Playground Strategy 2007 - 2012 6MB

Transcription

Castle Point Borough Council
Play Strategy
2007 – 2012
CONTENTS
Page
Foreword
Executive Summary
1.
Introduction
6
1.1
The scope and purpose of the strategy
6
1.2
Strategic context
6
1.2.1 National context
6
1.2.2 Regional context
9
1.2.3 Local context
10
2.
Background to Castle Point
13
2.1
General summary
13
3.
What is play?
13
3.1
Definition of play
13
4.
The importance of play
14
5.
Current play provision in Castle Point
15
5.1
Fixed play equipment
15
5.2
Paddocks enclosed paddling pool
15
5.3
Castle Point summer holiday events programme
16
5.4
Private play groups and child care provision
16
5.5
Other play provision
16
6.
Community consultation
16
6.1
Play 4 Play project
16
6.2
Essex Children and Young People’s Participation Group
Youth Matters Consultation 2005
25
Proposals for improving play in Castle Point
25
7.
2
Page
7.1
Playground renewal programme
25
7.2
King George V Playing Fields, Canvey Island
26
7.3
Other play initiatives
27
8.
Action plan
29
9.
Monitoring and evaluation
31
10.
References
32
11.
Appendices
33
Appendix 1 PPG17 Open spaces appraisal extract
Provision for young people and children
34
Appendix 2 Castle Point summer holiday events
Programme
46
Appendix 3 Play 4 Play Castle Point District findings
Report
58
Appendix 4 Play 4 Play special schools findings report
97
Appendix 5 Essex Children and Young People’s
Participation Group Youth Matters Consultation
128
Appendix 6 Plan illustrating the improvements to
137
Appendix 7 Playground renewal programme report
138
Appendix 7a Playground renewal programme – 5 year plan
144
Appendix 7b Photographs of existing play provision
148
Appendix 7c Playground Renewal Programme
Results of Public Consultation Exercise
173
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FOREWORD
Children’s play is of great importance within Castle Point and is recognised within the
Council’s Corporate Plan as a key service priority.
Play is crucial to health and development throughout childhood, contributing to social,
physical, intellectual, cultural, emotional and psychological development.
In producing this strategy, the Council has worked closely with the Castle Point Play
Partnership and other Councils within Essex in co-ordination with Essex County
Council to develop a unified County Play Policy and undertake a significant play
consultation exercise. This has provided evidence to determine play needs in Castle
Point.
Whilst it has been recognised that many of the Council’s playgrounds are in a poor
condition, this strategy will explain the measures being taken to address this issue
with the aim of providing excellent play facilities by 2012 and improving the play
value for young people in the Borough.
Councillor Pam Challis
Leader of the Council
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Castle Point Play Strategy sets out the Council’s role, future ambitions and plans
for free play provision within the Borough over the next five years.
The strategy is the end result of extensive partnership working with the Castle Point
Play Partnership and co-ordinated working with the other eleven district council’s in
Essex and the Children’s Fund Essex.
A great deal of consultation has been undertaken through the Play 4 Play project
which has generated significant research information for this strategy. The findings
have provided clear evidence that the main deficiency that must be addressed in
Castle Point is the need to renew all of the existing free fixed play equipped areas
within the parks and open spaces of Castle Point.
This issue is being addressed by the implementation of a five-year Playground
Renewal Programme – a £1.33 million scheme to refurbish fifteen key playgrounds.
The other key project will be to completely renovate the King George V Playing
Fields, Canvey Island to provide a public amenity with an improved landscape and
high quality play facilities for young people under the age of 19 years. This project
should contribute to the reduction in the current high levels of anti-social youth
behaviour currently being experienced and hopefully achieve the Council’s first
Green Flag Award.
Given the high cost of these projects, the Council will be looking to supplement its
own resources with external grant funding.
In addition to fixed play the Council aims to work with the new developing Essex Play
Association to enable the delivery of a range of other organised play initiatives.
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1.
INTRODUCTION
1.1
The Scope and Purpose of the Play Strategy
Play is an important issue within Castle Point and is provided not just by the Council
but through many other outlets. The strategy considers the various types of provision
and through collaboration with the Castle Point Play Partnership provides a coordinated, prioritised approach to delivery.
This strategy will link with the developing Open Spaces Strategy and other crosscutting Council strategies. In particular, the strategy reflects the developing Play
Policy for Essex which demonstrates an awareness and positive approach to
supporting children and young people throughout the County.
This strategy has been produced in line with the Children’s Play Council – Planning
for Play: Guidance on the development and implementation of a local play strategy to
provide the impetus to improve play provision within the borough and to support a
funding bid for the Big Lottery Fund Children’s Play Programme.
This document aims to be a practical guide, to be referred to whenever decisions
about play need to be made. It is applicable to all forms of children and young
people’s services. The purpose of the strategy is to:
1.2
•
Address the play needs of all children and young people in Castle Point
under the age of 19.
•
Show how Castle Point will develop play provision from 2007 and ensure
its sustainability
•
Ensure that provision is targeted to where it is required
•
Emphasise the close co-operation between all agencies at local and
county levels
•
Ensure that consultation is embedded
Strategic Context
1.2.1 National Context
Every Child Matters
The UK government has a commitment to respond to the United Nations Convention
of the Rights of the Child, in the context of play this covers the following:
•
Article 31 – ‘Every child has the right to rest and leisure, to engage in play and
recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate
freely in cultural life and the arts’.
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•
Article 12 – the right to be consulted on issues that affect them
•
Article 13 – the right to express their views
•
Article 15 – the right to meet with others
•
Article 19 – the right to be protected from harm and abuse
•
Article 3.1 – the right to services developed in their ‘best interests’
•
Article 3.3 – the right to provision of an agreed standard
•
Articles 23.1 & 23.3. – disabled children have the right to support which
promotes their active participation in the community and their fullest possible
social integration
•
Article 30 – children from minority communities have the right to enjoy their
own culture, and to practice their own religion and language
The government’s policy ‘Every Child Matters’ (ECM) sets five recommendations for
children and young people’s general well-being:
•
Being healthy: enjoying good physical and mental health and living a healthy
lifestyle.
•
Staying safe: being protected from harm and neglect and growing up able to
look after themselves.
•
Enjoying and achieving: getting the most out of life and developing broad
skills for adulthood.
•
Making a positive contribution: to the community and to society and not
engaging in anti-social or offending behaviour.
•
Economic well-being: overcoming socio-economic disadvantages to achieve
their full potential.
Cleaner, Safer, Greener
The Government’s Department for Communities and Local Government has
developed policies to improve urban areas. One of these is the Cleaner, Safer,
Greener agenda which relates to:
•
Creating cleaner, safer and greener communities by improving the
quality of planning, design, management and maintenance of public
spaces and the built environment.
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•
With regard to parks and open spaces it states that these have an essential
role to play in building sustainable communities, and enhancing the quality of
life in towns and cities and contributing to the cleaner, safer, greener agenda.
Planning Policy Guidance 17
Castle Point Borough Council recognises the importance of its parks and open
spaces and is committed to improving them.
Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) 17 requires local authorities to assess the needs
and opportunities for different types of open space and recreational facilities,
including play space for children. The Council completed a comprehensive PPG17
Open Spaces Appraisal in 2006. This study highlighted a significant deficiency in the
provision of free, high quality, playground facilities in the Borough and has influenced
this play strategy (see appendix 1).
National Obesity Strategy
The Department of Health estimates that by 2010 a third of all adults and a fifth of
children aged 2-12 years will be obese. Due to the short time scales this rapid
increase is unlikely to be attributed to genetic reasons and therefore more likely due
to behavioural and environmental changes within society with a change in eating
patterns and people leading less active lifestyles. Almost a third of boys and two
fifths of girls do not get the recommended weekly activity level of at least one hour of
moderate intensity activity a day.
To halt the year on year rise in obesity guidance advises local multi-agency teams to
develop a local strategy to tackle overweight and obesity through prevention and
weight management interventions. This includes population based approaches such
as targeting children at home by promoting active play. Therefore the play strategy is
vital and a key intervention which underpins the National Obesity Strategy.
Disability Discrimination Act
The Disability Discrimination Act 2005 gives disabled people important rights of
access to everyday services. This includes disabled children and young people and
their right to access play. Public authorities now have a legal duty to actively look at
ways of ensuring disabled people are treated equally under the Disability Equality
Duty.
Equality Act
The Equality Act 2006 outlines the development of a society in which:
•
•
People's ability to achieve their potential is not limited by prejudice or
discrimination
There is respect for and protection of each individual's human rights
•
There is respect for the dignity and worth of each individual
•
Each individual has an equal opportunity to participate in society, and
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•
There is mutual respect between groups based on understanding and valuing
of diversity and on shared respect for equality and human rights
Respect Strategy
The Government's recent introduction of the Respect Agenda is the latest initiative in
tackling anti-social behaviour. Part of this agenda is about providing alternatives and
diversionary activities to young people. It is here that the Play Strategy may assist
with meeting the Respect Agenda. The provision of a range of play opportunities for
the youngsters of Castle Point will go some way to providing diversionary activities.
1.2.2 Regional Context
Essex Play Policy
The Castle Point Play Strategy links closely to the Essex County Council Play Policy
for Essex. This policy demonstrates an awareness and positive approach to
supporting children and young people throughout the County. The purpose of the
Play Policy for Essex is to set out an agreed pan-Essex vision of play to support the
development of Play Strategies at district level and provide a set of shared principles
to underpin the strategic development of play.
The Children’s Fund Essex and the twelve district councils in Essex, including Castle
Point have contributed to this policy to develop strategies that support free play for
children and young people within their localities. This document is developed
through consultation with their Play Partnerships, and incorporates consultation with
children, young people and their families.
This Policy aims to provide the underpinning principles for the development of play
across the County, whilst providing the flexibility to support local, tailored, strategic
development at district level.
The policy states that play providers need to state clearly and concisely how they are
both respecting children's rights and culture and allowing children to grow and
develop through play. It incorporates the seven Best Play (NPFA/ Playlink/Children’s
Play Council, 2001) play objectives that should apply to any provision which aims to
offer children good play opportunities. The objectives are broad statements, which
are intended to set out how the definition of play and the underpinning values and
principles should be put into practice. They form the basis against which play
provision can be evaluated.
The seven key objectives are:
Objective 1 - The provision extends the choice and control that children have over
their play, the freedom they enjoy and the satisfaction they gain from it.
Objective 2 - The provision recognises the child's need to test boundaries and
responds positively to that need.
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Objective 3 - The provision manages the balance between the need to offer risk and
the need to keep children safe from harm.
Objective 4 - The provision maximises the range of play opportunities.
Objective 5 - The provision fosters independence and self-esteem.
Objective 6 - The provision fosters children's respect for others and offers
opportunities for social interaction.
Objective 7 - The provision fosters the child's well-being, healthy growth and
development, knowledge and understanding, creativity and capacity to learn.
Children’s Fund Essex
The Children's Fund Essex (CFE) is part of the Government's plan to improve the life
chances of children aged 5 to 13 years. It funds over 80 early intervention and
prevention projects. CFE believes that play is a fundamental right for every child and
imperative to meeting the ECM Outcomes. It works alongside Essex County Council
with the aim of raising the profile of play throughout Essex, and providing recognition
of its importance and benefit for children, young people and families’ lives. The role
of CFE in the development and implementation of the play strategies is to steer
collaboration. CFE sees the play strategy approach as a key driver to develop play
provision more widely.
1.2.3 Local Context
The Castle Point Sustainable Community Strategy 2007-2021
The Castle Point Sustainable Community Strategy 2007-2021 is currently in draft
form and was developed by the Castle Point Local Strategic Partnership (LSP).
The Castle Point LSP is a partnership between Castle Point Borough Council, other
public sector agencies, the voluntary and community sectors and local business
representatives.
The Sustainable Community Strategy sets out the priorities for action within the
Borough over the next fourteen years. The vision for this strategy is that by 2021....
‘There will be opportunities for everyone in Castle Point to access 21st century
education and health facilities, there will be more well paid jobs, affordable homes
that meet local needs and improved access to our town centres. More people will be
involved in community activities, there will be less fear of crime and people will enjoy
good quality, open space and leisure provision, making them more active and
healthy. The Borough will appear more sustainable, greener and cleaner’.
The Castle Point LSP is made up of the Castle Point LSP Executive Group supported
by four thematic partnerships which mirror the thematic groups of the Local Area
Agreement (LAA). These are:
•
Safer and stronger communities
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•
Children and young people
•
Healthier communities and older people
•
Employment, skills and business
The Essex LAA runs from April 2006 and sets out key priorities which were agreed
between the government and Essex County Council and the twelve District and
Borough Councils that make up Essex. The LAA priorities are part of the Community
Strategy and the LAA will help deliver the strategy. One of these priorities is to
reduce obesity in young children.
The Castle Point Corporate Plan 2007-2012
The Castle Point Corporate Plan 2007-2012 is the main policy document of the
Council and articulates the Council’s overall corporate mission and strategic
objectives.
The four key priorities of the plan are:
Environment – civic pride: Clean streets, high quality maintenance of green areas,
more recycling, improved children’s play areas and equipment and effective planning
policies.
Regeneration and homes: More local employment, affordable and life time liveable
housing and the creation of business opportunities.
Improving the Council: Continually improve services and build on success.
Engage the community in local decision-making, focus on the needs of customers
and become a more efficient and effective Council providing good value for money
services.
Community Safety: Reduced levels of crime, working with the police and other
partners to tackle crime and fear of crime.
Improving children’s play areas and equipment is a key priority for the Council and to
this end the Council has developed a five-year Playground Renewal Programme.
This is discussed later in the strategy.
Castle Point Open Spaces Strategy
The Castle Point Open Spaces Strategy is currently under development. It will be
underpinned by the PPG17 Open Spaces Appraisal which provides a detailed audit
of existing open space provision and identifies deficiencies in quantity, quality and
accessibility of facilities which includes play. The Play Strategy will be summarised
and will feature within the Open Spaces Strategy.
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Castle Point Play Partnership
The Castle Point Play Partnership was established in 2006 to develop and implement
the Play Strategy. It comprises:
Councillor Mrs Challis (Castle Point Borough Council)
Councillor Bedford (Castle Point Borough Council)
Councillor Mrs Goodwin (Castle Point Borough Council)
Melanie Harris (Community & Partnership Manager, Castle Point Borough Council)
Chris Moran (Open Spaces Manager, Castle Point Borough Council)
Emily Redgate (Arts Development Officer, Castle Point Borough Council)
Jack Lawmon (Anti-social Behaviour Co-ordinator, Castle Point Borough Council)
Amanda Raffaelli (Senior Planning Officer, Castle Point Borough Council)
John Zammit (Partnership Co-ordinator, Essex County Council)
Michaela White (Castle Point Association of Voluntary Services)
Catherine Sackey (Thames Gateway South Essex)
Rod Winkworth (Essex County Council Youth Service)
Sue Roberts (Children’s Community Development Officer, Essex County Council)
Peter Crowhurst (DIAL)
Sharann Allsop (Extended Schools Co-ordinator, Canvey Island)
Marion Horsley (Carers Support, Essex County Council)
Stephanie Farr (Castle Point & Rochford Primary Care Trust)
This partnership is an active member of the Essex County Council Play Strategy
Group which comprises the twelve district councils of Essex to share ideas and
resources.
Children and Young Persons Strategic Partnership
The Castle Point and Rochford Children’s and Young People’s Strategic Partnership
(CYPSP) represents a wide range of statutory and non-statutory agencies that
provide services to children and young people. The Partnership was established as
part of a county wide initiative and is co-terminus with the Local Strategic
Partnerships of both Castle Point and Rochford. Our partnership is tasked with
driving forward an agenda to improve the life chances of children and young people
in this area and focuses on the five outcomes of ‘Every Child Matters’, specifically:
•
•
•
•
•
Being Healthy
Staying Safe
Enjoying and Achieving
Achieving Economic Well-being
Making a Positive Contribution
Extended Schools Activities
Castle Point Borough Council works with the dedicated Extended Schools
Coordinators for Castle Point in identifying need and targeting services for children
beyond the traditional educational services of local schools.
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Key areas of focus are on improving emotional health and well-being, parenting
support, diversionary activities for children at risk of exclusion or with behavioural
issues and having fun.
2.
BACKGROUND TO CASTLE POINT
2.1
General Summary
Castle Point is a distinctive Borough located on the north bank of the Thames
Estuary. It is a Borough most easily characterised by its contrasting features. Castle
Point comprises two urban areas of Canvey Island and the mainland towns of
Benfleet, Hadleigh and Thundersley. These towns have distinctively different
landscapes, built environments and social conditions. Castle Point covers an area of
63 sq kilometres, 63% of which is rural. The population is 86,600 with a population
density of 14 per hectare and 36,403 households.
The population of the Borough is ageing with the proportion of residents over the age
of 65 expected to increase to 28% of the population by 2021. Young people (under
20 years) make up over 20% of the population and it is important that their
educational and social needs in particular are met. In 2005 the proportion of the
population under14 years of age was 17.36%. There is currently a perception that
young people do not have enough to do, resulting in crime and anti-social behaviour.
Educational attainment at school age level needs to be improved on Canvey Island
where attainment (GCSE grades A*-C) is at least 12% lower than the Essex average
in all secondary schools. Skill levels within the working age population also need to
be improved in order to stimulate growth in higher economy industries such as
information technology or research and development, and higher paying occupations
such as managerial and professional.
The Borough has a wide range and number of open spaces. However there are
deficiencies in major provision areas. There is a need to improve: the number of
formal parks; the quality of play equipment provision for children and young people;
access for people with disabilities; the quality of spaces and the provision of park
furniture; and the connectivity between open spaces.
3.
WHAT IS PLAY?
3.1
Definition of play
Play is freely chosen, personally directed, intrinsically motivated behaviour that
actively engages the child.... Play can be fun or serious. Through play children
explore social, material and imaginary worlds and their relationship with them,
elaborating all the while a flexible range of responses to the challenges they
encounter. By playing, children learn and develop as individuals, and as members of
the community’ (Best Play ‘What play provision should do for children’ - 2001).
This strategy focuses on play as the ‘3 Frees’ as defined in the government-led
Dobson report (Getting serious about play – 2004).
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•
‘Free at the point entry’ – Relates to ‘open access’ any physical barriers to
entry of a play space should be considerate to the environment and designed
to minimise the risks of bullying and anti-social behaviour, thus detracting from
the idea of ‘free play’
•
‘Free to use’ – At no cost to the participant
•
‘Free to choose what to do’ – Crucial for the child’s development.
4.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PLAY
Play is a critical tool in the development of children’s social, emotional, physical and
behavioural skills through which they come to learn about themselves and the world
around them.
Health Benefits
Health benefits include the development of motor skills and co-ordination. Active play
has a positive impact on a child’s physical health and tackles obesity. Exploring
through play allows children to identify and stretch their strengths and limitations.
Quiet play provides relaxation, which has a positive impact on physical and mental
health.
Social and emotional benefits
Social and emotional benefits include opportunities to engage in and develop social
interaction and integration – constructing social networks and promoting social
inclusion. It allows children to identify and understand their own and others’
personalities through role play and promote self-esteem and independence. Play can
also provoke conflict and unhappiness, helping the child to develop coping
mechanisms.
Educational benefits
Educational benefits include stimulating the capacity to learn, problem solving and
promoting creativity – through putting control of the learning in the child’s hands and
allowing them to learn at their own pace.
Managing Risk
For play to be stimulating, engaging and a benefit to children, there needs to be an
element of risk associated with it. Children’s capacity to develop is severely restricted
if all risk is removed, as no risk means no challenges.
However, as adults, there is a recognised responsibility to ensure that children do not
come to harm, so it is important to consider the risk in two categories:
•
‘acceptable risk’ , that which allows children to stretch their capabilities, make
14
•
judgements and gain in self-confidence. Through this type of challenge,
children learn how to assess risk which develops their ability to form sound
judgements
‘unacceptable risk’, includes ensuring that the physical environment is free
from unacceptable risk (broken glass, poorly designed equipment etc) but
extends beyond this to include risks from strangers etc
5.
CURRENT PLAY PROVISION IN CASTLE POINT
5.1
Fixed Play Equipment
The council provides 530 hectares of parks and open spaces which incorporates 23
individual play areas with fixed play equipment within 18 recreation grounds
throughout the Borough. Many of these areas are in a poor condition and some sites
have little or no equipment present. Given this situation the council has approved a
five-year Playground Renewal programme commencing in April 2007 which will
rationalise redundant play areas to create 18 high quality fixed play equipment play
areas.
Typical poor play area with old equipment
to be renewed.
5.2
Example of a recently renewed play area.
Paddocks Enclosed Paddling Pool
The Council provides a secure outdoor paddling pool complete with play equipment
and a large sand pit on Canvey Island. The facility is open seven days per week
from the end of May to the beginning of September. Only children under 8 years of
age are permitted entry to the site which is supervised. There is a small entry charge
of £1 per person per day and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
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Paddocks Enclosed Paddling Pool
Complex, Canvey Island
5.3
Castle Point Summer Holiday Events Programme
The Council co-ordinates an extensive range of summer holiday events for children
as detailed in appendix 2.
