people’s learning about
themselves, others and the world around them. Playworkers facilitate play
opportunities for children well into adolescence and provision such as
outreach play projects and adventure playgrounds are proven to engage with
even our most excluded children.
3. enjoy the best possible physical and mental, social and emotional
health, including freedom from abuse, victimisation and exploitation.
Quality play opportunities provide considerable physical and mental health
benefits to children. Playworkers can facilitate and enhance local play
opportunities close to where children live. Their presence allows children to
create an environment that fosters their play where they feel safe within their
own communities. Outreach playworkers such as play rangers support
children to reclaim open space for play. This supports children’s health and
levels of physical activity, whilst developing a sense of importance within their
own communities. Staffed play opportunities allow children to experience a
sense of adventure and risk, with help on hand if needed. Where play
provision does not exist, we know that children will seek out fun and challenge
in areas and in ways that may be dangerous.
39
4. have access to play, leisure, sporting and cultural activities.
Play is children’s culture. Quality play settings that provide a rich environment
provide children and young people with opportunities that may act as a
springboard into more organised sport and cultural activities. Additionally, they
provide children who choose to avoid the structure of organised sport and
cultural activities to gain experience in their own way on their own terms.
5. Children are listened to, and treated with respect, and are able to have
their race and cultural identity recognised.
When asked what is important to them, quality play opportunities are among
children and young people’s top priorities. When we value play we value
children. Quality staffed play settings are by nature participative and nondiscriminatory. They provide an environment where children can experiment
with and explore their identity (who they are and what they look like) and the
identity of their peers.
Playwork by its nature encourages and supports
participation. Playworkers create spaces and facilitate opportunities that allow
children and young people to change and adapt their own environments to
suit their own needs and wishes.
By observing children at play in a rich
environment, providers have the opportunity to learn from what they see, and
plan services which better meet the children’s needs and drive to play.
Providing a range of experiences and visits as part of participative exercises
and events allows children to make informed choices; we must however
remember that children tend to have limited experiences and will opt for what
they know.
6. have a safe home and a community that supports physical and
emotional wellbeing
Staffed play provision provides children with the opportunity to experience risk
and develop their own risk management skills, as well as their own strategies
for dealing with “bullies”. As an integral part of a community, quality play
provision engenders a sense of ownership in children and young people.
There is a strong history of enhancing social cohesion by involving local
people in the development of play provision.
40
7. is not disadvantaged by child poverty.
Open access staffed play provision is primarily free at the point of entry. The
concept of play deprivation (where a child’s, health, well being and long term
development is detrimentally affected by lack of opportunity to play) is still
being debated, but it is clear that there is such a thing as poverty of
experience, which may occur whatever the circumstances or social
background of a child or young person. Providing quality play training at
community level can assist in counteracting play deprivation by upskilling
local community members to facilitate play opportunities. It also enables
those with an interest in playwork, or similar career, to enter the work force.
41
APPENDIX 3 : Playwork Principles
These Principles establish the professional and ethical framework for
playwork and as such must be regarded as a whole. They describe what is
unique about play and playwork, and provide the playwork perspective for
working with children and young people. They are based on the recognition
that children and young people’s capacity for positive development will be
enhanced if given access to the broadest range of environments and play
opportunities. The principles are as follows :
1. All children and young people need to play. The impulse is innate. Play is
a biological, psychological and social necessity, and is fundamental to the
healthy development and well being of individuals and communities.
2. Play is a process that is freely chosen, personally directed and intrinsically
motivated. That is, children and young people determine and control the
content and intent of their play, by following their own instincts, ideas and
interests, in their own way for their own reasons.
3. The prime focus and essence of playwork is to support and facilitate the
play process and this should inform the development of play policy,
strategy, training and education.
4. For playworkers, the play process takes precedence and playworkers act
as advocates for play when engaging with adult led agendas.
5. The role of the playworker is to support all children and young people in
the creation of a space in which they can play.
6. The playworker’s response to children and young people playing is based
on a sound up to date knowledge of the play process, and reflective
practice.
7. Playworkers recognise their own impact on the play space and also the
impact of children and young people’s play on the playworker.
8. Playworkers choose an intervention style that enables children and young
people to extend their play. All playworker intervention must balance risk
with the developmental benefit and well being of children.
42