A Play Sufficiency Assessment was carried out in 2016 which highlighted the need to promote outdoor play and play spaces within Blaenau Gwent to the community.
The play booklet was created in partnership with colleagues from various departments of the Authority and outside organisations in order to identify suitable sites to promote in a Play booklet.
The booklet identifies sites that are great to play in and also contains lots of advice about play, offers different ideas for play and provides links to other resources.
The booklet was launched at Willowtown Primary School which has already benefitted from members of staff receiving additional training. They have assessed their lunchtime under the Play Friendly Schools programme and have made changes to the way they play, including:
- Opening up the playground barriers so that all ages can play together, rather than being segregated
- Introducing a loose parts shed to enable children to get creative and resourceful in their play
The booklet will be distributed across schools, Flying Start hubs, Families First team and will be available from Blaina ICC.