5.4
Private Play Groups and child care provision
There are 15 registered sessional child care providers and 7 full day children’s care
services operating throughout Castle Point. However, as these make a charge for
use they have been excluded from further discussion in the strategy.
5.5
Other Play Provision
There are three Youth Centres within Castle Point as follows:
•
Hadleigh Youth Centre – 114 Benfleet Road, Benfleet – Monday and
Thursday for open centre, Tuesday for Duke of Edinburgh awards programme,
Friday for special needs children.
•
Appleton Youth Centre – Appleton Secondary School, Benfleet – Open
evenings Monday and Thursday for 14 – 19 year olds, Wednesday for 13 and
14 year olds.
•
Images Youth Centre – 21-24 Furtherwick Road, Canvey Island – Monday,
Tuesday and Thursday open centre (evenings), Friday afternoons and
Saturday morning for 12-16 year olds.
6.
COMMUNITY CONSULTATION
6.1
Play 4 Play Project
In 2006, Mapalim and the Children's Fund Essex joined expertise to undertake a
wide-reaching and inclusive research project called Play 4 Play. The findings would
inform the identity of the local strategies, making each one distinct and individual.
Primarily, the Play 4 Play project was concerned with using drama and art as a tool
to engage children and young people in meaningful consultation and to generate
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ideas and explore issues. This engagement took place via participative drama and
art-based workshops in 76 Essex schools (infant, junior, primary and secondary state
schools and special schools), with children and young people at Key Stages 1, 2 and
3.
A qualified and experienced team of art and drama specialists and local practitioners
who were seconded from play worker and learning support assistant roles across
Essex undertook workshop delivery.
The project engaged in secondary consultation with parents and carers, using
questionnaires as a quantitative method to support the findings of the workshops.
The Essex Play website (www.essexplay.com) also ensured the quality and value of
the project by encouraging the participation of the wider community in the
consultation.
From October to December 2006, the Play 4 Play project consulted with 12,567
individuals (11,859 children and young people, and 550 parents & carers, and 158
people across the community through Internet participation) to contribute meaningful
findings to the planning stages of each play strategy.
The Play 4 Play project has been concerned with capturing diverse qualitative and
quantitative data to inform the local play strategies and therefore improve quality of
life for individuals and communities. Not only do the findings of Play 4 Play inform
local play strategy, they also exist as meaningful stand alone data to inform local,
regional and national strategies with wider scope.
The key objectives of the project were to:
•
To use creative participatory techniques to engage with children and young
people
•
To gather valuable information to inform the play strategies
•
To be inclusive and consult widely with individuals across a range of ages,
abilities, ethnicities, genders and locations (rural/urban; central/remote;
community/'isolated')
•
To build capacity of local key workers (employed on the project) and staff
within local schools
•
To research the views and wants of parents/carers and the wider community
There were seven main project outcomes. As part of the workshops, answers to 4
and 5 below were given but not analysed in detail.
1. What is play? (General)
2a. Where do you play? (Present)
2b. Where don't you play? (Present)
3a. Where would you like to play? (Future)
3b. What would you like to play? (Future)
4. Who do you play with? (Present)
5. Who would you like to play with? (Future)
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6a. What is stopping you from playing (accessibility)? (Present and future)
6b. What is stopping you from playing (safety)? (Present and future)
The workshop activities were pre-planned and adhered to a workshop outline, which
ensured that each activity was directly related to the seven project outcomes.
Monitoring and data gathered during the workshops were captured and documented
in line with the seven project outcomes.
As part of the project, a pack was sent to all schools, as part of the recruitment
process. The pack contained information about the project and some useful support
materials for the school.
Castle Point District Summary of Findings
A full copy of the report is shown in appendix 3
A summary of the key report findings and conclusions is as follows:
In Castle Point, the Play 4 Play project consulted with a total of 1139 people; a
mixture of 1083 children aged between 5 and 11 years of age and 56 parents and
carers whose views are reflected in the findings.
Seven key questions were asked:
1. What is play?
2. Where do you play?
3. Where don’t you play?
4. Where would you like to play?
5. What would you like to play?
6. What is stopping you from playing (accessibility)?
7. What is stopping you from playing (safety)?
The responses are:
What is play, where I play, and where I’d like to play?
Note: these findings are based on data gathered from children.
What children think play is
“Football” is the top response for children followed by “Imaginative play”. There was
a very wide range of responses to this question and only these two activities have a
significant share of the total.
“Television” is the third most common play choice. The rest of the ‘top ten’ were a
mix of indoor play (“Games console”, “Art”) and outdoor activities (“Swimming”,
“Cycling”, “Running”).
There is a diverse range and a high number of activities, which appear to be very
specific and/or unusual but which actually demonstrate that imaginary and role play
games are key to children’s play.
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Where children play at present
“Park”, “Outside” and “Home” are first, second and third top choices, accounting for
over 50% of all responses. For the first age group (years 1 - 3), where most of the
answers originate, a larger number of children prefer outdoor play (“Park”, “Outside”)
while a smaller (but still significant) number choose to play indoors.
“Swimming pool” is the fourth choice for this group with a large number of children
opting for play in the water.
Where children don’t play
The “Street” is the place children feel they do not play and this accounts for a
significant number of responses. Year’s 1 - 3 list in descending: “Street”, “Outside”,
“Inside”, “Home”, “Park” as places where they don’t play.
Where children would like to play
“Parks”, “Home” and “Playgrounds (adventure)” were the top three choices.
The whole ‘top ten’ list was composed of generic descriptions of places
(“Forest/woods”, “Outside”) and simple play ground style activities (“Slides”,
“Climbing frame”) rather than specific, highly structured ‘destination’ venues (“Theme
parks” etc.)
The youngest age group choose “Home” first, closely followed by “Parks”.
As might be expected for older children, able to play with less parental supervision,
“Home” drops to third place after “Parks” and “Forest/woods”.
What children would like to play?
Limited responses from years 4 - 6 has slanted this data towards activities favoured
by the youngest children.
“Imaginative play”, “Slides” and “Climbing frame” suggests playgrounds as the
preference for younger children.
Simple unstructured play in open public spaces (“Park” and “Football”) rates only
sixth and seventh place.
For the years 4 - 6 “Boxing” and “Football” are the most popular activities.
What stops play
Note: these findings are based on data gathered from children, parents and carers,
as indicated.
What stops play being accessible for children
19
•
“Facilities not enough”, “Bullies” and “Busy parents” are, in that order, the top
three issues for children in both age groups.
In more detail:
•
18% of responses state that poor facilities (or equipment) prevent them from
playing.
•
11% of responses state that “Bullies” deter them from playing.
•
8% of responses show “Busy parents” prevent them from playing (presumably
because the children rely on them for travel or supervision at open spaces).
•
Across the age ranges, there is no single overwhelming problem with
accessibility.
•
In the youngest age group “Bullies” are the first reason with 25 responses –
which shows bullying, is a quite regular issue.
•
“Busy parents” disappear from the top five of the middle age group, where
children seem to be more conscious of issues like “Badly maintained facilities”
and “Money” which are behind accessibility restrictions.
•
“Not enough/badly maintained facilities and equipment” is their top issue.
•
Parents and carers see disability access as the only access issue.
•
All the other accessibility criteria listed in the survey - social barriers,
affordability, information and publicity and opening times – were judged by
them at a remarkably consistent average/adequate.
What safety aspects stop children from playing?
• A much more coherent view of what inhibits play emerges here – “Siblings”,
“Bullies” and “Broken glass” are the top three safety issues for both age groups.
•
“Lack of facilities” and “Fights” are also major issues.
•
For the youngest age group “Fighting” and “Parents” are the fourth and fifth
most listed problems.
•
“Lack of facilities” are top of the problems list for years 4 – 6.
•
Parents and carers scored safety issues as average/adequate. However, in
line with the children, they cited “Broken glass”, “Litter” and “Teenagers” as
their main worries and added poor lighting as another safety issue.
20
•
Rather surprisingly, given the previous data/scorings, parents and carers
judged the overall quality of facilities for all ages ‘very poor’ and in need major
improvement - particularly for over 6’s and teenagers.
•
Castle Point bears out findings in other Essex districts - facilities are especially
poor, or absent, for older teenagers and this results in them hanging around
facilities designed for younger children, causing damage and confrontation.
Summary
Existing facilities
It would appear the style and range of current local facilities, in principle, meets
users/families’ expectations.
•
Upgrading is needed however.
•
And younger children have better provision than others.
Barriers
•
“Vandalism” and presence (or fear of) of “Older teenagers”.
•
Poor lighting.
•
Lack of supervision.
What action children, parents and carers want to see
•
Access to woods/forests and unstructured play.
•
Make basic playground equipment better maintained, supervised, accessible.
•
There was no obvious wish for new specific facilities such as theme parks.
•
Parents and carers too want existing facilities upgraded in terms of
maintenance, supervision and disability access.
•
And more activities for 10 - 18 year olds.
•
Opportunities to engage in art and drama activities for exploring,
experimenting and expressing themselves.
Castle Point District Summary of Findings – Special Schools
A full copy of the report is shown in appendix 4
A summary of the key report findings and conclusions is as follows:
21
The Play 4 Play project consulted a total of 243 children aged between 5 and 13
years of age in Special Schools. There are no parents and carers views reflected in
the findings. Groups were determined by developmental stage rather than age.
Nine key questions were asked:
1. What is play?
2. Where do you play?
3. Where don’t you play?
4. Where would you like to play?
5. What would you like to play?
6. Who do you play with?
7. Who would you like to play with?
8. What is stopping you from playing (accessibility)?
9. What is stopping you from playing (safety)?
The findings provided by responses to these questions are summarised and set out
in the sub-sections below.
What is play, where I play, and where I’d like to play?’
What children and young people think play is
•
20% of the top responses were “Football”; with indoor, IT-related play, “Games
console” and “Computers”, as second and third totalling 28%.
•
The remaining ‘top ten’ responses were an even mix of outdoor and home
based play activities. This range is broadly in-line with responses to this
question from the Play 4 Play project’s other non-special schools based
research.
Where children and young people play at present
•
“Home” was ranked fourth in a list that was otherwise entirely comprised of
outdoor places to play.
•
“Park” and “Playground”, places for simple, unstructured play, (together
making nearly 50% of the top 10 responses); with more specific, structured
venues being chosen by fairly small numbers of children. (“Theme park”,
“Adventure Island”, “Pirate Ship”.)
Where children and young people don’t play
•
“Boring places” was the significantly high top response.
•
“Football” was a surprising second choice (given its top place in response to
question 1) – suggesting perhaps a group of children who would like to play
football but can’t access a pitch or place to ‘kick about’.
22
•
 any other places listed show that children have been warned against places
M
where there might be a (real or perceived) safety risk: “scary”, “high”, “forests
and woods”.
Where children and young people would like to play
Nearly 20% of the top responses were “Park”. The third, fourth, fifth and six places
they would like to play are also simple play facilities: “Playground”, “Adventure
playground”, “School”, “Swings”. Their apparent inability to play at these places could
be caused by parental bans, difficulty of access, lack of safe, supervised, maintained
playgrounds, or indeed lack of such facilities entirely. None of the places they would
like to play were ‘wish list’ choices (highly specific and structured ‘day out’ type
venues) – although a small number of responses gave “Theatre” at the bottom of the
list.
What children and young people would like to play
•
Again, children and young people focused on simple playground-type activities
for their top three responses: “Slide”, “Swing” and “Climbing frame”.
•
“Pantomime” and “Role play” as fourth and fifth responses suggest a group of
respondents familiar with, and enthusiastic about, drama activities (and see
above).
•
Most of the rest of the ‘top ten’ choices were also relatively simple outdoor
play activities. The wish to engage in this sort of play suggests again a lack of
access to simple playground facilities locally. (Possible reasons for this listed
in findings from question 4, above).
Who do children and young people play with and want to play with?
•
“Friends”, “Parents” and “Siblings” are the top three responses to both
questions
•
Figures from organised play (“Play leaders” etc) are hardly mentioned.
•
This could suggest that children and young people are content playing
informally with those closest to them - with or without access to the sort of
local, simple play facilities they would like.
It could however mean that they do not know of, or cannot access the wider
opportunities for more organised play available to other children and young
people.
•
What stops play?
What stops play being accessible for children and young people
•
Children and young people listed “Weather”, “Not enough time” and “Lighting”
as the chief inhibitors of play.
23
•
Problems ranked further down the list: “Broken equipment”, “Parents”,
“Someone spoiling games” and “Not allowed” suggest other issues – perhaps
poor maintenance of public play facilities, vandalism, the presence of
threatening (older?) individuals.
What safety aspects stop children and young people from playing
•
The last speculative point in the findings for question 7 (above) is starkly
verified by the whole list of responses to this question. Listed from one to eight
they are: “Rubbish”, “Spray painting”, “Teenagers”, “Injuries” (threat of, from
broken glass and wilfully damaged equipment?) “Interruptions”, “Litter”, (lack
of) “Authority figures”, “Hoodies” – all these responses paint a picture of
children being unwilling to use local play facilities because they are graffiti-ed,
vandalised, unsupervised by adults and are the hang out for threatening
teenagers.
•
Whether or not all these issues are real or are over-stated, the belief that they
exist appears to prevent the children and young people surveyed from feeling
able to access play facilities.
Summary
Existing facilities
•
It seems that the children and young people surveyed find that existing
facilities for simple outdoor playground type play would meet their needs if
they were made accessible to them.
Barriers
•
Facilities are not thought to be welcoming or safe due to “Broken equipment”
(through neglect or wilful damage?), the presence, or the threat of, older
“Teenagers” and the lack of adult supervision. (Older teenagers may choose
to hang around play facilities intended for people younger than themselves
because of a lack of suitable facilities meeting their own needs.)
What action children and young people want to see
•
More play equipment, though not especially complex or costly items.
•
Existing playground facilities maintained and supervised.
•
Opportunities to engage in art and drama activities for exploring,
experimenting and expressing themselves; dance and music in particular
24
6.2
Youth Matters Consultation 2005
Introduction
This consultation has been undertaken on behalf of services working with young
people. The purpose was to engage with a range of young people from across Essex
to seek their views on the ‘Somewhere to go, Something to do’ consultation paper.
The outcome of the consultation will inform the ‘Youth Matters’ white paper and
developments of services across Essex for young people.
Methodology
The Essex Children and Young People’s Participation group (comprising of Essex,
Southend and Thurrock Connexions, Essex County Council, Essex Council Voluntary
Youth Services, and Essex Police) agreed to work with young people from across
Essex in order to review the documentation produced by the government and decide
on a way forward for involving young people in Essex.
The young people present decided to develop their own version of the questionnaire
in order to give local partnerships more local information.
Young people’s groups from across the county participated in the initial consultation
and in subsequent events such as an activity day, road show, video and completion
of questionnaires through group and individual sessions.
One particular result from this research showed that the top place where young
people would like to meet friends is the local park.
1319 young people, representing all districts within Essex, completed a questionnaire
the results are shown in appendix 5.
7.
PROPOSALS FOR IMPROVING PLAY IN CASTLE POINT
7.1
Playground Renewal Programme
Given the findings of the PPG17 Open Spaces Appraisal and the results of the above
consultation exercises the Castle Point Play Partnership and the Council has decided
that the key priority over the next five years is to ensure that the current significant
deficiency in fixed play provision is addressed.
To this end, the Council’s Playground Renewal Programme will form part of the
portfolio of projects for consideration by the BIG Lottery Fund Children’ Play
Programme. The new play areas will be free to use and will comply with the latest
design, manufacturing and installation quality standards. All the sites will be
redesigned to create separate areas for 0-8 year old children and areas of equipment
specially designed for children 9 – 14+ years of age, to meet LEAP and NEAP
criteria. Community shelters will be installed to provide hang-out areas for teenagers
to socialise with each other.
25
The estimated cost of this programme is £1,335,000 and will be funded partly by the
council and a mix of external grant bids.
7.2
The King George V Playing Fields covers an area of approximately 6 hectares and is
situated within the centre of Canvey Island. The site is surrounded by residential
properties with gardens backing directly onto the playing field.
The facilities include a pavilion which is hired to a local playgroup and also used by
indoor sports clubs for table tennis and badminton sessions. There are four football
pitches, six tennis courts and a play area with fixed equipment on the site. Both the
tennis courts and play equipment are in a poor condition and require renewal.
For many years the site has been a meeting place for youngsters and recently very
large numbers of youths in excess of 100 on occasions have met there. These
gatherings normally occur on Friday or Saturday evenings and give rise to many
complaints from residents about the youths being noisy, causing damage to property,
depositing litter which includes cans and bottles in the road and in resident’s
gardens.
Due to the varied problems being experienced, the investigations that followed led to
many agencies becoming involved under the management of the Castle Point Crime
and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP). A regular Police presence was put in
place and significant amounts of alcohol were seized.
A survey of residents bordering the recreation ground was conducted and the
majority (69%) were in favour of positive action to resolve the problem of anti-social
youth behaviour.
On 9 June 2006 a temporary six month Dispersal Order agreed under the Anti-Social
Behaviour Act 2003 was introduced covering the town centre and including the King
George V Playing Fields. This order was effective and reduced the problem pending
the implementation of more practical measures.
The CDRP recognised the fact that the run-down appearance of the playing fields
and lack of recreational/play facilities created a boring open space for the youngsters
and the continued decline tended to promote further vandalism. In view of this fact, a
comprehensive improvement plan was developed which focused on the following
issues:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Close one of the access points to prevent youths walking past main residential
route.
Remove recycling bottle banks so that youths could not smash the bottles
Remove restrictive fencing and replace with bollards
Remove graffiti and protect buildings with fencing and landscaping
Provide extra lighting
Improve road and footpath surfaces and provides additional footpaths
Develop more activities for young people within the pavilion
26
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Remove old play area and construct a new play for children under 11 years of
age.
Redevelop the tennis courts to create a new block of three courts and a multi
user games area with teenage play equipment and teen shelters
Carry out landscaping improvements to soften the area with tree and shrubs
and provide a sensory garden
Increase park furniture
Consider employing a park ranger to patrol and look after the site
Secure by design (Essex Police)
Apply for a Green Flag Award to lift the quality status of the refurbished site
A plan illustrating the proposals is provided at appendix 6.
The cost of this project is estimated at £750,000 and would have to be funded
through a combination of Council funding, and other external grants. This scheme
will represent the key project in the BIG Lottery Fund Children’s Play Programme bid.
The CDRP receives finance from the Government Home Office ‘Safer and Stronger
Communities Fund’ to help reduce crime and disorder in Castle Point. Some of the
funding is used to create crime diversion activities for young people and the above
scheme may be partly financed (subject to approved budget allocation) in 2008 from
this fund.
7.3
Other Play Initiatives
The following schemes will be developed in conjunction with the soon to be launched
Essex Play Association (formerly Children’s Fund Essex) to provide County wide play
initiatives with other Essex Councils. These initiatives will be financed separately
and will not include BIG Lottery funding.
Play 4 Play the sequel - The Essex wide Play 4 Play consultation will be evaluated
in two years time to see what has changed since the initial consultation.
Possible funding stream: Esmee Fairburn
Playforma - Essex Association of Youth Clubs have applied to Playful Ideas to
develop a lorry with play equipment that has been designed by children and young
people. The result of this application is awaited. The project will run from January –
December 2008 and will also include children from Special schools. If successful
Essex Play Association will look immediately to secure funding to run the Playforma.
i.e. staff and maintain it. It will go round the whole of Essex. Funding for 3 years and
hiring out will be part of the sustainability plan.
Storytelling festival - To develop an Essex wide children’s storytelling festival. The
festival will champion cultural diversity for children and young people and give a
unique opportunity for them to be involved in a high quality innovative festival. They
will participate in story telling workshops in their school, attend the festival and
perform at the festival. Possible funding stream: Arts Council England, Grants for the
Arts
27
Essex Play Association development - To establish an Essex wide play association to
advance the education and development of children and young persons through play in
Essex. To provide or assist in the provision of facilities in the interests of social welfare
for recreation or other leisure time occupation of individuals in Essex who have need of
such facilities by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disability, financial hardship or
social circumstance with the objects of improving their conditions of life by promoting their
physical, mental and spiritual well being. Possible funding stream: Paul Hamlyn
Intergenerational Music - To develop a music project based in Essex that links
various organisations working with children and young people and elder residents,
exploring music as a means for expression and communication. Play 4 Play
highlighted that children and young persons when asked who they like to play with
put grandparents very low. This project seeks to address this issue by developing
relationships among families particularly between children and their grandparents
through music.
Current projects Funded by the Children’s Fund Essex
There are currently several play projects run by other parties in Castle Point and
Essex-wide which are funded by the Children’s Fund Essex, they are:
•
Active Christian Trust – Family Support project – This is a ‘Dads and Kids’ club
helping father figures build stronger relationships with their children through
interactive play sessions, music sessions etc. Age range 5-13 years.
