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

7. Proposals for improving play in Castle Point 25

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 King George V Playing Fields, Canvey Island 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

3

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

4 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.

5 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 co- ordinated, prioritised approach to delivery.

This strategy will link with the developing Open Spaces Strategy and other cross- cutting 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:

• 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

1.2 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’.

6 • 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.

7 • 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

8 • 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.

9 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

10 • 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.

11 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.

12 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).

13 • ‘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 Example of a recently renewed play area. to be renewed.

5.2 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.

15

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

16 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)

17 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.

18 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 • 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”.

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 Essex Children and Young People’s Participation Group 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 King George V Playing Fields, Canvey Island

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 Detail Cost Funding Sources Lead Partner Timeframe Outcomes (see above) Playground 5 year phased capital £1,335,000 Castle Point Borough Castle Point April 2007 – March 1 to 7 Renewal programme to renew Council, BIG Lottery Borough Council 2012 Programme all play equipment in Fund Children’s Play Castle Point (see Programme?, appendix 7a for Cleanaway Pitsea schedule) Marshes Trust, CLG? King George V Major infrastructure £750,000 Castle Point Borough Castle Point April 2008 – March 1 to 7 Playing Fields, improvements to site Council, BIG Lottery Borough Council 2011 Canvey Island including provision of Fund Children’s Play comprehensive play Programme?, facilities. Cleanaway Pitsea Marshes Trust, CLG? Play 4 Play the Essex wide Play 4 Not costed Possible funding Essex Play 2009 Not sequel Play consultation will stream: Esmee Fairburn Association applicable be evaluated in two years time to see what has changed since the initial consultation.

29 Project Detail Cost Funding Sources Lead Partner Timeframe Outcomes (see above) Playforma Essex Association of Not costed If successful Essex Play Essex Association January – December 1,2,4,5,6,7 Youth Clubs has Association will look of Youth Clubs and 2008 applied to Playful immediately to secure Essex Play Ideas to develop a funding to run the Association lorry with play Playforma. i.e. staff and equipment that has maintain it. It will go been designed by round the whole of children and young Essex. Funding for 3 people. The result of years and hiring out will this application is be part of the awaited. The project sustainability plan will also include children from Special schools. .

Storytelling festival - To develop an Essex Not costed Possible funding Essex Play 2008 2,5,6,7 wide children’s stream: Arts Council Association storytelling festival. England, Grants for the Arts

Essex Play To establish an Not costed Possible funding Ultimately enable 1 2007 - 2008 1 to 7 Association Essex wide play stream: Paul Hamlyn to 7 association to advance the education and development of children and young persons through play in Essex. Intergenerational To develop a music Not costed Not identified Essex Play 2008 1,2,5,6,7 Music project based in Association Essex that links various organisations working with children and young people and elder residents.

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 Castle Point Borough Council PPG17 Open Space Appraisal

6.7 Provision for young people and children

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:

• 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.

6.7.4 PPG17 recognises the specific importance of the NPFA guidance that divides play facilities into three categories. These are:

• Local Areas for Play (LAPS) • Local Equipped Areas for Play (LEAPS) • Neighbourhood Equipped Areas for Play (NEAPS).

6.7.5 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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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 • Woodside Park Play Area (West) • John H Burrows Play Area • King George V Play Area (Benfleet) • Memorial Ground Play Area • Kismet Park Play Area (medium) • Thorney Bay Play Area • King George V Play Area • Esplanade Paddling Pool (Canvey) • Leigh Beck Play Area (large) • Memorial Play Area (small) • Leigh Beck Play Area (small) • South Benfleet Playing Fields • The Paddocks Open Play Area Play Area • The Paddocks Enclosed Play Area • Swans Green Play Area • Villa Road Play Area • Tarpots Play Area • Larup Gardens • Thundersley Common • Waterside Farm Play Area Recreation Ground Play Area • Waterside Farm Skate Ramp • Woodside Park Play Area (East)

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

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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

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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:

Provision for young people and children

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 one- minute 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.

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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.

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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.

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Table 18: Provision levels per area for provision for children and young people Area Existing level of provision Surplus/deficiency against (number of sites per 1,000 local standard (ha per 1,000 people) people) Canvey East 0.374 0.124 Canvey West 0.107 -0.143 Hadleigh 0.251 0.001 Thundersley 0.215 -0.035 Benfleet 0.161 -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.

© The Landscape Partnership nd File: W:\London Docs\LONDON PROJECTS\05\05409 Castle Point\Documents\Reports\Final report\Draft-Rev-K-FR-R-D-05409.doc 22 January 2002 Created: 16/03/2006 11:19 AM Modified: 16/03/2006 11:22 AM Page 143 Issue: Draft 01 Castle Point Borough Council PPG17 Open Space Appraisal

Figure 18: Provision levels per area for children and young people

Thundersley (-0.154)

Benfleet Hadleigh (-0.208) (-0.118)

West Canvey (-2.262)

East Canvey (0.005)

Hectares per 1000 people. Provision levels per area for children and young people

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the controller of Her Majesty's Area Stationery Office. License Number 100002205 © Crown Copyright." Landform ↑N Scale 1:50,000

© The Landscape Partnership nd File: W:\London Docs\LONDON PROJECTS\05\05409 Castle Point\Documents\Reports\Final report\Draft-Rev-K-FR-R-D-05409.doc 22 January 2002 Created: 16/03/2006 11:19 AM Modified: 16/03/2006 11:22 AM Page 144 Issue: Draft 01 Castle Point Borough Council PPG17 Open Space Appraisal

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 ten- minute 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.