•
Castle Point and Rochford PCT – The Trouble Tree Programme – Promotes
emotional well-being in all children, families, schools and communities within
Castle Point and Rochford by providing direct therapeutic play sessions to
children and support for their parents. Age range 5-13 years.
•
Theatre Resource – Creative Arts project – To provide access to creativity and
creative learning opportunities for the most disadvantaged members of the
community. A programme of educational arts activities for disabled and
disadvantaged children and young people. Age range 5-13 years.
•
St. Nicholas Centre – Anti-bullying project – Engaging with children and young
people who are victims or perpetrators of bullying to provide an holistic service
that impacts not only on the children and young people but on their families
and ultimately the community of Castle Point and Rochford.
28
8.
ACTION PLAN (FUTURE PROJECTS)
Our Outcomes
1 - The provision extends the choice and control that children have over their play, the freedom they enjoy and the satisfaction they gain from it.
2 - The provision recognises the child's need to test boundaries and responds positively to that need.
3 - The provision manages the balance between the need to offer risk and the need to keep children safe from harm.
4 - The provision maximises the range of play opportunities.
5 - The provision fosters independence and self-esteem.
6 - The provision fosters children's respect for others and offers opportunities for social interaction.
7 - The provision fosters the child's well-being, healthy growth and development, knowledge and understanding, creativity and capacity to learn.
Project
Playground
Renewal
Programme
King George V
Playing Fields,
Canvey Island
Play 4 Play the
sequel
Detail
Cost
5 year phased capital
programme to renew
all play equipment in
Castle Point (see
appendix 7a for
schedule)
Major infrastructure
improvements to site
including provision of
comprehensive play
facilities.
£1,335,000
Essex wide Play 4
Play consultation will
be evaluated in two
years time to see
what has changed
since the initial
consultation.
Not costed
£750,000
Funding Sources
Castle Point Borough
Council, BIG Lottery
Fund Children’s Play
Programme?,
Cleanaway Pitsea
Marshes Trust, CLG?
Castle Point Borough
Council, BIG Lottery
Fund Children’s Play
Programme?,
Cleanaway Pitsea
Marshes Trust, CLG?
Possible funding
stream: Esmee Fairburn
Lead Partner
Timeframe
Outcomes
(see above)
1 to 7
Castle Point
Borough Council
April 2007 – March
2012
Castle Point
Borough Council
April 2008 – March
2011
1 to 7
Essex Play
Association
2009
Not
applicable
29
Project
Detail
Cost
Funding Sources
Lead Partner
Timeframe
Outcomes
(see above)
1,2,4,5,6,7
Playforma
Essex Association of
Youth Clubs has
applied to Playful
Ideas to develop a
lorry with play
equipment that has
been designed by
children and young
people. The result of
this application is
awaited. The project
will also include
children from Special
schools. .
Not costed
If successful Essex Play
Association will look
immediately to secure
funding to run the
Playforma. i.e. staff and
maintain it. It will go
round the whole of
Essex. Funding for 3
years and hiring out will
be part of the
sustainability plan
Essex Association
of Youth Clubs and
Essex Play
Association
January – December
2008
Storytelling festival -
To develop an Essex
wide children’s
storytelling festival.
Not costed
Possible funding
stream: Arts Council
England, Grants for the
Arts
Essex Play
Association
2008
2,5,6,7
Essex Play
Association
To establish an
Essex wide play
association to
advance the
education and
development of
children and young
persons through play
in Essex.
To develop a music
project based in
Essex that links
various organisations
working with children
and young people
and elder residents.
Not costed
Possible funding
stream: Paul Hamlyn
Ultimately enable 1
to 7
2007 - 2008
1 to 7
Not costed
Not identified
Essex Play
Association
2008
1,2,5,6,7
Intergenerational
Music
30
9.
MONITORING AND EVALUATION
This strategy will be reviewed on an annual basis with any significant changes in
funding, legislation, planning or other strategies being considered.
Public consultation surveys will be undertaken which will include the views of young
people under 19 years of age to determine whether play value has been increased
and the outcomes detailed within the action plan achieved.
The project to revisit the original Play 4 Play consultation will provide interesting
comparative data to measure improvement in play provision.
31
11.
REFERENCES
1.
Best Play ‘What play provision should do for children’ (2001).
2.
National Children’s Bureau/Big Lottery Fund, (2006) Planning for Play:
Guidance on the development and implementation of a local play strategy.
London: Children’s Play Council.
3.
Castle Point Borough Council Community Strategy 2007 - 2021
4.
Castle Point Borough Council Corporate Plan – 2007 - 2012
5.
DCMS Getting Serious About Play: a review of children’s play (2004) London
32
11.
APPENDICES
33
Issue: Draft 01
6.7
PPG17 Open Space Appraisal
Definition
6.7.1 Provision for children and young people includes areas such as equipped play areas,
ball courts, skateboard areas and teenage shelters. All these areas have a primary
purpose of providing opportunities for play and social interaction involving children
and young people.
Strategic context and consultation
6.7.2 Facilities specifically for young people and children are important types of open
space. According to The Children’s Play Council (2002) “By making sure all children
and young people have access to good outdoor space, we as a society will be
supporting their healthy physical, social and emotional development” (p1). It has
been long been recognised that older children and teenagers are often a difficult
group to provide for. Not only is consultation with young people often a challenge
and tastes, fashions and demands for facilities change over time. CABE Space (2005)
recommends that 'problem' groups should be involved to develop solutions and that
new provision encourages a sense of ownership in young people and children. It
recognises that young people have a fear of crime as well as adults and that this
should be addressed at the design stage.
6.7.3
Nationally and internationally, there is a wealth of research conducted that has
produced guidance on best practice for designing play facilities. Key organisations
and reports that collaborate such sources are:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
6.7.4
PPG17 recognises the specific importance of the NPFA guidance that divides play
facilities into three categories. These are:
•
•
•
6.7.5
OPDM website
The Children’s Play Council
Royal Society for the Protection of Accidents (RoSPA)
Learning through Landscapes
National Playing Fields Association
Children’s Play Information Service
CABE Space
No Particular Place to Go, Worpole, K.
Local Areas for Play (LAPS)
Local Equipped Areas for Play (LEAPS)
Neighbourhood Equipped Areas for Play (NEAPS).
Castle Points’ Local Plan recognises a previous study which applied the National
Playing Field Association (NPFA) Six Acre standard to the Borough. The Six Acre
standard has previously been used extensively in England to provide new areas for
play in developments and as a basis of comparing levels of provision. The study
showed deficiencies in the following wards:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
St Georges
Cedar Hall
St James
Boyce
Appleton
Winter Gardens
Canvey Central
Canvey North.
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© The Landscape Partnership
22nd January 2002
Issue: Draft 01
6.7.6
The Local Plan acknowledges the importance of play areas and specific policies have
been adopted to protect existing sites and to seek provision in areas of identified
need.
6.7.7
Consultation with the public through the household survey showed a large number of
comments regarding the quality of play areas. Particular concerns included dog
mess, litter issues, broken/vandalised equipment and anti social behaviour. They
were rated as the third most important type of open space, behind parks and
gardens and natural and semi natural open spaces.
Summary of existing provision
• The Crescent Play Area
• John H Burrows Play Area
• Memorial Ground Play Area
(medium)
• King George V Play Area
(Canvey)
• Memorial Play Area (small)
• South Benfleet Playing Fields
Play Area
• Swans Green Play Area
• Tarpots Play Area
• Thundersley
Common
Recreation Ground Play Area
• Woodside Park Play Area
(East)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Woodside Park Play Area (West)
King George V Play Area (Benfleet)
Kismet Park Play Area
Thorney Bay Play Area
Esplanade Paddling Pool
Leigh Beck Play Area (large)
Leigh Beck Play Area (small)
The Paddocks Open Play Area
The Paddocks Enclosed Play Area
Villa Road Play Area
Larup Gardens
Waterside Farm Play Area
Waterside Farm Skate Ramp
6.7.8
The Borough contains 23 play areas that cater for age groups ranging from toddlers
to early teens however there is a lack of facilities (other than sports facilities) for
older age groups of young people. There are two skate ramps in the Borough (at
Waterside Farm Recreation Ground and in South Benfleet Playing Fields). The
paddling pool on the Thames Estuary is a popular and unique facility that allows a
different type of play experience than otherwise provided in playgrounds.
6.7.9
During the audit, two playgrounds that appeared particularly popular were those
within South Benfleet Playing Fields and John H Burrows. All pieces of equipment
were usable in both of these playgrounds however at least four units had been
removed from South Benfleet Playing Fields. Better quality equipment was also found
at Swans Green recreation ground, Thundersley Great Common recreation ground
and Thorney Bay play area. The timber equipment was more generally in good
condition and offered a greater range of play opportunities including a trim trail.
6.7.10 However, most play areas in the Borough are of poor quality and are very dated. For
example, at Kismet Park, the tiles safety surface is lifting up creating an unsafe
ground-plain while a number of the pieces of equipment have been removed or are
broken. Many of the playgrounds have pieces of equipment that are damaged and
are unusable for example of the two play areas at Woodside Park, the set of swings
at the boundary of North Benfleet Hall Wood have been removed and are out of use
while the playground to the East of the site offers limited opportunities for play as
50% of the facilities there have also been removed.
6.7.11 There is a lack of thought to the design of play areas, their boundaries, natural
features within them and their levels of accessibility and connectivity to wide path
networks. For example, at Leigh Beck recreation ground, two rectangular
Page 138
22nd January 2002
Issue: Draft 01
playgrounds lie within the central areas of the park with no connecting pathways no
visual features or planting.
6.7.12 Most play areas contained a very similar equipment laid out following a very similar
design and with almost identical boundary treatments. Generally, the play areas in
Castle Point look very similar and offer the same, limited opportunities for play. There
have been few attempts to give play areas an identity through design or to
encourage learning and development through play. These more contemporary
approaches to playground design can be an opportunity for future re-design and
provision for play areas.
6.7.13 Almost a fifth of the public open spaces within the Borough are designated for play
and their improvements should ensure that the children of Castle Point are well
provided for. The forthcoming stages of this study will determine the extent of
provision and will outline the need for improvements.
Waterside Farm skate ramp
John H Burrows play area
The paddling pool
Setting provision standards
6.7.14 In setting local standards for children and young people there is a need to take into
account any national or local standards, current provision, other local authority
standards (for comparison), site assessments and consultation on local needs.
Setting provision standards: quantity
6.7.15 From consultation with Council Officers and the site audit, it is apparent that an
unusual situation is evident in Castle Point. It has been previous Council policy for
play areas to encompass a large area in order to give room for children to run around
within a confined area. Whilst there is some merit to this idea, it has meant that
many play areas are located within large, rectangular boundaries. Overall, such play
areas are sparse and do not contain the expected number of facilities or features.
Some sites, despite their large size, contained only one piece of equipment.
Therefore, to set a quantity standard based on area per 1,000 people for the
Borough is misleading. Instead, a measurement figure of sites per 1,000 people has
been proposed.
6.7.16 A total of 23 outdoor children’s and young persons facilities were identified in the
Borough. However a number of locations have spilt facilities where there are two
playgrounds on one site. In order to set standards, these facilities have been counted
as a single facility. Recommendations for the future include amalgamating split sites
to improve natural surveillance. Based upon the above, the revised number of sites is
19.
6.7.17 The national standard for the provision for children and young people comes from
the NPFA Six acre standard that stipulates 2.43 hectares of ‘playing space’ per 1,000
Page 139
22nd January 2002
Issue: Draft 01
people. This consists of 0.81 hectares per 1,000 people for children’s playing space.
It should be noted that this recommendation also includes amenity green space.
6.7.18 The household survey revealed that 64% of respondents felt there was “not enough”
provision for children and young people across the Borough; this was the highest of
all open space types. Only 2% felt there was “more than enough” provision and
15% felt provision was “about right”.
6.7.19 The combined area for sites in the Borough is 3.22 hectares, which gives an average
site size of 0.14 hectares and a current provision level of 0.037 hectares per 1,000
people. This equates to a standard of 0.219 sites per 1,000 people as the hectare
figure does not give a true indication of current provision levels.
6.7.20 Due to the unusual layout of play areas in the Borough, it was decided that there was
no need to increase provision; therefore the recommended minimum level of
provision is 0.037 hectares per 1,000 people. This is because it is anticipated that as
play areas are improved, their size will decrease – but the number of equipment
pieces will increase. However, it was agreed to raise the minimum level of sites to
0.25 sites per 1,000 people.
This figure was ascertained by examining the areas without current provision within
the agreed walk time and is examined in further detail in the “applying provision
standards” methodology section in paragraph 3.33.
Recommended
quantity
standard:
0.25 sites per 1,000 people are needed to
bring existing provision levels up to standard.
Developers should adhere to accessibility
standards.
Setting provision standards: accessibility
6.7.21 Following national standards, as set out by the NPFA, for LAPs, LEAPs and NEAPs.
The components of these three categories are detailed below:
LAPs – Targeted at children between four - six years old and located within a oneminute walk or within 100 metres from residential areas. LAPs typically have no play
equipment and therefore could be considered as amenity green space.
LEAPs – Targeted at children aged five years and older and located within five
minutes away from residential areas along pedestrian routes.
NEAPs – Targeted at children aged eight 8 years and older and should be located
within 15 minutes walking time along pedestrian routes.
6.7.22 In terms of site accessibility, the household survey revealed that residents are
generally happy with site access factors. The issue of signage received the most
negative responses (30% unsatisfied or very unsatisfied) whilst 20% of respondents
were unsatisfied or very unsatisfied with access for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Page 140
22nd January 2002
Issue: Draft 01
6.7.23 From the household survey the general perception is that a travel time of five to ten
minutes is reasonable for access to play areas and as a consequence
the
recommended
minimum Recommended accessibility standard:
standard is for a walk time of ten Provision for young people and children
minutes. The proposed accessibility
standard is a realistic catchment in 480 metre straight-line distance or a ten
line with public expectations and the minute walk
limited amounts of funding available
for new provision. Using straight-line
distances this equates to 480 metres.
Setting provision standards: quality
6.7.24 The playgrounds in the Borough are in an extremely poor state with only three
playgrounds (13% of the Boroughs’ provision) being rated as good. These can be
found at John H Burrows recreation Ground, Swans Green and The Paddocks
(enclosed playgound) 62% of the playgrounds are poor or very poor and are in
urgent need of replacement and repair. Such a small percentage of good quality
playgrounds mean that parents and carers are more likely to drive to play areas
which is contrary to the objectives of sustainable development as outlined in local
and national policies.
6.7.25 Despite being a highly valued public open space type (over 80% of households
responded that playgrounds are important), only 43% of the children who answered
the children’s survey used playgrounds last year. Playgrounds also suffer significantly
from problems with graffiti (found in 21% of sites) and from littler and fly tipping
(evidence, including broken glass, found in 11% of sites). In addition, 78% have a
poor sense of arrival, 96% have either poor or very poor quality footpaths and 91%
have either poor or very poor levels of accessibility.
6.7.26 The quality standard for the provision of facilities for children and young people is
detailed below:
Quality standard for provision for children and young people
The Borough should provide good quality, play areas that offer exciting and varied
opportunities for play for children of a range of ages and abilities. Existing play areas should
be rationalised to allow for maximum natural surveillance. Pathway networks to and from
playgrounds should be provided to increase accessibility and connectivity within the setting
of the play area. The provision of facilities for young people should be integral in the design
process and should reflect changing trends. Facilities for accompanying adults should be
considered in play area design and each area should provide seating and bins.
Page 141
22nd January 2002
Issue: Draft 01
Evidence base for quality standard: young people and children
14% of participants do not got to their local open space because of poor quality play
equipment
No Particular Place to Go (Worpole, K 2002) recommends that play areas should be
designed to promote local identity and that they are inclusive and involve young people in
the design process. Building upon this, 'problematic' behaviour should be embraced through
design solutions (CABE space 2005)
LAPs, LEAPs and NEAPs indicate some quality aspirations in terms of needing seating for
adults, varied range of equipment and teenager meeting place
ODPM - Developing Accessible Play offers a checklist of design criteria to design exciting
and inclusive play areas
Minimum acceptable size standards
6.7.27 With regards to the minimum size standards there, are national standards for LAPs,
LEAPs and NEAPs, these are:
•
•
•
LAPs – a minimum size area of 100m²
LEAPs –a minimum size area of 400m²
NEAPs –a minimum size area of 1000m²
6.7.28 The national accessibility standards for playgrounds are:
•
•
LAPs – activity zone 100m² plus a five-metre² buffer zone on all residential sides.
Site area multiplier – 4.0 if a residential area on all sides
LEAPs – activity zone 400m² plus a 20m buffer zone on all residential sides. Site
area multiplier – 9.0.
Applying provision standards
6.7.29 By applying the quantity and accessibility standards, we are able to locate areas of
deficiency within the Borough. Quality standards are applied to individual case
studies to show deficiencies against the recommended local standard and
recommendations to help meet the local standard.
Applying provision standards: quantity
6.7.30 Due to the aforementioned issues with the size of sites in the Borough, there is no
value in an application of a size-based standard to areas within the Borough. Instead,
the number of sites per 1,000 people has been applied to highlight any shortfalls in
provision.
6.7.31 Table 18 shows that in terms of the number of sites, the area of Canvey East has a
superior provision level to the other areas. The Hadleigh area is currently in line with
the recommended level whilst all other areas are below the recommended level of
provision.
Page 142
22nd January 2002
Issue: Draft 01
Table 18: Provision levels per area for provision for children
Area
Existing
level
of
provision
(number of sites per 1,000
people)
Canvey East
0.374
Canvey West
0.107
Hadleigh
0.251
Thundersley
0.215
Benfleet
0.161
and young people
Surplus/deficiency
against
local standard (ha per 1,000
people)
0.124
-0.143
0.001
-0.035
-0.089
6.7.32 Whilst the information in table 18 is useful in providing a comparison between the
different areas of Castle Point, the recommended local standard is based on any new
provision being strategically situated to ensure that all residential areas of the
Borough are within accessible catchment of a play area. Therefore, the application of
the accessibility carries far greater weight.
Page 143
22nd January 2002
Issue: Draft 01
Figure 18: Provision levels per area
for children and young people
Thundersley
(-0.154)
Benfleet
(-0.208)
Hadleigh
(-0.118)
West Canvey
(-2.262)
East Canvey
(0.005)
Hectares per 1000 people.
Provision levels per area
for children and young
people
Area
Landform
↑N
Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with
the permission of the controller of Her Majesty's
Stationery Office. License Number 100002205 ©
Crown Copyright."
Scale 1:50,000
Page 144
22nd January 2002
Issue: Draft 01
Applying provision standards: accessibility
6.7.33 When applying the catchment area of 480 metres to each site and considering the
geographical spread of facilities, it becomes apparent that all areas of the Borough
have deficiencies. In the area of Canvey East, despite current quantity provision
levels being above the recommended minimum standard there is still a large area
without provision. A large number of the facilities in Canvey East are based along
the south of the area, which results in large provision overlaps.
6.7.34 The Canvey West area has only two sites, both based at Waterside Farm, which
leaves the large majority of residents in the area without provision within a tenminute walk time. The skate park at Waterside Farm provides a facility for older
children however it is of poor quality and does not conform to best practice for skate
area design. At least two new sites will be needed to encompass the vast majority of
residents.
6.7.35 In terms of accessibility, the Hadleigh area is well catered for with an artery of sites
running through the heart of the populated area. This leaves only the area of Daws
Heath without provision; the Council should aim to deliver one new centrally located
site here in the medium to long term.
6.7.36 With only two sites, the area of Benfleet is not well catered for in accessibility terms.
The Council need at least two new sites in the short term to cover the provision gaps
in the south and centre of the area. This will still leave a gap running along the west
of the populated area that will need to be addressed in the long term.
6.7.37 The Thundersley area has a good spread of facilities in the west and east but the
more centrally located areas lack provision. An additional facility in the west of the
New Thundersley area is needed though it is recognised that there are not any
immediately available new sites for such provision. The eastern end of North
Benfleet also lacks provision and should be a focus for new provision from the
Council.
Page 145
22nd January 2002
Issue: Draft 01
Figure 19: Accessibility catchments for
provision for children and young people
Catchment for provision for children
and young people = 480 metres or
a 10 minute walk
Catchment area
Areas
Landform
↑N
Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with
the permission of the controller of Her Majesty's
Stationery Office. License Number 100002205 ©
Crown Copyright."
Scale 1:50,000
Page 146
22nd January 2002
Issue: Draft 01
Applying provision standards – quality
6.7.38 The poor quality of playgrounds across the Borough is mainly due to a combination
of neglect and vandalism. Site specific recommendations have been included in
Appendix 11.8 however there are some common goals that, if met would help meet
the quality standard set for the Borough. These are:
•
Update, provide or replace equipment in sites of particularly low quality. These
playgrounds are:
Crescent Play Area
King George V Play Area (Benfleet)
Villa Road Play Area
Waterside Farm Skate Ramp and Play Area
The Paddocks play area
Woodside Park Play Areas
Kismet Park
King George V Play Area (Canvey)
Leigh Beck Recreation Ground Play Areas
Memorial Ground play areas
Tarpots play area
Villa road play area
•
•
•
•
•
•
Provide better variety in design and equipment so that there is more choice for
parents and children when visiting playgrounds.
Every attempt should be made where possible to reinforce character and provide
well designed, individual play areas.
Provide facilities for adults and supervisors and consider the positioning of such
facilities so that they can best watch over all children under their care
Rationalise play areas that are divided into two sub-areas within one site.
Greatly improve pathway quality and connectivity to, from and within play areas.
Provide more good quality facilities for young people and discuss in partnership
with local communities where and what such facilities should be.
6.7.39 Two good examples of play areas can be found at Court Hey Park, Liverpool and the
Princess of Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens, London. Detail can be
found below.
Summary and recommendations
6.7.40 The Borough has a poor provision of play areas and facilities for young people.
Efforts need to be concentrated on improving all aspects of provision. There are a
number of existing facilities within the Borough however there are still areas that are
deficient in facilities. Recommendations for improvement in terms of quantity, quality
and accessibility are made below:
•
Establish a programme for playground improvement, making best uses of
resources wherever possible (see section 7.0)
•
Ensure that once improved, all playgrounds meet the quality standards set above
•
Consider opportunities for more provision in areas of deficiency and pay attention
to providing meaningful facilities for young people that are developed through
consultation with potential site users.
•
Protect the existing sites and seek new provision as appropriate through new
residential developments.
Page 147
22nd January 2002
Issue: Draft 01
•
Investigate opportunities for new play provision in suitable amenity green space
sites.
•
Improve provision for youth activities and facilities along the Thames Estuary
seafront.
•
Improve accessibility to and within play areas and provide accessible play
equipment.
•
Quality and accessibility should be enhanced to ensure that these sites deliver
maximum value to the community and that good levels of usage maintained.
CASE STUDY 11
CASE STUDY 12
Court Hey Park, Liverpool BC
Princess of Diana Memorial Playground
in Kensington Gardens, London.
Image: www.lgnnet.co.uk/street
Image: www.londyn.sk
Located adjacent to Landlife, Wildflower
Centre, this playground picks up on its
natural setting and provides an
alternative to more standard play areas
found elsewhere.
Despite the big budget for this
playground, there are elements that
can be used to inspire smaller scale
facilities such as the use of textural
planting, sound based equipment,
rocks, sand and other natural materials
and accessible play equipment.
Page 148
22nd January 2002
Castle Point summer holiday events programme
Monday 23rd July – Friday 27th July
Tottenham Hotspur Football Coaching
Venue: The Appleton School, Croft Road, Benfleet
Time: 10.30am-3.30pm
Ages: 6-14 yrs
Price: 1 Day £14, 2 Days £25, 3 Days £36, 4 Days £47, 5 Days £52
Boys & girls are welcome to join the FA qualified coaches to learn dribbling,
passing, shooting and take part in small-sided games.
To book a place please call Tottenham Hotspur on 020 8365 5049 or book
online at www.tottenhamhotspur.com/soccerschools/soccer_schools.html
Tuesday 24th July
Trampoline Coaching
Venue: Castle View School, Meppel Avenue, Canvey Island
Time: 10.30am-12.30pm
Ages: 5+
Price: £8
To find out more or to book a place please contact: Dawn: 01268 682273
Thursday 26th July
Trampoline Coaching
Time: 10.30am-12.30pm
Ages: 5+
Price: £8
Drumming – for beginners
Venue: Runnymede Hall, behind the Council Offices, Kiln Road, Benfleet
Time: 10-11am
Ages: 7-9 yrs
11.30am-12.30pm
10+
Price: £5 per child
To find out more or to book a place please contact 01268 882474
Friday 27th July
Family Treasure Hunt
Venue: Thundersley Glen, Kiln Road entrance, opposite Konny Brook,
Benfleet
Time: 11am-2pm
Ages: Families
Join our treasure hunt and win a prize! Including arts & crafts, orienteering
and storytelling. Bring a picnic!
For more information or to book a place please call 01268 882474
Monday 30th July-Friday 3rd August
Venue: Furtherwick Park School, Furtherwick Road, Canvey Island
Time: 10.30-3.30pm
Ages: 6-16 yrs
Price: £52 for the whole week (5 days)
To find out more please phone Pat from the Canvey Schools Partnership on
07867787235. To book a place please call Tottenham Hotspur on 020 8365
5049
Monday 30th July
Mosaic Artwork
Venue: The Art Factory
Time: 9am-1pm
Ages: 7+
Please ring for a booking form 01268 565700/800 or 07810567067
Digital Photography
Venue: Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Avenue, Canvey Island
Time: 10am-12noon
Ages: 8+
Tuesday 31st July
Mosaic Artwork
Time: 9am–1pm
Ages: 7+
Wednesday 1st August
T-shirt Printing
Time: 9am-12noon
Ages: 5+
Parent & Toddler Arts & Crafts
Venue: Lakeview Hall, Winter Gardens School, Hilton Road, Canvey Island
Time: 10am-12noon
Ages: Parents with children under 7
Thursday 2nd August
T- shirt Printing
Time: 9am-12noon
Ages: 5+
Friday 3rd August
3D Art
Time: 9am-12noon
Ages: 5+
Monday 6th August
Have a Field Day
Venue: Lake View Hall, Winter Gardens School, Hilton Road, Canvey Island
Time: 11am-3pm
Ages: Families
A fun filled day for all ages, circus skills, bouncy castle, games, crafts and
much more. Bring a picnic and enjoy the day. Parents go free.
To find out more please phone Pat from the Canvey Schools Partnership on
07867787235. NO NEED TO BOOK, JUST TURN UP!
Tuesday 7th August
Textile Collage
Time: 9am-1pm
Ages: 7+
Family Cookery
Time: 10am-12noon
Ages: 1 adult + up to 2 children
Price: £5 per family
To find out more or to book a place please phone Pat from the Canvey
Schools Partnership on 07867787235
Wednesday 8th August
Mother & Toddlers Artfull Splodgers
Venue: Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Road, Canvey Island
Time: 10-11am
Ages: Preschool
Come and enjoy creative activities provided by the company “Artfull
Splodgers”
Artfull Splodgers
Time: 11am-1pm
Ages: 5-11 yrs
Painting, drawing, cutting and sticking, a creative treat for kids!
Textile Collage
Time: 9am-1pm
Ages: 7+
Friday 10th August
Rubbish Riot Day 2007
Friday 10th August – 10:30am-3pm
The Paddocks Community Centre, Long Road, Canvey Island
Come along and learn all about recycling and rubbish
• Free for kids of all ages
• No need to book
• Refreshments available
For more information call 01268 882474 or 01268 882318
[email protected]
www.castlepoint.gov.uk/recycling
Proudly sponsored by Pinnacle
Archery
Venue: Furtherwick Park School, Furtherwick Road Canvey Island
Time: 10am-12noon
Ages: 8+
Archery offers a fun challenge that can be very rewarding. Taught by fully
qualified coaches
The Piped Piper (A Science Museum Outreach event)
Time: 11am-12 noon
Ages: 3-7 yrs
Price: £2 per child (parents to stay)
A fun filled storytelling pantomime which everyone will love
Feel The Force (A Science Museum Outreach event)
Time: 12.30-1.30pm
Ages: 7-11 yrs
Can you switch a magnet off? What forces will you find in the Highland
Games? Join Phil the Stunt Frog and take an exciting look at the world of
forces.
Hot Air Balloons (A Science Museum Outreach event)
Time: 2.30-3.30pm
Ages: 7-11 yrs
Learn how hot air balloons work, make one yourself and launch it!
Monday 13th August – Friday 17th August
Stop motion animation summer school
You will be working with an animation artist
Time: 9am-2pm
Ages: 8-16 yrs
Price: £80 per child for the week
Places are limited, only 15 places
Monday 13th August
Have a Field Day
Venue: Lake View Hall, Winter Gardens School, Hilton Road, Canvey Island
Time: 11am-3pm
Ages: Families
A fun filled day for all ages, bouncy castle, games, crafts and much more.
Bring a picnic and enjoy the day. Parents go free.
Monday 13th August – Friday 17th August
Ages: 6-14 yrs
Price: 1 Day £14, 2 Days £25, 3 Days £36, 4 Days £47, 5 Days £52
online at http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/soccerschools/soccer_schools.html
Tuesday 14th August
Family Cookery
Time: 10am-12noon
Ages: 1 adult + up to 2 children
Price: £5 per family
Mother & Toddlers Artfull Splodgers
Time: 10-11am
Ages: Preschool
Come and enjoy creative activities provided by the company “Artfull
Splodgers”
Artfull Splodgers
Time: 11am-1pm
Ages: 5-11 yrs
Painting, drawing, cutting and sticking, a creative treat for kids!
Aboriginal themed Art & Craft Session with The Art Factory
Venue: The King John School, Shipwrights Drive, Thundersley
Time: 10-11.30am
Ages: Families with children from age 4+
Price: £5 per person
Create Australian Aboriginal art dot paintings on fabric to make into wall
hangings. Create Aboriginal Masks all this to the sound of Aboriginal music!!
To book a place please phone Lyn at The Art Factory on 01268 565700/800
or 07810567067
Thursday 16th August
Tottenham Hotspur GIRLS only Football Coaching
Ages: 6-14 yrs
Price: 1 Day £14
Girls are welcome to join the FA qualified coaches to learn dribbling, passing,
shooting and take part in small-sided games.
online at www.tottenhamhotspur.com/soccerschools/soccer_schools.html
Street Dance
Venue: Hall 2, The Paddocks Community Centre, Long Road, Canvey Island
Times: 11am-12.30pm
Ages: 5-9yrs
1-3pm
10+
£4.50 per child
To find out more or to book a place please call 01268 882474
Friday 17th August
Jewellery Making
Venue: Northwick Park Primary School, Third Ave, Canvey Island
Time: 10am-12noon
Ages: 8+
Would you like to make your own jewellery? Come and find out how easy it is.
Monday 20th August
Puppet Making (Paul Klee style) with The Art Factory
Time: 10am-12 noon
Ages: 8+ (parents/carers welcome to stay)
Make unique hand made puppets using modroc and fabric
Family Tennis Coaching and Family Nutrition Workshop
Venue: The Deanes Sports Centre, Daws Heath Road, Thundersley
Time: 9am-1pm
Ages: Families with children from 5-11 yrs
Price: £5 per person for the morning
Learn basic tennis techniques under the instruction of a professional LTA
Tennis coach followed by a session which will teach you what a healthy diet
really looks like.
Bring a picnic!
To book a place please phone Deanes Sports Centre on 01268 741162
weekdays after 4pm and weekends between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Hand made papermaking
Time: 9am-1pm
Ages: 7+
Pottery
Venue: Runnymede Small Hall, Behind Council Offices, Kiln Road, Benfleet
Times: 11am-12.30pm
Ages: 7-9 yrs
1-3pm
10+
£5.50 per child
To find out more or to book a place please call 01268 882474
Tuesday 21st August
Hand made papermaking
Time: 9am-1pm
Ages: 7+
Family Tri-Golf and Family Arts & Crafts
Time: 9am-1pm
Price: £5 per person for the
Try out a new golfing craze followed by an opportunity to get creative!
Bring a picnic!
2D Art (looking at local artists and styles) with The Art Factory
Time: 10am-12 noon
Painting with mixed media, looking at influential local artists and styles
Wednesday 22nd August
Wire Sculpture (with paper) with The Art Factory
Time: 10am-12 noon
Moulding wire into sculptureable pieces of art and decorating with paper
To find out more or to book a place please phone Pat on 07867787235
Music around the World and Cricket Coaching
Time: 9am-1pm
Experience music from around the world followed by a cricket coaching
session
Bring a picnic!
Face Paining
Venue: Richmond Small Hall, High Road, Benfleet
Time: 10-11am & 11.15am-12.15pm
Ages: 8-11yrs
Price: £4.50 per child
Have a got at face painting and create your own designs
To find out more or to book a place call 01268 882474
Thursday 23rd August
Weaving (using mixed media) with The Art Factory
Time: 10am-12 noon
Traditional hand weaving, making wall hangings using a variety of materials
Dance around the World and Rounders
Time: 9am-1pm
Investigate dances used by different cultures and followed by a game of
rounders
Bring a picnic!
Friday 24th August
Collage (Environmental influences) with The Art Factory
Time: 10am-12 noon
Create a fabric collage, studying the environment, recycling, using stitches
Dodge Ball and Orienteering
Time: 9am-1pm
Try out the latest sports craze followed by a test of your map reading
Bring a picnic!
Monday 27th August
Art Attack
Time: 9am-12noon
Ages: 5-11 yrs
Tuesday 28th August
Working with wire
Time: 9am-1pm
Ages: 7+
Working with wire
Time: 9am-1pm
Ages: 7+
Basketball Coaching
Time: 10am-3pm
Ages: 8-12yrs
Thursday 30th August
Mosaic Art
Time: 9am-1pm
Ages: 7+
Friday 31st August
Mosaic Art
Time: 9am-1pm
Ages: 7+
Rugby Coaching
Time: 10am-3pm
Ages: 8-12yrs
Price: £10
Multi Sports Mania
Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays from Tuesday 7 August (Throughout August)
Time: 10am-3pm
Ages: 6-11yrs
Price: £8 discounts available for siblings To find out more or to book a place
please contact: Dawn: 01268 682273
Benfleet Villa FC In partnership with Coerver Coaching.
FOOTBALL COACHING
Dates:
Tues 31st July Frid 3rd Aug
Tues 14th Aug Frid 17th Aug
Tues 28th Aug Frid 31st Aug
Venue: John Burrows Sports Ground, Rectory Road, Hadleigh
Times:10.00am - 3.00pm ( Arrive for 9.45am)
Ages: 5 – 13 Years
Price:
4 days £50
3 days £44
2 days £37
1 day £25
All participants receive a football.
Bring a packed lunch, drinks, suitable footwear, shin pads, rainwear, hats,
suntan lotion.
To find out more or to book a places contact Carol Henwood 01702 556744
[email protected]
Play Planet
Canvey Children’s Centre
Furtherwick Park School, Furtherwick Road, Canvey Island
Monday to Friday through out the school holidays (from Monday 23rd July to
Friday 31st August)
9.30am to 3.30pm £10.00
8.30am to 4.30pm £15.00
Phone 01268 699300 for a booking form
Activities will include …………
Do you aim this at any age range?
Is there anything else you would like to add? What sort of activities will they
take part in? Do you want to say it’s an ECC run scheme?
New for 2007
LEGAY XS
This summer Legacy XS will be touring all over Castle Point with their
football cage, mobile skate park and other outdoor equipment.
For a time table or to find out more please call 01268650
ALL ACTIVITIES MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE UNLESS OTHERWISE
STATED
Play 4 Play
Castle Point District
Findings Report
[[[[
CONTENTS
Project Overview .................................................................................................. 4
Castle Point background .......................................................................................................... 4
Project brief.............................................................................................................................. 4
Aims & Objectives .................................................................................................................... 4
Methodology ............................................................................................................................ 5
Results..................................................................................................................................... 5
Castle Point: Drama and Art Workshop Outcomes........................................... 6
Outcome 1: What is play? (1285 responses)............................................................................ 6
Outcome 2a: Where do you play? (1069 responses)................................................................ 7
Outcome 2b: Where don’t you play? (228 responses).............................................................. 9
Outcome 3a: Where would you like to play? (438 responses) ................................................ 11
Outcome 3b: What would you like to play? (396 responses) .................................................. 13
Outcome 4: Who do you play with? (1222 responses) ........................................................... 15
Outcome 5: Who would you like to play with? (215 responses) .............................................. 16
Outcome 6a: What is stopping you from playing (accessibility)? (302 responses) ................. 17
Outcome 6b: What is stopping you from playing (safety)? (155 responses) .......................... 19
Castle Point: Parents and Carers Outcomes ................................................... 21
1.
Accessibility of existing play facilities.............................................................................. 21
2.
Safety aspects of existing local play facilities.................................................................. 22
3.
Getting to the existing local play facilities........................................................................ 22
4.
Quality ratings for existing age specific local play facilities ............................................. 23
5.
Suggested improvements for existing local play facilities................................................ 23
Conclusion .......................................................................................................... 24
1.
Overview ........................................................................................................................ 24
2.
Findings ......................................................................................................................... 24
3.
Summary........................................................................................................................ 26
Castle Point
Page 2 of 39
Appendices ......................................................................................................... 27
Appendix 1: “What is play?” ................................................................................................... 27
Appendix 2: “Where do you play?” ......................................................................................... 31
Appendix 3: “Where don’t you play?”...................................................................................... 32
Appendix 4: “Where would you like to play?”.......................................................................... 33
Appendix 5: “What would you like to play?” ............................................................................ 35
Appendix 6: “Who do you play with?” ..................................................................................... 36
Appendix 7: “Who would you like to play with?”...................................................................... 37
Appendix 8: “What is stopping you from playing (accessibility)?”............................................ 38
Appendix 9: “What is stopping you from playing (safety)?” ..................................................... 39
INDEX OF FIGURES
Figure 1:
Figure 2:
Figure 3:
Figure 4:
Figure 5:
Figure 6:
Figure 7:
Figure 8:
Figure 9:
What children and young people think play is ................................................................. 6
Where children and young people of all ages play .......................................................... 7
Where children and young people of all ages don’t play.................................................. 9
Where children and young people of all ages would like to play .................................... 11
What children and young people of all ages would like to play ...................................... 13
With whom children and young people of all ages play ................................................. 15
With whom children and young people of all ages would like to play............................. 16
The accessibility issues stopping children and young people of all ages from playing... 17
The safety issues stopping children and young people of all ages from playing ............ 19
INDEX OF TABLES
Table 1: “What is play?” - the top responses .................................................................................. 6
Table 2: “Where do you play?” - the top responses........................................................................ 7
Table 3: “Where do you play?” - the top responses identified by each age group........................... 8
Table 4: “Where don’t you play?” - the top responses .................................................................... 9
Table 5: “Where don’t you play?” - the top responses identified by each age group..................... 10
Table 6: “Where would you like to play?” - the top responses ...................................................... 11
Table 7: “Where would you like to play?” - the top responses identified by each age group ......... 12
Table 8: “What would you like to play?” - the top responses ........................................................ 13
Table 9: “What would you like to play?” - the top responses identified by each age group ........... 14
Table 10: “Who do you play with?” - the top responses................................................................. 15
Table 11: “Who would you like to play with?” - the top responses ................................................. 16
Table 12: “What is stopping you from playing (accessibility)?” - the top responses ....................... 17
Table 13: “What is stopping you from playing (accessibility)?” - the top responses identified by
each age group ............................................................................................................. 18
Table 14: “What is stopping you from playing (safety)?” - the top responses................................. 19
Table 15: “What is stopping you from playing (safety)?” - the top responses identified by each age
group ............................................................................................................................ 20
Castle Point
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Castle Point District Findings Report
Project Overview
Castle Point background
Castle Point is located in South Essex and is also part of the Thames Gateway. The district has
five sites of special scientific interest, one national nature reserve, one local nature reserve, and
two conservation areas.18.9% of the region is under 16 in a total population of 87,0001.
Project brief
Traditionally, methods of consulting with communities were designed to meet the communication
needs of adults, and did not seek to involve children and young people in the consultation process.
Striving towards meaningful outcomes for community involvement, Children’s Fund Essex (CFE)
sought a project approach that used creative and interactive methods to engage with children and
young people.
CFE commissioned Mapalim, a play and arts organisation with a proven track record in working
with children, young people and practitioners to undertake the consultation project, entitled Play 4
Play.
Mapalim offered tried and tested methods of engaging children and young people with a team of
specialists to deliver the project in a face-to-face capacity.
Aims & Objectives
The Play 4 Play Project aimed to consult with children and young people, and the wider
community, about local play facilities using meaningful and creative methods to inform local play
strategies.
The project had several objectives:
1. To use creative participatory techniques to engage with children and young people.
2. To gather valuable information to inform the play strategies.
3. To be inclusive and consult widely with individuals regardless of age, ability, ethnicity,
gender, or location (rural/urban; central/remote; community/isolated).
4. To capacity build, developing the skills of staff working with children and young people.
5. To research the views and wants of parents/carers and the wider community.
1
th
Statistics were collected in 2004. All data was accessed on 27 January 2007 on the EastNET, Government Office for
th
the Southeast website, created 14 June 2006: http://www.gos.gov.uk/goeast/our_region/272094/essexkf/?a=42496
Castle Point
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Methodology
The Play 4 Play project reflects the participation and consultation recommendations of Play
England’s ”Planning for Play” guidance for involving children and young people:
“Engaging, participative events can provide a broad range of information. The presence of adults,
children and young people together at well-organised events can help build respect for the
perspectives of different generations, and exposes adults to the powerful experience of hearing at
first-hand children and young people’s views.”
(Planning for Play, 33.12)
The Play 4 Play project consulted with children and young people through interactive workshops
as the primary and qualitative means of research. There were seven main project outcomes. As
part of the workshops, answers to 4 and 5 below were given but not analysed in detail.
1.
What is play?
(General)
2a.
Where do you play?
(Present)
2b.
Where don’t you play?
(Present)
3a.
Where would you like to play?
(Future)
3b.
What would you like to play?
(Future)
4.
Who do you play with?
5.
Who would you like to play with?
6a.
What is stopping you from playing (accessibility)?
(Present and future)
6b.
What is stopping you from playing (safety)?
(Present)
(Future)
The workshop activities were pre-planned and adhered to a workshop outline, which ensured that
each activity was directly related to the seven project outcomes. Monitoring and data gathered
during the workshops were captured and documented in line with the seven project outcomes.
The project engaged in secondary consultation with parents and carers, using questionnaires as a
quantitative method to support the findings of the workshops. The Essex Play website
(www.essexplay.com) also ensured the quality and value of the project by encouraging the
participation of the wider community in the consultation.
Results
We consulted with 1139 people across Castle Point at 5 schools: 2 primary and 3 infant schools.
Castle Point
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Castle Point: Drama and Art Workshop Outcomes
These results are based on interactive consultation with 1083 children years 1 - 8 (5 - 13 years).
Outcome 1: What is play? (1285 responses)
The following figure is based on the most frequent responses:
3%
3%
3%
3%
3%
16%
3%
3%
4%
11%
4%
4%
6%
5%
6%
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
Figure 1: What children think play is
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Football
Imaginative play
TV
Dance
Games console
Swimming
Art
Playground (adventure)
Cycling
Running
Table 1: “What is play?” - the top responses
See Appendix 1: “What is play?” for full range and quantity of responses.
Castle Point
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Football
Imaginative play
TV
Dance
Games console
Swimming
Art
Cycling
Running
Ball games
Pets toys
Martial arts
Climbing frames
Computer
Board games
Lego
Tennis
Skipping
Basketball
Outcome 2a: Where do you play? (1069 responses)
5%
4%
1%
0%
22%
11%
13%
16%
13%
15%
Figure 2: Where children of all ages play
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Park
Outside
Home
Swimming pool
Inside
Street
Garden
Theme Park
Playground
Southend Pier
Table 2: “Where do you play?” - the top responses
See Appendix 2: “Where do you play?” for full range and quantity of responses.
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Park
Outside
Home
Swimming pool
Inside
Street
Garden
Theme Park
Playground
Southend Pier
Year 1 to 3 (1053 responses)
1. Park
2. Outside
3. Home
4. Swimming pool
5. Inside
1. Home
2. Swimming Pool
3. Park
4. Outside
222
165
146
133
128
7
3
3
3
Table 3: “Where do you play?” - the top responses identified by each age group
Note: Individual year group responses may not appear in the most frequent results of this outcome
due to their lower ranking overall.
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Outcome 2b: Where don’t you play? (228 responses)
4%
0%
2% 1% 1%0%
10%
33%
13%
17%
19%
Figure 3: Where children of all ages don’t play
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
10.
Street
Outside
Inside
Home
Park
Swimming pool
Party
Theme park
Castle (Hadleigh)
Dirty
Forest/woods
Table 4: “Where don’t you play?” - the top responses
See Appendix 3: “Where don’t you play?” for full range and quantity of responses.
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Street
Outside
Inside
Home
Park
Swimming pool
Party
Theme park
Castle (Hadleigh)
Dirty
Forest/woods
1. Street
2. Outside
3. Inside
4. Home
5. Park
Year 4 to 6
No responses from this age group
75
44
38
29
23
Table 5: “Where don’t you play?” - the top responses identified by each age group
Castle Point
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Outcome 3a: Where would you like to play? (438 responses)
5%
5%
23%
5%
Parks
Home
Imaginative play
6%
7%
15%
11%
11%
Slides
Forest/woods
Outside
Castle
Climbing frame
Swings
12%
Figure 4: Where children of all ages would like to play
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Parks
Home
Imaginative play
Slides
Forest/woods
Outside
Castle
Climbing frame
Swings
Table 6: “Where would you like to play?” - the top responses
See Appendix 4: “Where would you like to play?” for full range and quantity of responses.
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1. Home
2. Parks
3. Imaginative play
4. Playground (adventure)
5. Outside
1. Parks
2. Forest/woods
3. Home
4. Rollercoaster
5. Swimming pool
28
26
22
22
13
25
9
7
7
6
Table 7: “Where would you like to play?” - the top responses identified by each age group
Castle Point
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Outcome 3b: What would you like to play? (396 responses)
4%
4%
4%
28%
5%
5%
7%
8%
13%
10%
Imaginative play
Slide
Climbing frame
Swings
Swimming pool
Park (woodland)
Football pitch
Trampoline
Ball games
Board games
Playground
12%
Figure 5: What children of all ages would like to play
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
10.
Imaginative play
Slide
Climbing frame
Swings
Swimming pool
Park (woodland)
Football pitch
Trampoline
Ball games
Board games
Playground
Table 8: “What would you like to play?” - the top responses
See Appendix 5: “What would you like to play?” for full range and quantity of responses.
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1. Imaginative play
2. Slide
3. Climbing frame
4. Swings
5. Swimming pool
1. Boxing
2. Football pitch
3. Trampoline
4. Computer
5. Imaginative play
68
30
28
26
20
7
7
4
3
3
Table 9: “What would you like to play?” - the top responses identified by each age group
Castle Point
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Outcome 4: Who do you play with? (1222 responses)
3%
5%
1% 1%0%
26%
Siblings
Parents
Friends
Grandparents
Babies
Teenagers
Alone
Cousins
Carers
People being rude
10%
12%
24%
18%
Figure 6: With whom children of all ages play
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Siblings
Parents
Friends
Grandparents
Babies
Teenagers
Alone
Cousins
Carers
People being rude
Table 10: “Who do you play with?” - the top responses
See Appendix 6: “Who do you play with?” for full range and quantity of responses.
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Outcome 5: Who would you like to play with? (215 responses)
4%
2%
3%
2%
5%
5%
48%
7%
9%
Friends
Siblings
Family
Parents
Alone
Mum
Cousins
Pets
Grandparents
Dad
15%
Figure 7: With whom children of all ages would like to play
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Friends
Siblings
Family
Parents
Alone
Mum
Cousins
Pets
Grandparents
Dad
Table 11: “Who would you like to play with?” - the top responses
See Appendix 7: “Who would you like to play with?” for full range and quantity of responses.
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Outcome 6a: What is stopping you from playing (accessibility)?
(302 responses)
4%
6%
Not enough/badly maintained facilities and equipment
Bullies
24%
6%
Busy parents
Not allowed alone
8%
Siblings
Can't find friends
8%
15%
Not much wood/ forest
Dinner time
Lost ball
Money
9%
9%
11%
Figure 8: The accessibility issues stopping children of all ages from playing
Not enough/badly maintained
facilities and equipment
2.
Bullies
3.
Busy parents
4.
Not allowed alone
5.
Siblings
6.
Can’t find friends
7.
Not much wood/forest
8.
Dinner time
9.
Lost ball
10. Money
1.
Table 12: “What is stopping you from playing (accessibility)?” - the top responses
See Appendix 8: “What is stopping you from playing (accessibility)?” for full range and quantity of
responses.
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1. Bullies
2. Busy parents
3. Can’t find friends
4. Siblings
5. Dinner time
1. Facilities (not enough/bad)
2. Park (not enough equipment)
3. Not much wood
4. Not allowed out alone
5. Money
25
20
19
17
14
28
19
17
13
10
Table 13: “What is stopping you from playing (accessibility)?” - the top responses identified by each age group
Castle Point
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Outcome 6b: What is stopping you from playing (safety)?
(155 responses)
6%
7%
17%
7%
9%
13%
10%
11%
10%
Siblings
Bullies
Broken glass
Facilities (not enough)
Fights
Parents
Weather
Animals
Litter
Wet floor
10%
Figure 9: The safety issues stopping children of all ages from playing
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Siblings
Bullies
Broken glass
Fights
Parents
Weather
Animals
Litter
Wet floor
Table 14: “What is stopping you from playing (safety)?” - the top responses
See Appendix 9: “What is stopping you from playing (safety)?” for full range and quantity of
responses.
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1. Siblings
2. Broken glass
3. Bullies
4. Fights
5. Parents
1. Facilities (not enough)
2. Teenagers
3. Animals
4. Bullies
5. Litter
22
14
13
12
12
10
5
4
3
3
Table 15: “What is stopping you from playing (safety)?” - the top responses identified by each age group
Castle Point
Page 20 of 39
Castle Point: Parents and Carers Outcomes
These results are based on consultation with 56 parents and carers using a generic questionnaire
throughout the 5 schools in Castle Point.
We asked parents and carers to tell us where their children mostly play:
Here are the 4 most common results (in order of popularity)
1.
2.
3.
4.
Leisure parks
Friend’s houses
House
Leisure centres
We asked about the existing local play facilities in the following 4
sections:
Each statement is rated on a scale of 1 - 5 (1 being extremely poor, needs massive improvement;
5 being extremely high quality, could not be improved).
1.
Accessibility of existing play facilities
Disability access
Social barriers
Ratings
1
2
3
4
5
Percentage
7%
7%
33%
33%
20%
Information and publicity
Ratings
1
2
3
4
5
Percentage
23%
23%
27%
15%
12%
Affordability
Ratings
1
2
3
4
5
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Page 21 of 39
Percentage
21%
21%
30%
21%
7%
Ratings
1
2
3
4
5
Percentage
18%
27%
27%
23%
6%
Opening times
Ratings
1
2
3
4
5
Percentage
8%
24%
36%
16%
16%
Overall accessibility of existing local play facilities:
Information & publicity
Social barriers
Affordability
Disability access
Opening times
Rating
3
3 and 4
3
2 and 3
3
This concludes that the biggest accessibility barrier is disability access.
2.
Safety aspects of existing local play facilities
The local facilities in my area are always safe:
Ratings
1
2
3
4
5
Percentage
12%
12%
44%
32%
0%
What are the key safety aspects?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Broken glass
Litter
Lighting bad
Teenagers (Richmond Park)
This concludes safety is considered to be in need of some improvement – rating 3 being most
common. Broken glass is the number one concern.
3.
Getting to the existing local play facilities
By public transport
By car
Ratings
1
2
3
4
5
Percentage
4%
8%
28%
28%
32%
On foot
Ratings
1
2
3
4
5
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Percentage
15%
27%
27%
8%
23%
Ratings
1
2
3
4
5
Percentage
13%
22%
39%
4%
22%
Overall, how easy is it to get to the existing local play facilities
Mode of transport
On foot
By public transport
By car
Rating
3
3
3
This concludes that the methods used to get to the existing local play facilities are fairly equal in
their difficult/easy rating. When we look closely at the percentages, we can see that getting there
by car is slightly easier and getting there by foot slightly harder.
4.
Quality ratings for existing age specific local play facilities
Facilities for 10 - 13 year olds
Facilities for under 5s
Ratings
1
2
3
4
5
Ratings
1
2
3
4
5
Percentage
28%
36%
24%
8%
4%
Ratings
1
2
3
4
Percentage
33%
21%
33%
13%
Percentage
57%
13%
22%
4%
4%
Ratings
1
2
3
4
Percentage
65%
20%
5%
10%
Overall quality ratings for existing age specific local play facilities
For under 5s
For 6 - 9s
For 10 - 13s
For 14 -18s
Facility Ratings
2
1
2
1
This concludes that the overall quality ratings for all ages are very poor and need large
improvement. Particularly for children in the age groups 6 - 9 and 10 - 13 and young people in the
age groups 14 - 18.
5.
Suggested improvements for existing local play facilities
1.
2.
3.
More activities for teenagers – older
children and young people
More/better design and equipment
Cleaner
This concludes that the number one priority for improvement in the local play facilities is more
areas and activities for 10 - 18 year olds.
Castle Point
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Conclusion
1.
Overview
In Castle Point, the Play 4 Play project consulted with a total of 1139 people; a mixture of 1083
children aged between 5 and 11 years of age and 56 parents and carers whose views are reflected
in the findings.
Seven key questions were asked:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
What is play?
Where do you play?
The findings provided by responses to these questions are summarised and set out in the subsections below.
2.
Findings
2a - What is play, where I play, and where I’d like to play
Note: these findings are based on data gathered from children.
1.
What children think play is
“Football” is the top response for children
Followed by “Imaginative play”.
There was a very wide range of responses to this question and only these two activities
have a significant share of the total.
“TV” is third most common play choice.
The rest of the ‘top ten’ were a mix of indoor play (“Games console”, “Art”) and outdoor
activities (“Swimming”, “Cycling”, “Running”).
There is a diverse range and a high number of activities, which appear to be very
specific and/or unusual but which actually demonstrate that imaginary and role play
games are key to children’s play.
2.
Where children play at present
“Park”, “Outside” and “Home” are first, second and third top choices, accounting for over
50% of all responses.
For the first age group (years 1 - 3), where most of the answers originate, a larger
number of children prefer outdoor play (“Park”, “Outside”) while a smaller (but still
significant) number choose to play indoors.
“Swimming pool” is the fourth choice for this group with a large number of children opting
for play in the water.
3.
Where children don’t play
• The “Street” is the place children feel they do not play and this accounts for a significant
number of responses.
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Page 24 of 39
• Years 1 - 3 list in descending: “Street”, “Outside”, “Inside”, “Home”, “Park” as places
where they don’t play.
4.
Where children would like to play
“Parks”, “Home” and “Playgrounds (adventure)” were the top three choices.
The whole ‘top ten’ list was composed of generic descriptions of places (“Forest/woods”,
“Outside”) and simple play ground style activities (“Slides”, “Climbing frame”) rather than
specific, highly structured ‘destination’ venues (“Theme parks” etc.)
The youngest age group choose “Home” first, closely followed by “Parks”.
As might be expected for older children, able to play with less parental supervision,
“Home” drops to third place after “Parks” and “Forest/woods”.
5.
What children would like to play
Limited responses from years 4 - 6 has slanted this data towards activities favoured by
the youngest children.
“Imaginative play”, “Slides” and “Climbing frame” suggests playgrounds as the
preference for younger children.
Simple unstructured play in open public spaces (“Park” and “Football”) rates only sixth
and seventh place.
For the years 4 - 6 “Boxing” and “Football” are the most popular activities.
2b - What stops play
Note: these findings are based on data gathered from children, parents and carers, as indicated.
6.
What stops play being accessible for children
• “Facilities not enough”, “Bullies” and “Busy parents” are, in that order, the top three
issues for children in both age groups.
• In more detail:
• 18% of responses state that poor facilities (or equipment) prevent them from playing.
• 11% of responses state that “Bullies” deter them from playing.
• 8% of responses show “Busy parents” prevent them from playing (presumably because
the children rely on them for travel or supervision at open spaces).
• Across the age ranges, there is no single overwhelming problem with accessibility.
• In the youngest age group “Bullies” are the first reason with 25 responses – which
shows bullying is a quite regular issue.
• “Busy parents” disappear from the top five of the middle age group, where children seem
to be more conscious of issues like “Badly maintained facilities” and “Money” which are
behind accessibility restrictions.
• “Not enough/badly maintained facilities and equipment” is their top issue.
• Parents and carers see disability access as the only access issue.
• All the other accessibility criteria listed in the survey - social barriers, affordability,
information and publicity and opening times – were judged by them at a remarkably
consistent average/adequate.
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7.
What safety aspects stop children from playing
• A much more coherent view of what inhibits play emerges here – “Siblings”, “Bullies”
and “Broken glass” are the top three safety issues for both age groups.
• “Lack of facilities” and “Fights” are also major issues.
• For the youngest age group “Fighting” and “Parents” are the fourth and fifth most listed
problems.
• “Lack of facilities” are top of the problems list for years 4 – 6.
• Parents and carers scored safety issues as average/adequate.
• However, in line with the children, they cited “Broken glass”, “Litter” and “Teenagers” as
their main worries and added poor lighting as another safety issue.
• Rather surprisingly, given the previous data/scorings, parents and carers judged the
overall quality of facilities for all ages ‘very poor’ and in need major improvement particularly for over 6’s and teenagers.
• Castle Point bears out findings in other Essex districts - facilities are especially poor, or
absent, for older teenagers and this results in them hanging around facilities designed
for younger children, causing damage and confrontation.
3.
Summary
1.
Existing facilities
It would appear the style and range of current local facilities, in principle, meets
users/families’ expectations.
Upgrading is needed however.
And younger children have better provision than others.
2.
Barriers
• “Vandalism” and presence (or fear of) of “Older teenagers”.
• Poor lighting.
• Lack of supervision.
3.
What action children, parents and carers want to see
Access to woods/forests and unstructured play.
Make basic playground equipment better maintained, supervised, accessible.
There was no obvious wish for new specific facilities such as theme parks.
Parents and carers too want existing facilities upgraded in terms of maintenance,
supervision and disability access.
And more activities for 10 - 18 year olds.
Opportunities to engage in art and drama activities for exploring, experimenting and
expressing themselves.
Castle Point
Page 26 of 39
Appendices
Please note that where different responses were given for the same thing, they have been grouped
together. (e.g. brothers, sisters, older brothers = siblings; bikes, bike riding cycles = cycling).
Appendix 1: “What is play?”
Result
Football
Imaginative play
TV
Dance
Games console
Swimming
Art
Cycling
Running
Ball games
Pets toys
Martial arts
Climbing frames
Computer
Board games
Lego
Tennis
Skipping
Basketball
Park
Golf
Dolls
Slides
Hopscotch
Wendy house
Animals
Beach
Reading
Trampoline
Computer games
Outside games
Rugby
Cricket
Fireworks
Parents
Robots
Swings
Cars
Cooking
Music
Castle Point
Page 27 of 39
Total
126
84
50
45
43
43
42
39
38
36
33
29
28
24
24
22
22
22
21
20
19
17
15
14
13
12
10
10
10
10
9
9
9
8
8
8
8
8
7
7
7
Total Male
92
54
36
17
32
22
22
28
27
23
22
21
21
20
16
16
17
10
10
14
10
12
9
8
6
10
7
7
8
6
4
5
6
7
5
8
4
5
6
4
4
Total Female
34
30
14
28
11
21
20
11
11
13
11
8
7
4
8
6
5
12
11
6
9
5
6
6
7
2
3
3
2
4
5
4
3
1
3
0
4
3
1
3
3
Result
Skateboarding
Drawing
Grandparents
Sandcastle
Shooting
Babies
Boxing
Drink & smoke
Eating
Friends
Gymnastics
Horses
Scooter
Sleeping
Sunbathing
Aeroplanes
Baseball
Bowling
Climbing
Crying
Drama
Grown ups washing up
Ice hockey
Ice skating
Jumping
Rocket
Seaside
Singing
Teddy bears
Teenagers
Telling off
Walking with stick
Working
Adults
Alone
Camping
Card games
Hide & seek
Hockey
Holiday
Netball
Playing
Puzzles
Sign language
Table tennis
Volleyball
Wheelchair
Writing
Castle Point
Page 28 of 39
Total
7
6
6
6
6
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Total Male
6
5
3
3
3
3
4
2
3
3
3
3
3
1
2
4
3
2
3
2
0
2
2
2
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
3
2
1
2
2
1
2
1
3
0
2
1
1
1
2
1
1
Total Female
1
1
3
3
3
2
1
3
2
2
2
2
2
4
3
0
1
2
1
2
4
2
2
2
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
1
2
2
1
1
2
1
2
0
3
1
2
2
2
1
2
2
Result
Writing games
Adventures
Digging
Dinosaur
Egyptians
Everything
Fishing
Fun
Gardening
Grass
Ice cream
Marbles
Old people
Picnic
Racing
Role play
Roller skating
Shopping
Snowman
Sucking thumb
Toys
Trains
Washing up
Water
Badminton
Barbie
Bed
Boulders
Chill out
Christmas
Cinema
Clarinet
Disney
Dressing up
Exercise
Frisbee
Gym
Helping with dinner
Home
Kicking
Money
Musical chairs
Parachute
Pillow fights
Play Doh
Railway
Sand
Shapes
Castle Point
Page 29 of 39
Total
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Total Male
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
2
1
1
0
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Total Female
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
1
0
1
1
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Result
Siblings
Squash
Teacher
Theme park
Zoo
Total responses: 1285
Castle Point
Page 30 of 39
Total
1
1
1
1
1
Total Male
1
0
1
1
1
Total Female
0
1
0
0
0
Appendix 2: “Where do you play?”
Result
Park
Outside
Home
Swimming pool
Inside
Street
Garden
Theme park
Playground
Southend Pier
Castle (Hadleigh)
Rollercoaster
Stones
Water
Forest / wood / woodlands
Big course
Bridge
Climbing frame
Field
Football training
Pebbles
Roundabout
Shelter
Tunnels
Uniformed groups
Zoo (Colchester)
Adventure Island
Canoeing
Dance class
Kids Kingdom
Playtopia
School
Train to Belgium
Tropical Wings
Castle Point
Page 31 of 39
Total
225
168
153
136
128
116
46
36
7
5
4
4
4
4
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Total Male
113
87
76
75
57
68
23
18
4
4
2
2
2
2
3
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
0
1
1
1
0
1
Total Female
112
81
77
61
71
48
23
18
3
1
2
2
2
2
0
1
1
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
Appendix 3: “Where don’t you play?”
Result
Street
Outside
Inside
Home
Park
Swimming pool
Party
Theme park
Castle (Hadleigh)
Dirty
Forest/woods
Castle Point
Page 32 of 39
Total
75
44
38
29
23
8
4
3
2
1
1
Total Male
37
25
18
14
12
6
2
3
1
1
1
Total Female
38
19
20
15
11
2
2
0
1
0
0
Appendix 4: “Where would you like to play?”
Result
Parks
Home
Imaginative play
Slides
Forest/woods
Outside
Castle (Hadleigh)
Climbing frame
Swings
Beach
Bridges
Theme park
Football pitch
Gardening
Rollercoaster
Bench
Indoor
Jungle
Boxing ring
Field
Friends house
Swimming pool
Water park
Pool
Tunnels
Seaside
Tree house
Camping
Dance club
Running track
See saw
TV
Wendy house
Zoo (Colchester)
Ball games
Bubbles
Fish
Fun fair
Martial arts club
Skateboard
Windmill
Basketball court
Chair
Frisbee
Gate
Castle Point
Page 33 of 39
Total
51
35
27
24
24
16
14
12
12
11
10
10
10
9
9
9
8
8
8
7
7
7
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
Total Male
26
20
21
15
12
7
8
6
8
6
6
5
5
6
6
3
4
4
5
4
5
4
4
5
2
3
3
5
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
2
2
2
3
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
Total Female
25
15
6
9
12
9
6
6
4
5
4
5
5
3
3
6
4
4
3
3
2
3
3
2
4
3
2
0
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
0
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
Result
Hotel
Maze
Path way
Pond
Rugby
Seat
Skating
Caravan
Ice skating
Trampoline
Castle Point
Page 34 of 39
Total
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
Total Male
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
0
0
Total Female
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
1
1
Appendix 5: “What would you like to play?”
Result
Imaginative play
Slide
Climbing frame
Swings
Swimming pool
Park (woodland)
Football pitch
Trampoline
Ball games
Board games
Playground
Basketball school
Boxing
Water park
Computer
Camping
Cycling
Hopscotch
Pets
Rollercoaster
Roundabout
See saw
Skate boarding
Tree house
Tunnels
Rugby
Aeroplane
Art
Baseball
Martial arts
School
Wendy house
Fishing
Funfair
Giant chimney
Golf
Gym
Ice skating
Kents Hill Infants School
Monkey bars
Ponds
Reading
Wildlife park
Clubs for children
Castle Point
Page 35 of 39
Total
71
32
30
26
20
17
13
12
10
10
10
9
9
8
7
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
5
4
4
4
4
4
4
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
Total Male
37
16
15
13
10
9
10
5
5
5
5
5
8
4
5
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Total Female
34
16
15
13
10
8
3
7
5
5
5
4
1
4
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
Appendix 6: “Who do you play with?”
Result
Siblings
Parents
Friends
Grandparents
Babies
Teenagers
Alone
Cousins
Carers
People being rude
People changing games
Weather
Castle Point
Page 36 of 39
Total
312
289
213
147
117
58
42
17
16
5
4
2
Total Male
175
143
109
70
93
36
29
8
8
2
2
1
Total Female
137
146
104
77
24
22
13
9
8
3
2
1
Appendix 7: “Who would you like to play with?”
Result
Friends
Siblings
Family
Parents
Alone
Mum
Cousins
Pets
Grandparents
Dad
Adults
Life guard
Sailor
Babysitter
Teacher
Castle Point
Page 37 of 39
Total
97
32
19
14
11
10
8
7
5
4
2
2
2
1
1
Total Male
54
21
16
10
6
4
4
5
4
3
1
1
1
1
0
Total Female
43
11
3
4
5
6
4
2
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
Appendix 8: “What is stopping you from playing (accessibility)?”
Result
Not enough/badly maintained facilities and
equipment
Bullies
Busy parents
Not allowed alone
Siblings
Can't find friends
Not much wood/ forest
Dinner time
Lost ball
Money
Weather
Broken toys
Parents
Objects (sharp/dangerous)
Dirt
Distractions
Going out
Roads
Teachers
Homework
Illness/injury
Bored
Chores
Climbing frame
Fence
Games console
Noise
Strangers
Swimming
Traffic
Distance
Drink
Toys
Castle Point
Page 38 of 39
Total
Total Male
Total Female
53
37
16
33
24
21
20
19
17
14
13
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
4
4
4
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
18
11
11
11
10
10
8
7
9
6
4
4
3
4
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
15
13
10
9
9
7
6
6
1
3
4
3
3
1
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
Appendix 9: “What is stopping you from playing (safety)?”
Result
Siblings
Bullies
Broken glass
Fights
Parents
Weather
Animals
Litter
Wet floor
Injury
Sharp objects
Teenagers
Not allowed
Equipment (unsafe)
Scared of rides
Strangers
Swimming pool
Theme park
Dirty
Castle Point
Page 39 of 39
Total
22
16
14
12
12
12
11
8
8
7
6
6
5
4
3
2
2
2
2
1
Total Male
11
8
8
11
6
6
6
4
4
4
3
3
5
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
Total Female
11
8
6
1
6
6
5
4
4
3
3
3
0
2
1
1
1
1
1
0
Play 4 Play
Special Schools
Findings Report
[[[[
CONTENTS
Project Overview .................................................................................................. 4
Special Schools background .................................................................................................... 4
Project brief.............................................................................................................................. 4
Aims & Objectives .................................................................................................................... 4
Methodology ............................................................................................................................ 5
Results..................................................................................................................................... 5
Drama and Art Workshop Outcomes.................................................................. 6
Outcome 1: What is play? (1049 responses)............................................................................ 6
Outcome 2a: Where do you play? (298 responses).................................................................. 7
Outcome 2b: Where don’t you play? (32 responses)................................................................ 8
Outcome 3a: Where would you like to play? (200 responses) .................................................. 9
Outcome 3b: What would you like to play? (104 responses) .................................................. 10
Outcome 4: Who do you play with? (288 responses) ............................................................. 11
Outcome 5: Who would you like to play with? (144 responses) .............................................. 12
Outcome 6a: What is stopping you from playing (accessibility)? (134 responses) .................. 13
Outcome 6b: What is stopping you from playing (safety)? (47 responses) ............................. 14
Conclusion .......................................................................................................... 15
1.
Overview ........................................................................................................................ 15
2.
Findings ......................................................................................................................... 15
3.
Summary........................................................................................................................ 17
Appendices ......................................................................................................... 18
Appendix 1: “What is play?” ................................................................................................... 18
Appendix 2: “Where do you play?” ......................................................................................... 22
Appendix 3: “Where don’t you play?”...................................................................................... 23
Appendix 4: “Where would you like to play?”.......................................................................... 24
Appendix 5: “What would you like to play?” ............................................................................ 26
Appendix 6: “Who do you play with?” ..................................................................................... 28
Appendix 7: “Who would you like to play with?”...................................................................... 29
Appendix 8: “What is stopping you from playing (accessibility)?”............................................ 30
Appendix 9: “What is stopping you from playing (safety)?” ..................................................... 31
Special Schools
Page 2 of 31
INDEX OF FIGURES
Figure 1:
Figure 2:
Figure 3:
Figure 4:
Figure 5:
Figure 6:
Figure 7:
Figure 8:
Figure 9:
What children and young people think play is ................................................................. 6
Where children and young people play ........................................................................... 7
Where children and young people don’t play................................................................... 8
Where children and young people would like to play ....................................................... 9
What children and young people would like to play ....................................................... 10
With whom children and young people play .................................................................. 11
With whom children and young people would like to play.............................................. 12
The accessibility issues stopping children and young people from playing.................... 13
The safety issues stopping children and young people from playing ............................. 14
INDEX OF TABLES
Table 1:
Table 2:
Table 3:
Table 4:
Table 5:
Table 6:
Table 7:
Table 8:
Table 9:
“What is play?” – the top responses ................................................................................. 6
“Where do you play?” – the top responses ....................................................................... 7
“Where don’t you play?” – the top responses ................................................................... 8
“Where would you like to play?” – the top responses........................................................ 9
“What would you like to play?” – the top responses........................................................ 10
"Who do you play with?" - the top responses.................................................................. 11
"Who would you like to play with?" - the top responses .................................................. 12
"What is stopping you from playing (accessibility)?" – the top responses ....................... 13
"What is stopping you from playing (safety)?" – the top responses................................. 14
Special Schools
Page 3 of 31
Special Schools Findings Report
Project Overview
Special Schools background
As part of the Essex Play 4 Play project, Mapalim worked with children across Essex, exploring
play and consulting with children and young people aged between 4 and 13 years old in schools
using drama and art workshops.
During this time, workshops were organised for schools for children with special needs, including
those with profound and multiple disabilities. It was felt that it was essential to work with all
children across the county and that there was a potential gap in play facilities where children have
special needs. With this in mind, consultations took place in several special needs schools in
order to gain their students’ opinions.
Workshop leaders received additional training addressing key issues including communication,
assumptions and use of space.
The planned workshops were adapted according to the children’s needs. Workshop leaders were
encouraged to make the sessions more holistic encouraging use of the senses, such as touch,
sight and sound to stimulate responses from participants. Extra materials were used to support
this.
Project brief
Traditionally, methods of consulting with communities were designed to meet the communication
needs of adults, and did not seek to involve children and young people in the consultation process.
Striving towards meaningful outcomes for community involvement, Children’s Fund Essex (CFE)
sought a project approach that used creative and interactive methods to engage with children and
young people.
CFE commissioned Mapalim, a play and arts organisation with a proven track record in working
with children, young people and practitioners to undertake the consultation project, entitled Play 4
Play.
Mapalim offered tried and tested methods of engaging children and young and a team of
specialists to deliver the project in a face-to-face capacity.
Aims & Objectives
The Play 4 Play project aimed to consult with children and young people, and the wider
community, about local play facilities using meaningful and creative methods to inform local play
strategies.
The project had several objectives:
1. To use creative participatory techniques to engage with children and young people
2. To gather valuable information to inform the play strategies
3. To be inclusive and consult widely with individuals regardless of age, ability, ethnicity,
gender, or location (rural/urban; central/remote; community/‘isolated’)
4. To build capacity of staff skills for local schools
5. To research the views and wants of parents/carers and the wider community
Special Schools
Page 4 of 31
Methodology
The Play 4 Play project reflects the participation and consultation recommendations of Play
England’s ”Planning for Play” guidance for involving children and young people:
“Engaging, participative events can provide a broad range of information. The presence of adults,
children and young people together at well-organised events can help build respect for the
perspectives of different generations, and exposes adults to the powerful experience of hearing at
first-hand children and young people’s views.”
(Planning for Play, 33.12)
The Play 4 Play project consulted with children and young people through interactive workshops
as the primary and qualitative means of research. There were seven main project outcomes. As
part of the workshops, answers to 4 and 5 below were given but not analysed in detail.
1.
What is play?
(General)
2a.
Where do you play?
(Present)
2b.
(Present)
3a.
(Future)
3b.
(Future)
4.
5.
6a.
6b.
(Present)
(Future)
The workshop activities were pre-planned and adhered to a workshop outline, which ensured that
each activity was directly related to the seven project outcomes. Monitoring and data gathered
during the workshops were captured and documented in line with the seven project outcomes.
The project engaged in secondary consultation with parents and carers, using questionnaires as a
quantitative method to support the findings of the workshops. The Essex Play website
(www.essexplay.com) also ensured the quality and value of the project by encouraging the
participation of the wider community in the consultation.
Results
We consulted with 243 children and young people in 7 special schools.
Special Schools
Page 5 of 31
Drama and Art Workshop Outcomes
These results are based on interactive consultation with 243 children and young people years 1 - 8
(5-13 years).
Outcome 1: What is play? (1049 responses)
2%
2%
2%
2%
2%
2%
2%
13%
2%
11%
2%
3%
3%
3%
8%
3%
6%
4%
4%
4%
5%
6%
6%
Figure 1: What children and young people think play is
1.
2.
3.
4.
4.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Football
Games console
Computers
Bikes
Swimming and diving
Basketball
TV
Dance
Musical instruments
Lego
Table 1: “What is play?” – the top responses
See Appendix 1: “What is play?” for full range and quantity of responses.
Special Schools
Page 6 of 31
Football
Games console
Computers
Bikes
Swimming and diving
Basketball
TV
Dance
Musical instruments
Lego
Swings
Ball games
Card games
Slides
Cooking
Dressing up
Running
Art
Climbing frame
Imaginative play
Pets
Reading
Scooters
Outcome 2a: Where do you play? (298 responses)
5%
3%
2%
2%
23%
6%
6%
7%
20%
12%
14%
Figure 2: Where children and young people play
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
10.
Playground
Park
Swimming pool
Home
Theme park
Gardens
Outside
Adventure Island
Pool
Pirate ship
Seaside
Table 2: “Where do you play?” – the top responses
See Appendix 2: “Where do you play?” for full range and quantity of responses.
Special Schools
Page 7 of 31
Playground
Park
Swimming pool
Home
Theme park
Gardens
Outside
Adventure island
Pool
Pirate ship
Seaside
Outcome 2b: Where don’t you play? (32 responses)
3%
3%
3%
6%
24%
9%
13%
13%
13%
13%
Figure 3: Where children and young people don’t play
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
8.
8.
Boring places
Football
Home
Running
Scary places
High places
Forest/woods
Dirty places
Sea front
Underwater
Table 3: “Where don’t you play?” – the top responses
See Appendix 3: “Where don’t you play?” for full range and quantity of responses.
Special Schools
Page 8 of 31
Boring places
Football
Home
Running
Scary places
High places
Forest/woods
Dirty places
Sea front
Under water
Outcome 3a: Where would you like to play? (200 responses)
4%
4%
4%
19%
5%
5%
6%
17%
6%
13%
Park
House
Playground
Adventure playground
School
Swings
Garden
Swimming pool with slide
Football pitch
Merry go round
Theatre
17%
Figure 4: Where children and young people would like to play
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
10.
Park
House
Playground
School
Swings
Garden
Football pitch
Merry go round
Theatre
Table 4: “Where would you like to play?” – the top responses
See Appendix 4: “Where would you like to play?” for full range and quantity of responses.
Special Schools
Page 9 of 31
Outcome 3b: What would you like to play? (104 responses)
7%
18%
7%
7%
7%
17%
7%
10%
10%
10%
Figure 5: What children and young people would like to play
1.
1.
3.
3.
3.
6.
6.
6.
6.
6.
Slide
Swings
Climbing frame
Pantomime
Role play
Bike
Monkey fun
Sand pit
Snow boarding
Swimming
Table 5: “What would you like to play?” – the top responses
See Appendix 5: “What would you like to play?” for full range and quantity of responses.
Special Schools
Page 10 of 31
Slide
Swings
Climbing frame
Pantomime
Role play
Bike
Monkey fun
Sand pit
Snow boarding
Swimming
Outcome 4: Who do you play with? (288 responses)
9%
1%1%0%
34%
14%
Friends
Parents
Siblings
Grandparents
Alone
Family
Play leaders
Cousins
19%
22%
Figure 6: With whom children and young people play
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
6.
8.
Friends
Parents
Siblings
Grandparents
Alone
Family
Play leaders
Cousins
Table 6: "Who do you play with?" - the top responses
See Appendix 6: “Who do you play with?” for full range and quantity of responses.
Special Schools
Page 11 of 31
Outcome 5: Who would you like to play with? (144 responses)
3%
3%
2%
2%
4%
4%
5%
50%
12%
15%
Figure 7: With whom children and young people would like to play
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
5.
7.
8.
9.
9.
Friends
Siblings
Family
Alone
Parents
Pets
Mum
Dad
Cousins
Teacher
Table 7: "Who would you like to play with?" - the top responses
See Appendix 7: “Who would you like to play with?” for full range and quantity of responses
Special Schools
Page 12 of 31
Friends
Siblings
Family
Alone
Parents
Pets
Mum
Dad
Cousins
Teacher
Outcome 6a: What is stopping you from playing (accessibility)?
(134 responses)
5%
5%
19%
6%
7%
8%
15%
9%
13%
Weather
Not enough time
Lighting
Staging
Broken equipment
Parents
Siblings
Someone spoiling the games
Bored
Not allowed
13%
Figure 8: The accessibility issues stopping children and young people from playing
1.
2.
3.
3.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
9.
Weather
Not enough time
Lighting
Staging
Broken equipment
Parents
Siblings
Bored
Not allowed
Table 8: "What is stopping you from playing (accessibility)?" – the top responses
See Appendix 8: “What is stopping you from playing (accessibility)?” for full range and quantity of
responses.
Special Schools
Page 13 of 31
Outcome 6b: What is stopping you from playing (safety)?
(47 responses)
5%
5%
11%
5%
5%
11%
7%
11%
10%
10%
10%
10%
Rubbish
Spray painting
Teenagers
Injuries
Interruptions
Litter
Need authority figures
Hoodies
Fighting
Glass
Headache from computer
Height restrictions
Figure 9: The safety issues stopping children and young people from playing
1.
1.
1.
4.
4.
4.
4.
8.
9.
9.
9.
9.
Rubbish
Spray painting
Teenagers
Injuries
Interruptions
Litter
Hoodies
Fighting
Glass
Height restrictions
Table 9: "What is stopping you from playing (safety)?" – the top responses
See Appendix 9: “What is stopping you from playing (safety)?” for full range and quantity of
responses.
Special Schools
Page 14 of 31
Conclusion
1.
Overview
The Play 4 Play project consulted a total of 243 children aged between 5 and 13 years of age in
Special Schools. There are no parents and carers views reflected in the findings. Groups were
determined by developmental stage rather than age.
Nine key questions were asked:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
What is play?
Where do you play?
The findings provided by responses to these questions are summarised and set out in the subsections below.
2.
Findings
2a – What is play, where I play, and where I’d like to play’
1.
What children and young people think play is
20% of the top responses were “Football”; with indoor, IT-related play, “Games console”
and “Computers”, as second and third totalling 28%.
The remaining ‘top ten’ responses were an even mix of outdoor and home based play
activities. This range is broadly in-line with responses to this question from the Play 4
Play project’s other non-special schools based research.
2.
Where children and young people play at present
“Home” was ranked fourth in a list that was otherwise entirely comprised of outdoor
places to play.
“Park” and “Playground”, places for simple, unstructured play, (together making nearly
50% of the top 10 responses); with more specific, structured venues being chosen by
fairly small numbers of children. (“Theme park”, “Adventure Island”, “Pirate Ship”.)
3.
Where children and young people don’t play
•
“Boring places” was the significantly high top response.
•
“Football” was a surprising second choice (given its top place in response to question
1) – suggesting perhaps a group of children who would like to play football but can’t
access a pitch or place to ‘kick about’.
•
Many other places listed show that children have been warned against places where
there might be a (real or perceived) safety risk: “scary”, “high”, “forests and woods”.
Special Schools
Page 15 of 31
4.
Where children and young people would like to play
Nearly 20% of the top responses were “Park”. The third, fourth, fifth and six places they
would like to play are also simple play facilities: “Playground”, “Adventure playground”,
“School”, “Swings”. Their apparent inability to play at these places could be caused by
parental bans, difficulty of access, lack of safe, supervised, maintained playgrounds, or
indeed lack of such facilities entirely.
None of the places they would like to play were ‘wish list’ choices (highly specific and
structured ‘day out’ type venues) – although a small number of responses gave
“Theatre” at the bottom of the list.
5.
What children and young people would like to play
Again, children and young people focused on simple playground-type activities for their
top three responses: “Slide”, “Swing” and “Climbing frame”.
“Pantomime” and “Role play” as fourth and fifth responses suggest a group of
respondents familiar with, and enthusiastic about, drama activities (and see above).
Most of the rest of the ‘top ten’ choices were also relatively simple outdoor play
activities. The wish to engage in this sort of play suggests again a lack of access to
simple playground facilities locally. (Possible reasons for this listed in findings from
question 4, above)
6.
Who do children and young people play with and want to play with?
“Friends”, “Parents” and “Siblings” are the top three responses to both questions
Figures from organised play (“Play leaders” etc) are hardly mentioned.
This could suggest that children and young people are content playing informally with
those closest to them - with or without access to the sort of local, simple play facilities
they would like
It could however mean that they do not know of ,or cannot access the wider
opportunities for more organised play available to other children and young people.
2b – What stops play?
7.
8.
What stops play being accessible for children and young people
•
Children and young people listed “Weather”, “Not enough time” and “Lighting” as the
chief inhibitors of play.
•
Problems ranked further down the list: “Broken equipment”, “Parents”, “Someone
spoiling games” and “Not allowed” suggest other issues – perhaps poor maintenance
of public play facilities, vandalism, the presence of threatening (older?) individuals.
What safety aspects stop children and young people from playing
•
The last speculative point in the findings for question 7 (above) is starkly verified by the
whole list of responses to this question. Listed from one to eight they are: “Rubbish”,
“Spray painting”, “Teenagers”, “Injuries” (threat of, from broken glass and willfully
damaged equipment?) “Interruptions”, “Litter”, (lack of) “Authority figures”, “Hoodies” –
all these responses paint a picture of children being unwilling to use local play facilities
because they are graffiti-ed, vandalised, unsupervised by adults and are the hang out
for threatening teenagers.
Special Schools
Page 16 of 31
•
Whether or not all these issues are real or are over-stated, the belief that they exist
appears to prevent the children and young people surveyed from feeling able to access
play facilities.
3.
Summary
1.
Existing facilities
•
2.
Barriers
•
3.
It seems that the children and young people surveyed find that existing facilities for
simple outdoor playground type play would meet their needs if they were made
accessible to them.
Facilities are not thought to be welcoming or safe due to “Broken equipment” (through
neglect or wilful damage?), the presence, or the threat of, older “Teenagers” and the
lack of adult supervision. (Older teenagers may choose to hang around play facilities
intended for people younger than themselves because of a lack of suitable facilities
meeting their own needs.)
What action children and young people want to see
More play equipment, though not especially complex or costly items.
Existing playground facilities maintained and supervised.
Opportunities to engage in art and drama activities for exploring, experimenting and
expressing themselves; dance and music in particular
Special Schools
Page 17 of 31
Appendices
Appendix 1: “What is play?”
Result
Football
Games console
Computers
Bikes
Swimming and diving
Basketball
TV
Dance
Musical instruments
Lego
Swings
Ball games
Card games
Slides
Cooking
Dressing up
Running
Art
Climbing frame
Imaginative play
Pets
Reading
Scooters
Chasing
Online games
Tennis
Wendy house
Trampolining
Gymnastics
Rugby
Shooting
Drama
Drawing
Peep behind the curtain
Skating
Skipping
Table tennis
Group games
Guitar
Martial arts
Special Schools
Page 18 of 31
Total
83
67
50
38
38
37
28
25
24
23
21
20
19
19
15
15
15
14
14
14
14
14
14
12
12
12
12
12
11
9
9
9
8
8
8
8
8
8
7
7
7
Total Male
66
51
35
29
26
26
22
14
15
19
14
15
14
13
7
8
8
1
11
9
6
12
11
10
10
8
8
10
5
8
8
8
2
4
7
5
3
7
2
5
5
Total Female
17
16
15
9
12
11
6
11
9
4
7
5
5
6
8
7
7
13
3
5
8
2
3
2
2
4
4
2
6
1
1
1
6
4
1
3
5
1
5
2
2
Result
Pool
Role play
Badminton
Books
Building bricks
Dolls
Fishing
Hide and Seek
Riding bike
Rolling on the floor
Snooker
Board games
Cars
Cricket
Eating
Hairdressers
Horses
Roundabout that you can put
wheelchairs on
Sensory games
Snowmen
Wrestling
Bouncing balls
Duck Duck Goose
Paddling in the sea
Reward time
Sleeping
Teddy bears
Toys
Golf
Sonic
Speeding
Spinning cups
Balancing
Being a butterfly
Car
Chess
Chocolate
DVD
Fighting
Gardening
Hockey
Jumping
Keyboard
Love Island
Making a model
Marsh Farm
Monkey bars
Special Schools
Page 19 of 31
Total
7
7
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
5
5
5
5
5
5
Total Male
6
6
3
2
3
2
4
5
3
5
3
2
5
3
3
3
2
Total Female
1
1
3
4
3
4
2
1
3
1
3
3
0
2
2
2
3
5
1
4
5
5
5
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
4
1
4
2
2
1
2
3
3
1
3
2
1
1
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
2
1
1
2
1
1
2
2
1
3
0
2
2
3
2
1
0
2
0
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
0
1
1
0
1
1
Result
Movies
Netball
Phone friends on mobile
Play Doh
Playing in tents
Playing Lego
Punch and Judy
Riding horses
Robots
See saw
Straws
Trains
Watching fireworks
Watching football
Zip lines nets
Acrobatics
Action figures
Babies
Bowling
Brownies
Chatting
Christmas
Crafts
Darts
Drinking
English
Exercise
Fairy wand
Free play
Friend
Go karting
Helter Skelter
Horse box
Ice skating
Internet
Jokes
Lights
Monkey
Outside
Padding pool
PE
Pirate ships
Play fighting
Playing
Puzzles
Railway
Rollercoaster
Singing
Special Schools
Page 20 of 31
Total
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Total Male
2
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
1
1
1
2
2
2
1
1
1
0
0
1
0
1
1
1
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
1
1
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
1
1
0
1
0
1
Total Female
0
2
2
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
Result
Snakes & Ladders
Soft play
Star Wars
Story time
Tubes and cylinders
Walking
Walking pets
Water
Weight
Winnie the Pooh
Total Responses 1049
Special Schools
Page 21 of 31
Total
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Total Male
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
Total Female
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
Appendix 2: “Where do you play?”
Result
Playground
Park
Swimming pool
Home
Theme park
Gardens
Outside
Adventure Island
Pool
Pirate ship
Seaside
Football
Southend Pier
Lego
Leisure World swimming
School field
Car park
Colchester Leisure World
Colchester Park
Colchester Zoo
Holiday
In the street
Rollercoaster
Swings
Beach
Brownies
Camp site
Canoeing
Football pitch
Forest/woods
Kids Kingdom
Social club
The Common
Whizz Kidz
Zoo
Special Schools
Page 22 of 31
Total
60
49
35
30
17
15
14
12
7
6
6
5
5
4
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Total Male
42
33
27
20
12
9
8
6
5
4
3
4
4
3
2
3
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
0
1
Total Female
18
16
8
10
5
6
6
6
2
2
3
1
1
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
0
1
1
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
Appendix 3: “Where don’t you play?”
Result
Boring places
Football
Home
Running
Scary places
High places
Forest/woods
Dirty places
Sea front
Underwater
Total Responses 32
Special Schools
Page 23 of 31
Total
8
4
4
4
4
3
2
1
1
1
Total Male
3
2
4
2
3
2
1
1
0
1
Total Female
5
2
0
2
1
1
1
0
1
0
Appendix 4: “Where would you like to play?”
Result
Park
House
Playground
School
Swings
Garden
Football pitch
Merry go round
Theatre
Outside
Basketball pitch
Beach
Boat pond
Bunker
Canvey Island
Chill out zone
Chocolate factory
Colchester Zoo
Disneyland
Drum
Field
Fishing pond
Friendship seat
Gangster playground
Guinea Pig World
Human cannon
Indoors
Jungle
Leisure World
Love Ville
Mersea
Pirate ship
Play tunnel - slide & stairs
Ride – go
Running track
Sand pit
See saw
Shooting range
Spinning cups
Swimming pool
Tunnels
TV
Volleyball place
Back yard
Special Schools
Page 24 of 31
Total
21
18
18
14
6
6
5
5
4
4
4
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
Total Male
12
10
13
12
4
3
4
1
3
1
2
3
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
Total Female
9
8
5
2
2
3
1
4
1
3
2
0
1
1
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Result
Bedroom
Bright colours
Castle
Clacton
Countryside
Dance club
Drive wall
Front room
Hockey park
Hollywood bowl
Lakeside
Martial arts club
Monkey
On holiday
Play boat
Rope bridges
Rugby
Sea
Snow Dome
Street
Trees
Tropical wings
Virgin Swimming Baths
Wheeley
Windmill
Total Responses: 200
Special Schools
Page 25 of 31
Total
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Total Male
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
1
1
1
0
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
0
1
1
1
Total Female
1
1
1
0
0
1
1
1
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
Appendix 5: “What would you like to play?”
Result
Slide
Swings
Climbing frame
Pantomime
Role play
Bike
Monkey fun
Sand pit
Snow boarding
Swimming
Ball pit
Basketball
Birdie flying ride
Cars
Child only area
Crabbing
Elevator
Fishing
Football
Giant chimney
Grenade launcher
Keep out sign
Paddling pool
Parachute
Pond
Reading
Robot
Rocket park
Roundabout
Someone with a wig
Spider’s web
Toilets
Train
Trampoline
TV
Art
Bouncy teddy bear
Bumpy slide
Computer
Cricket
Dressing up
Farmers in the den
Monster
Princess
Puzzles
Rollercoaster
Special Schools
Page 26 of 31
Total
7
7
4
4
4
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Total Male
3
4
2
2
2
1
1
2
2
2
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
0
0
1
0
1
1
0
0
1
Total Female
4
3
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
1
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
1
0
1
0
0
1
1
0
Result
Throwing
Wrestling
Special Schools
Page 27 of 31
Total
1
1
Total Male
1
0
Total Female
0
1
Appendix 6: “Who do you play with?”
Result
Friends
Parents
Siblings
Grandparents
Alone
Family
Play leaders
Cousins
Special Schools
Page 28 of 31
Total
100
62
55
39
27
2
2
1
Total Male
66
39
31
22
13
1
1
0
Total Female
34
23
24
17
14
1
1
1
Appendix 7: “Who would you like to play with?”
Result
Friends
Siblings
Family
Alone
Parents
Pets
Mum
Dad
Cousins
Teacher
Aunt & Uncle
Special Schools
Page 29 of 31
Total
70
22
17
7
6
6
5
4
3
3
1
Total Male
46
12
12
4
3
4
3
3
1
1
0
Total Female
24
10
5
3
3
2
2
1
2
2
1
Appendix 8: “What is stopping you from playing (accessibility)?”
Result
Broken equipment
Parents
Siblings
Bored
Not allowed
No musical equipment to play with
Not enough equipment
Weather
Barriers and fences
Being poorly
Can’t do it
Homework
Losing equipment
Money
Next door neighbours
Sleeping
Your mum calling you in for dinner
Not enough time
Lighting
Staging
Age limit
Distance
Space
Total
9
8
7
6
5
5
4
4
21
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
16
14
14
1
1
1
Total Male
6
5
4
5
5
2
4
3
15
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
15
14
14
0
1
1
Total Female
3
3
3
1
0
3
0
1
6
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
1
0
0
Special Schools
Page 30 of 31
Appendix 9: “What is stopping you from playing (safety)?”
Result
Rubbish
Spray painting
Teenagers
Injuries
Interruptions
Litter
Broken glass
Hoodies
Fighting
Height restrictions
Being close to cars
Bullies
Dirty
Dog park
Total Responses: 47
Special Schools
Page 31 of 31
Total
5
5
5
4
4
4
4
3
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
Total Male
4
3
4
2
2
3
2
1
2
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
Total Female
1
2
1
2
2
1
2
2
1
1
2
1
0
0
0
0
Youth Matters Consultation
Executive Summary
Introduction
This consultation has been undertaken on behalf of services working with
young people. The purpose was to engage with a range of young people from
across Essex to seek their views on the ‘Somewhere to go, Something to do’
consultation paper.
The outcome of the consultation will inform the ‘Youth Matters’ white paper
and developments of services across Essex for young people.
Methodology
The Essex Children and Young People’s Participation group (comprising of
Essex, Southend and Thurrock Connexions, Essex County Council, Essex
Council Voluntary Youth Services, and Essex Police) agreed to work with young
people from across Essex in order to review the documentation produced by
the government and decide on a way forward for involving young people in
Essex.
The young people present decided to develop their own version of the
questionnaire in order to give local partnerships more local information.
Young people’s groups from across the county participated in the initial
consultation and in subsequent events such as an activity day, road show,
video and completion of questionnaires through group and individual sessions.
Headlines from the research
1319 young people, representing all districts within Essex, completed a
questionnaire. The findings indicate the following:
Q2. In their spare time young people prefer to:
1. meet with friends
2. watch TV
3. listen to music
Q3. 69% of young people said they would make use of their spare time to
participate in activities if they could.
Q4. The top 3 places where young people would like to meet friends are:
1. the local park
2. shopping centres
3. youth clubs
Q5. 65% of young people believe that less teenagers would get in to trouble if
there were more places to go.
Q7. The most popular methods of providing feedback to the local council about
activities and services for teenagers are:
1. questionnaire
2. through school or college
3. attending meetings
Q8,9&10. In relation to top up cards young people indicated that:
• 84% feel that a discount card would encourage them to take part in more
activities.
• 50% feel that their parents/ carers would top up their card.
• 53% feel that young people who misbehave should forfeit discounts and
top ups
Q11. 41% of respondents would be prepared to help out more in their
community.
Q13. Young people have indicated their top 3 current sources for information,
help and advice as:
1. parents
2. friends
3. teachers
Q15. The top 3 preferred methods of receiving information and advice on
education and career choices are:
1. in person
2. through work experience
3. via websites
Q17. The top 3 most popular methods young people have indicated that they
currently help out are by:
1. doing things to help others
2. helping pupils
3. coaching people
Signed, on behalf of the Essex Children & Young People’s Participation Group,
Alistair McGarry
Chief Executive, EST Connexions
Sue Thomas
Head of Youth Service, Essex County
Council
Youth Matters Consultation Report November 2005
The results of the consultation exercise are shown on the following pages:
Age of respondents
13-16
17-19
Other
(blank)
Grand Total
Total
Ethnicity of respondents
White British
White Irish
white other
Mixed Heritage White / Black African
Mixed Heritage White / Asian
Asian or Asian British Indian
Asian or Asian British Pakistani
Chinese
Other Ethnic Group
Black or Black British African
Black or Black British Caribbean
Black or Black British Other
Mixed Heritage White / Black Caribbean
Mixed Heritage Other
Asian or Asian British Bangladeshi
Asian or Asian British Other
Prefer not to say
(blank)
Grand Total
Total
912
121
277
9
1319
1170
6
26
3
7
8
18
2
12
5
6
3
8
5
5
3
5
27
1319
Where people live
Basildon
Braintree
Brentwood
CastlePoint
Chelmsford
Colchester
Epping
Harlow
Maldon
Outside Essex
Rochford
Southend
Tendring
Thurrock
Uttlesford
(blank)
Grand Total
Total
153
149
16
112
76
268
71
81
38
24
37
10
217
1
40
26
1319
Young people belong to a variety of clubs in these areas including statutory
and voluntary youth clubs, sports clubs and dance and drama clubs.
Q1. What activities do you do in the evenings or at weekends?
Total
Meet friends
1054
Watch TV
883
Music
751
Play sport
678
Shopping
614
Cinema
566
Watch Sport
365
Other
356
Dance/Drama
243
Help out
87
Q2. What activities do you wish were available in your area?
The four most requested activities are:
• More/ better sports facilities
• Cinemas
• Music venues
• Dance/ drama clubs
Q3. If you had the opportunity to do up to four hours a week of
activities, including sport, in your spare time, would you make use of
them?
Total
Yes
Not sure
No
(blank)
Grand Total
912
326
48
33
1319
Somewhere to go
Q4. Where would you like to be able to go to meet friends?
Total
Local Park
Shopping Centre
Youth Clubs
Café/ Coffee Shop
Sports Centre
Other
Community Centre
Mobile Youth Centre
708
627
488
437
412
302
147
97
Q5. If there were more places for young people to go, do you think it
would stop some teenagers from getting in to trouble?
Total
Yes
856
Not sure
227
No
188
(blank)
48
Grand Total
1319
Boredom is raised as the main factor for young people getting in to trouble,
however alcohol and drugs are also mentioned.
Another point raised is that just because activities are provided does not mean
that they will be used.
Talking about what matters to you
Q6. How would you like to be involved in improving things for
teenagers in the local area?
Total
Questionnaire
575
School/ College
350
Attend Meeting
314
Website/ email
271
Not involved
136
Other
45
The majority of young people expressed an interest in being involved in
improving things for teenagers. The methods suggested for achieving this
included simply asking young people’s opinions, questionnaires, involvement in
inspections, carrying out needs analysis and building projects such as skate
parks.
Encouragement
Q7. Would a card that gives you discounts and money to spend on
activities encourage you to do more activities in your spare time?
Total
Yes
1112
Not Sure
114
(blank)
47
No
46
Grand Total
1319
This was considered to be a good idea, however for those young people living
in rural areas transport frequency and cost is highlighted as a barrier.
Q8. Do you think your parents/ guardian/ carer would top up your
card with money for you to spend on activities?
Total
Yes
655
Not sure
378
No
236
(blank)
50
Grand Total
1319
Top-up’s are considered a good idea as recognition of positive contributions. It
is also noted that some families could not afford to top-up cards.
Q9. Do you think young people who misbehave or commit crimes
should forfeit these discounts and top-ups?
Total
Yes
Not sure
No
(blank)
Grand Total
695
303
266
55
1319
This question created a divide between young people. Some clearly express
that discounts and top-ups should be forfeited whilst others feel that these
young people are the very people who should be encouraged to take up the
opportunities the card could offer.
Q10. Would you help out more in your local community?
Total
Yes
Not sure
No
(blank)
Grand Total
542
486
217
74
1319
Q11. Do you think that some kind of recognition or reward would
encourage you to help out more in your community?
Total
Yes
844
Not sure
252
(blank)
161
No
62
Grand Total
1319
Top-up’s, vouchers, accreditation, discounts and mobile phone top-up’s are
very popular ideas for rewards and incentives.
For some young people the feeling of satisfaction and experience gained from
helping in the community is considered enough.
Information and support
Q12. Who do you go to now for information, help and advice?
Total
Parents
746
Friends
682
Teachers
235
Other
151
Connexions
113
Youth worker
95
Helplines
26
Social worker
25
Q13. What do you think about the information, help and advice you
receive?
Young people’s views on the quality of information and advice they receive
varies depending on who they choose to go to. It appears that the majority of
young people feel more positive if they have built a relationship with the
person they seek advice from.
Q14. How would you like information and advice on your future
education and career choices to be provided?
Total
In person
Work experience
Website
Visits from young adults in work
text messages
Phone
Other
673
556
433
272
197
146
72
Fairs, leaflets and ‘Buddy Schemes’ are also mentioned.
Who to talk to
Q15. If you were experiencing problems in your life, would you like to
have one professional person who you can trust to go for advice and
information?
Young people’s opinions vary on who they consider to be the best person to
talk to if they are experiencing problems.
For most young people trust and confidentiality are very important. In view of
this, friends and family are considered important. It is recognised that
professionals can have a positive input but can be bound by confidentiality.
We’ve got lots to give
Q16. Do you currently help out in any of the following ways?
Total
Doing things
455
Helping pupils
266
Coaching people
190
Other
142
Committee member
135
In relation to encouraging more young people to help out, young people say
that having fun is very important as is engaging in activities with friends. It is
acknowledged that helping out is a positive way of meeting new people.
Recognition and rewards for this are as mentioned in Q11.
Q17. Is there anything else we should consider to make your life
better?
Some of the responses are:
• Offering more for young parents, especially cheaper childcare
• Cheaper train and bus fares
• Cleaner places
• More cultural activities
• More funding to improve local facilities
• Better access to doctors, youth workers and other help
• Equal opportunities for everyone
• Reduce condom prices
• More police on patrol
• More input for gay rights
• A bit more respect from older people as they always think we’re up to no
good
• Every child is different and we all need different types of things so we need
someone out there to understand us and not forget us when we are 16
AGENDA ITEM NO. 8
Committee:
ENVIRONMENT
Sub-Committee:
Date:
2 August 2006
Subject:
Playground Renewal Programme
Report of the:
Corporate Director (Environment)
Report author:
Chris Moran
Report reference no:
JCWM/5/Playgrounds/2/08/06
1.
Purpose of Report
1.1
To review the provision of playground equipment within the Borough and
consider a programme for phased renewal.
2.
Background
2.1
The Council currently has 23 play areas located within 18 recreation grounds
throughout the Borough. A survey undertaken in 2004 by the Royal Society for
the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) on behalf of the Council noted that much of
the play equipment and underlying impact absorbing safety surface equipment
has been in place for a considerable period and had, or was close to, reaching
the end of its useful life. ROSPA also stated that whilst considerable attempts
had been made to maintain the play areas to a reasonable standard many had
reached the point where further efforts were not cost effective. To this end, the
Council has progressively removed this equipment to maintain health and safety
standards.
2.2
In 2005 PMP and the Landscape Partnership were commissioned to carry out an
Open Space Appraisal of the Borough to comply with Planning Policy Guidance
Note No. 17. The findings of this report were reported to the Environment
Committee on the 30th May, 2006. This stated that the Borough has a poor
provision of play areas and facilities for young people and that effort should be
concentrated on improving all aspects of provision. There are also a number of
areas that are deficient in facilities. Recommendations for improvement in terms
of quantity, quality and accessibility as detailed below were approved by the
Committee.
•
Establish a programme for playground improvement, making best uses of
resources wherever possible
•
Ensure that once improved, all playgrounds meet the quality standards set
out in the PPG17 Open Space Appraisal
Consider opportunities for more provision in areas of deficiency and pay
attention to providing meaningful facilities for young people that are
developed through consultation with potential site users.
•
Protect the existing sites and seek new provision as appropriate through
new residential developments.
•
Investigate opportunities for new play provision in suitable amenity green
space sites.
•
Improve provision for youth activities and facilities along the Thames
Estuary seafront.
•
Improve accessibility to and within play areas and provide accessible play
equipment.
•
Quality and accessibility should be enhanced to ensure that these sites
deliver maximum value to the community and that good levels of usage
maintained.
At a Member/Officer liaison meeting held on 13th June 2006 consideration was
given to the future approach that the authority should take to play area provision.
It was agreed that the following considerations should guide the renewal
programme:
2.3
2.4
•
•
Areas need to be safe and secure
•
Play areas need to be in the right locations
•
‘Good’ facilities need to be provided that cater for the right age groups
•
There is a need to rationalise the provision and have fewer better sites
•
Partnerships should be used as opportunities to match fund
•
Alternative funding including Section 106 agreements should be used to fund
provision/refurbishment of equipment
•
Sponsorships for equipment should be sought
•
A prioritised process should be adopted responding to need – need to be
established by the use of demographic information
•
There is a need to consult with young people and communicate with the
community on the programme
•
The renewal programme will need to be phased over time as resources become
available.
It was proposed that the first phase of provision should be based on four high
quality schemes to be located at Waterside Farm Recreation Ground, Leigh
Beck Recreation Ground, South Benfleet Playing Fields and Woodside Park.
Consideration should be given to providing facilities for teenagers at these sites.
3.
Existing Playground Provision
3.1
A photographic schedule showing the current condition and refurbishment
recommendations is shown in appendix 2 (appendix 7b in the play strategy). As
can be seen, the majority of equipment is outdated and has poor play value
compared to recent market innovations. Several sites have more than one
enclosed play space and should be rationalised to create one quality area. This
has been reflected in appendix 1 (appendix 7a in the play strategy).
4.
Proposed Replacement Programme
4.1
In determining the replacement programme much consideration has been given
to the research undertaken by the Landscape Partnership (see appendix 3 –
appendix 1 in the play strategy) and the proposed play equipment replacement
programme – appendix 1 (appendix 7a in the play strategy) incorporates those
findings. The ambitious programme reflects the important nature of this project.
This is a three phase programme which it is considered would take five years to
complete.
4.2
The proposed play equipment replacement programme focuses on rationalising
some sites and it is recommended that a total of five play areas be removed
completely where duplication occurs to be replaced by fewer improved quality
sites.
4.3
The replacement methodology will encompass the following factors:
5.
•
•
Every attempt will be made where possible to reinforce character and provide
well designed, individual play areas that cater for children of all age groups
including teenagers.
•
All equipment will address the Council’s diversity policies and in particular will
meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act.
•
facilities so that they can best watch over all children under their care.
•
Greatly improve pathway quality and connectivity to, from and within play areas
(pathway connectivity issues outside the play areas will be addressed in the
Open Spaces Strategy as part of a wider infrastructure development plan).
•
Consultation
5.1
It is considered essential that before the authority commits itself to the
programme a process of public consultation and engagement is undertaken to
ensure that is properly reflects the needs of the community. In addition the
authority will consult residents who live in the vicinity of each of the enhanced
sites about the detail of those schemes as they are developed. The programme
may therefore change as a result of this consultation process the results of which
will be reported to Committee in the Autumn.
6
Castle Point Play Strategy
6.1
In conjunction with the proposed play equipment replacement programme, a new
Castle Point Play Partnership led by Council Officers is to be formed, comprising
all key stakeholders in Castle Point that have an interest in all aspects of play
provision. The aim of this partnership is to produce a Play Strategy for Castle
Point that reflects the overarching Essex County Council vision for play in Essex
and meets the specific needs of children in Castle Point.
6.2
The production of the Play Strategy for Castle Point is a pre-requisite to an
application to the Big Lottery Fund – Children’s Play Programme which has
provisionally earmarked a grant of £200,000 for Castle Point.
7.
Legal implications
7.1
Where the Council provides play equipment the Council has a responsibility to
ensure that is safe to use and meets the requirements of the Disability
Discrimination Act. The rapidly deteriorating condition of the majority of the
council’s existing play facilities will require these sites to be removed soon to
comply with health and safety obligations.
8.
Financial implications
8.1
The costings attached to the programme set out in Appendix 1 (Appendix 7a in
the Play Strategy) are indicative and could change following further investigation.
They do provide an indication of the scale of funding that would be required for
the implementation of the programme. Clearly implementation will be dependant
on the Council being able to attract alternative sources of funding.
8.2
The Cleanaway Pitsea Marshes Trust is one likely source that will provide grants
for play equipment up to fifty per cent match funding. As an example, a sum of
£27,000 was awarded to the Council recently to help fund the Jason Adams
Memorial Play Area.
8.3
In addition, it may be possible to attract grant funding from the Heritage Lottery
Fund and such avenues will be explored.
8.4
The successful completion of the proposed play equipment replacement
programme will provide an increased play equipment asset value which will lead
to increased insurance premiums. The cost of this increase has not been
accounted for in this report, but will need to be accommodated in future budget
estimates.
9.
Human resource, equality, IT/IEG implications
9.1
There will be no direct human resource implications other than Officer time spent
on developing the Play Strategy for Castle Point, seeking grant funding and the
procurement processes associated with progressing the proposed play
equipment replacement programme.
10.
Links to Council’s priorities and objectives
10.1
This proposal will meet the following Council objectives:
•
Environment – civic pride
•
Community safety
10.2
The Council will link the details of each scheme to other programmes e.g. the
Crime Reduction Partnerships work, so that resources are utilised effectively.
11.
Asset Management Implications
11.1
The provision of new play equipment will require the maintenance and servicing
processes to be reviewed and amended as new construction techniques will
require the use of specialist maintenance equipment and procedures. The costs
associated with these processes will have to be ascertained at the tender
procurement stage, and the revenue estimates adjusted accordingly.
12.
Timescale for implementation and risk factors
12.1
The proposed play equipment replacement programme will take five years to
complete. Risk factors focus mainly on achieving grant awards to subsidise the
project costs.
13.
Conclusion
13.1
Open spaces are a vital part of the public realm. Attractive, safe and accessible
parks and open spaces contribute positive social, economic and environmental
benefits, improving public health, well-being and quality of life.
13.2
The provision of well designed, quality playgrounds for young people and
children are an important part of an open space as such facilities can support the
healthy physical, social and emotional development of children.
13.3
The research undertaken by The Landscape Partnership on behalf of the
Council has provided supporting evidence that the majority of the Council’s play
facilities within its parks and open spaces are in a poor condition and require
replacement. A high percentage of respondents to a household survey in Castle
Point felt that there was not enough provision for children and young people
across the Borough.
13.4
The recommendations contained within this report seek to correct these
deficiencies, and the Committee is requested to approve them as part of the way
forward.
Recommendation:
1.
That the Committee approves in principle the play area renewal
programme as set out at Appendix 1 (appendix 7a in the play strategy) to
this report.
2.
That a process of public consultation be undertaken on this programme
during August and September and that the results of the public
consultation be reported to the Environment Committee in November,
2006.
3.
That public consultation on the details of each enhanced site be
undertaken as the proposals are developed in each phase of the
programme.
4.
That the officers investigate alternative sources of funding and
procurement and report back on these to the November meeting.
Resolution required.
Background Papers:
ROSPA Report
PMP/Landscape Partnership PPG 17 Survey
Proposed Play Equipment Replacement Programme – 5 year plan
Play area location
Condition
Recommendation
Replacement
priority
Financial
Year
Estimated
cost £
The Paddocks Enclosed Paddling Pool,
Canvey Island.
Fair
Very popular summer facility, retain and
refurbish play equipment and associated
structures.
3
2010/11
80,000
The Paddocks Recreation Ground, Canvey
Island.
Poor
Remove play equipment, safety surface,
and dispose as scrap. Remove and retain
perimeter fencing for other site
alterations/repairs. Reinstate ground.
1
2008/09
4,000
King George V Playing Fields, Canvey Island.
Poor
Remove existing play equipment and safety
surface, reposition area, supply and install
new equipment including a youth shelter,
reinstate existing fencing and repaint.
1
2009/10
80,000
Kismet Park, Canvey Island.
Poor
Remove existing play equipment, safety
surface and dispose as scrap. Supply and
install new equipment including a youth
shelter and re-paint perimeter fence.
2
2009/10
80,000
Leigh Beck Recreation Ground, Playground 1,
Canvey Island.
Poor
1
2007/08
4,000
Canvey Island.
Poor
1
2007/08
120,000
Canvey Island.
Poor
1
2007/08
2,000
Play area location
Condition
Recommendation
Replacement
priority
Financial
Year
Estimated
cost £
Larup Avenue Playground, Canvey Island.
Fair
install new equipment and re-paint
perimeter fence.
3
2011/12
60,000
Thorney Bay Open Space, Canvey Island
Fair
3
2011/12
80,000
Waterside Farm Recreation Ground, Canvey
Island.
Poor
1
2007/08
120,000
South Benfleet Playing Fields, Benfleet.
Poor
1
2007/08
120,000
Villa Road Recreation Ground, Benfleet.
Very Poor
No equipment left. Relocate site to western
boundary and supply and install new
equipment including a youth shelter and repaint perimeter fence.
2
2008/09
90,000
Poor
perimeter fence.
2
2009/10
80,000
Tarpots Recreation Ground, Benfleet.
Play area location
Condition
Recommendation
Replacement
priority
Financial
Year
Estimated
cost £
Woodside Avenue Play Area, Thundersley.
Very Poor
No equipment left. Supply and install new
play equipment and safety surface for
children up to 8 years of age in the centre
of the site. This will discourage ball games
played by older teenagers and reduce antisocial youth behaviour. This facility will
provide a ‘door step’ facility for young
children to play near their houses in sight of
their parents.
2
2008/09
60,000
Woodside Park, Playground 1, Thundersley.
Very Poor
and dispose as scrap. Reinstate ground.
1
2007/08
2,000
Woodside Park, Playground 2, Thundersley.
Very Poor
install new equipment including youth
1
2007/08
120,000
Thundersley Common Recreation Ground,
Thundersley.
Good
New equipment installed 2003. No action
required at present.
N/A
N/A
N/A
Swans Green Recreation Ground,
Thundersley.
Good
New equipment installed 2003. No action
required at present.
N/A
N/A
N/A
JH Burrows Recreation Ground, Hadleigh.
Fair
perimeter fence.
3
2011/12
90,000
The Crescent Recreation Ground, Hadleigh.
Poor
perimeter fence.
2
2010/11
60,000
Play area location
Condition
The Memorial Recreation Ground, Playground
1, Hadleigh.
Very Poor
The Memorial Recreation Ground, Playground
2, Hadleigh.
Poor
King George V Playing Fields, Benfleet,
(Jason Adams Memorial Play Area).
Excellent
Recommendation
New play facility opened 16th July 2006.
Cost £55,000.
Expenditure summary
Estimated cost for 2007/2008
Total programme cost
Replacement
priority
Financial
Year
Estimated
cost £
2
2008/09
80,000
1
2008/09
3,000
N/A
N/A
N/A
£
488,000
237,000
240,000
140,000
230,000
1,335,000
Appendix 7b
• Existing Playground Provision
The Paddocks Enclosed Paddling Pool
Canvey Island
•
•
•
•
Supervised play facility open end of May – end of first week in September
Age limit under 8’s must be accompanied by adult
Reasonable condition for age
Recommendation: retain and refurbish
King George V Playing Fields
Canvey Island
•
•
•
•
•
Old equipment progressively removed uneconomic to repair
Site subject to vandalism
Problem with anti-social youth behaviour
Possible site for teenage shelter
Recommendation: main recreation facility for the area, provide new playground
equipment to revitalise
The Paddocks Recreation Ground
Canvey Island
•
•
Recommendation: rationalise and remove playground
Kismet Park
Canvey Island
•
•
Recommendation: Remove existing equipment, provide new
playground equipment to revitalise
Leigh Beck Recreation Ground, Playground 1
Canvey Island
•
•
Canvey Island
•
•
Remove existing equipment, provide new
Canvey Island
•
•
Larup Avenue Playground
Canvey Island
•
•
Small residential area site, reasonable equipment
Recommendation: retain and replace with new equipment at later date
Thorney Bay Open Space
Canvey Island
•
•
Reasonable equipment
Recommendation: retain and replace with new equipment at later date
Waterside Farm Recreation Ground
Canvey Island
•
•
South Benfleet Playing Fields
South Benfleet
•
•
Villa Road Recreation Ground
Benfleet
•
•
All equipment removed as uneconomic to repair
Recommendation: relocate to other side of site and provide new
Tarpots Recreation Ground
Benfleet
•
•
Woodside Avenue Play Ground
Thundersley
•
•
•
All equipment removed as uneconomic to repair
Problems with youths playing football within site kicking balls against fence
Recommendation: provide new playground equipment to revitalise as convenient
small play area for parents with young children
Woodside Park, Playground 1
Thundersley
•
•
Woodside Park, Playground 2
Thundersley
•
•
Thundersley Common Recreation Ground
Thundersley
•
•
Site refurbished c. 2003 through Section 106 funds. Good condition
Recommendation: No action
Swans Green Recreation Ground
Thundersley
•
•
Site refurbished c. 2003 through Section 106 funds. Good condition
Recommendation: No action
JH Burrows Recreation Ground
Hadleigh
•
•
New equipment installed approximately 14 years ago – fair condition
Recommendation: Include in future replacement programme
after priority sites have been renewed.
The Crescent Recreation Ground
Hadleigh
•
•
The Memorial Recreation Ground, Playground 1
Hadleigh
•
•
The Memorial Recreation Ground, Playground 2
Hadleigh
•
•
King George V Playing Fields
Benfleet
•
Playground before recent refurbishment
King George V Playing Fields, Benfleet
•
•
•
New Jason Adams Memorial Playground opened 16th July 2006
Cost £55,000
Funding breakdown: £28,000 donation from the family of the late Jason Adams. The
family also removed existing equipment and painted existing perimeter railings to
focus the funding on new equipment procurement. £27,000 grant from Cleanaway
Pitsea Marshes Trust.
AGENDA ITEM NO.
Committee:
ENVIRONMENT
Sub-Committee:
Date:
14 November 2006
Subject:
Report of the:
Playground Renewal Programme – Results of Public
Consultation Exercise
Corporate Director (Environment)
Report author:
Chris Moran – Open Spaces Manager
Report reference no:
JCWM/5/Playground/14/11/06
1.
Purpose of Report
1.1
To inform the Committee of the results of a public consultation exercise
associated with the Playground Renewal Programme.
2.
Background
2.1
At a meeting of this Committee held on 2nd August 2006, the Playground
Renewal Programme was approved in principle, subject to the favourable
results of an initial public consultation exercise. In addition, further
detailed site specific consultations would be required as the programme
progressed to involve the community in choosing the most popular, value
for money schemes. Officers were also asked to investigate alternative
sources of funding and procurement and report back on these to next
meeting.
3.
The Consultation Exercise
3.1
The consultation exercise focused on obtaining the views of a random sample of
residents that resided around the four key play areas, namely, Woodside Park,
South Benfleet Playing Fields, Waterside Farm Recreation Ground and Leigh
Beck Recreation Ground. The sample size for each area was 200 except for
South Benfleet Playing Fields which was increased to 210 following a request
from a resident who felt that part of her neighbourhood should also be consulted.
3.2
In addition, every school within Castle Point was consulted, the sample size
being 50 children per school. Local stakeholders which included, Essex County
Council Youth Service, The Canvey Schools Partnership, Essex County Council
Library Service, Castle Point Association of Voluntary Services were consulted.
3.3
The Playground Renewal Programme and consultation questionnaire was also
made available on the Council’s internet site for general public feedback.
3.4
Prior to despatching the consultation questionnaires all Members of the Council
received copies of the questionnaires and cover letters for comment/amendment
where necessary.
3.5
The consultation commenced on 2nd October and finished on 23rd October 2006.
The total sample size for the entire consultation exercise was 2500.
4.
Consultation Results Summary
4.1
The total number of questionnaires returned was 812 out of a sample size of
2500, giving a response rate of 32.48%.
4.2
The combined percentages for each question are as follows:
Question 1 – The Council wishes to carry out the following improvements:
A) Remove the two old smaller play areas at Leigh Beck Recreation Ground, remove
all the equipment from the remaining area behind Canvey Island Football Club ground
and install new play equipment and safety surfacing in this area to make one good
facility, for all children up to 14 years of age.
B) Provide new play equipment and safety surfacing within the existing play areas at
Waterside Farm Recreation Ground, Woodside Park and South Benfleet Playing Fields
for all children up to 14 years of age.
1.1
Do you agree with this proposal?
A) Yes
1.2
91%
B) No
9%
How important is this proposal to you?
A) Very important
34%
B) Important
51%
C) Not Important
15%
Question 2 – Do you agree with the following factors that the Council intend to use
when providing new play equipment?
2.1
A) Agree
94%
B) Disagree
3%
Void responses
3%
2.2
Every attempt will be made where possible to reinforce character and provide
well designed, individual play areas that cater for children of all age groups including
teenagers.
A) Agree
89%
B) Disagree
10% Void responses
1%
2.3
All equipment will address the Council’s diversity policies and in particular will
meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act.
A) Agree
96%
B) Disagree
3%
Void responses
1%
2.4
facilities so that they can best watch over all children under their care.
A) Agree
95%
B) Disagree
4%
Void responses
1%
2.5
Greatly improve pathway quality and connectivity to, from and within play areas
(pathway connectivity issues outside the play areas will be addressed in the Open
Spaces Strategy as part of a wider infrastructure development plan).
A) Agree
92%
B) Disagree
7%
Void responses
1%
2.6
A) Agree
97%
B) Disagree
2%
Void responses
1%
Question 3 – The Council recognises the fact that other visitors to a recreation ground
my have need of a sheltered seating area e.g. parents with young children. Therefore,
it is proposed that a small community shelter (similar to that shown in the photograph
below) be provided near the play area.
Do you agree that a community shelter should be provided?
A) Agree
82%
B) Disagree
15% Void responses
3%
4.3
The respondents that disagreed with the proposals submitted a varied range of
comments. However, there was a common theme running through the feedback
which focused on the potential anti-social behaviour of teenagers and that they
would soon vandalise any new play equipment. There was also concern
expressed by schoolchildren that the older teenagers would intimidate the
younger children within the play areas and that these age groups should be
separated.
5.0
Grant Funding
5.1
Given the significant indicative cost of the Playground Renewal Programme,
£1.335 million over five years, a high proportion of grant aid will be required.
Whilst some funding may be forthcoming from the Cleanaway Pitsea Marshes
Trust it is anticipated that the majority of funds would be obtained from the
Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) – Parks for People programme. To this end, a
meeting has been arranged with HLF representatives to discuss the bid process.
5.2
A meeting will been held with the Essex Procurement Agency to explore the
potential of developing a framework agreement with play equipment
manufacturers. This will ensure that maximum value for money throughout the
procurement process is achieved.
6.
Legal implications
6.1
EU Procurement legislation will apply to the high value play equipment
replacement contracts. Therefore, it is proposed to work in conjunction with the
Essex Procurement Agency to benefit from their guidance.
7.
Financial implications
7.1
There is currently no allocated budget provision for the programme. However,
sufficient provision to attract match grant funding will be requested within the
forthcoming estimates cycle. The indicative total cost of the first year of the
programme will be £488,000.
8.
Human resource, equality, IT/IEG implications
8.1
There will be no direct human resource implications other than Officer time spent
on seeking grant funding and the procurement processes associated with
progressing the proposed play equipment replacement programme.
9.
Links to Council’s priorities and objectives
9.1
This proposal will meet the following Council objectives:
•
Environment – civic pride
•
Community safety
10.
Asset Management Implications
10.1
The provision of new play equipment will require the maintenance and servicing
processes to be reviewed and amended as new construction techniques will
require the use of specialist maintenance equipment and procedures. The costs
associated with these processes will have to be ascertained at the tender
procurement stage, and the revenue estimates adjusted accordingly.
11.
Timescale for implementation and risk factors
11.1
The proposed play equipment replacement programme will take five years to
complete. Risk factors focus mainly on achieving grant awards to subsidise the
project costs.
12.
Conclusion
12.1
The public consultation results clearly demonstrate overwhelming support for the
Council’s Playground Renewal Programme. As the majority of respondents felt
that this proposal was important and agreed with the replacement criteria it is
recommended that the programme is fully approved.
Recommendation:
1.
That the Committee note the results of the public consultation exercise
and fully approve the Playground Replacement Programme.
Resolution required.
Background Papers:
ROSPA Report
PMP/Landscape Partnership PPG 17 Survey
Environment Committee 2 August 2006, Item 8.

Playground Strategy 2007 - 2012 6MB

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