© The Landscape Partnership nd File: W:\London Docs\LONDON PROJECTS\05\05409 Castle Point\Documents\Reports\Final report\Draft-Rev-K-FR-R-D-05409.doc 22 January 2002 Created: 16/03/2006 11:19 AM Modified: 16/03/2006 11:22 AM Page 145 Issue: Draft 01 Castle Point Borough Council PPG17 Open Space Appraisal

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 Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. License Number 100002205 © Landform Crown Copyright."

↑N Scale 1:50,000

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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.

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• 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

Despite the big budget for this Located adjacent to Landlife, Wildflower playground, there are elements that Centre, this playground picks up on its can be used to inspire smaller scale natural setting and provides an facilities such as the use of textural alternative to more standard play areas planting, sound based equipment, found elsewhere. rocks, sand and other natural materials and accessible play equipment.

© The Landscape Partnership nd File: W:\London Docs\LONDON PROJECTS\05\05409 Castle Point\Documents\Reports\Final report\Draft-Rev-K-FR-R-D-05409.doc 22 January 2002 Created: 16/03/2006 11:19 AM Modified: 16/03/2006 11:22 AM Page 148 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 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

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 Price: £3 per child 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 Tottenham Hotspur Football Coaching 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) Boys & girls are welcome to join the FA qualified coaches to learn dribbling, passing, shooting and take part in small-sided games. 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+ Price: £15 per child 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+ Price: £5 per child For more information or to book a place please call 01268 882474

Tuesday 31st July

Mosaic Artwork Venue: The Art Factory Time: 9am–1pm Ages: 7+ Price: £15 per child Please ring for a booking form 01268 565700/800 or 07810567067

Wednesday 1st August

T-shirt Printing Venue: The Art Factory Time: 9am-12noon Ages: 5+ Price: £10 per child Please ring for a booking form 01268 565700/800 or 07810567067

Parent & Toddler Arts & Crafts Venue: Lakeview Hall, Winter Gardens School, Hilton Road, Canvey Island Time: 10am-12noon

Ages: Parents with children under 7 Price: £2 per child For more information or to book a place please call 01268 882474

Thursday 2nd August

T- shirt Printing Venue: The Art Factory Time: 9am-12noon Ages: 5+ Price: £10 per child Please ring for a booking form 01268 565700/800 or 07810567067

Friday 3rd August

3D Art Venue: The Art Factory Time: 9am-12noon Ages: 5+ Price: £10 per child Please ring for a booking form 01268 565700/800 or 07810567067

Monday 6th August

Have a Field Day Venue: Lake View Hall, Winter Gardens School, Hilton Road, Canvey Island Time: 11am-3pm Ages: Families Price: £2 per child 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 Venue: The Art Factory Time: 9am-1pm Ages: 7+ Price: £15 per child Please ring for a booking form 01268 565700/800 or 07810567067

Family Cookery Venue: Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Avenue, Canvey Island 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 Price: £3 per child Come and enjoy creative activities provided by the company “Artfull Splodgers” To find out more or to book a place please phone Pat from the Canvey Schools Partnership on 07867787235

Artfull Splodgers Venue: Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Road, Canvey Island Time: 11am-1pm Ages: 5-11 yrs Price: £7 per child Painting, drawing, cutting and sticking, a creative treat for kids! To find out more or to book a place please phone Pat from the Canvey Schools Partnership on 07867787235

Textile Collage Venue: The Art Factory Time: 9am-1pm Ages: 7+ Price: £15 per child Please ring for a booking form 01268 565700/800 or 07810567067

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+ Price: £5 per child

Archery offers a fun challenge that can be very rewarding. Taught by fully qualified coaches To find out more or to book a place please phone Pat from the Canvey Schools Partnership on 07867787235

The Piped Piper (A Science Museum Outreach event) Venue: Castle View School, Meppel Avenue, Canvey Island Time: 11am-12 noon Ages: 3-7 yrs Price: £2 per child (parents to stay) A fun filled storytelling pantomime which everyone will love To find out more or to book a place please phone Pat from the Canvey Schools Partnership on 07867787235

Feel The Force (A Science Museum Outreach event) Venue: Castle View School, Meppel Avenue, Canvey Island Time: 12.30-1.30pm Ages: 7-11 yrs Price: £2 per child 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. To find out more or to book a place please phone Pat from the Canvey Schools Partnership on 07867787235

Hot Air Balloons (A Science Museum Outreach event) Venue: Castle View School, Meppel Avenue, Canvey Island Time: 2.30-3.30pm Ages: 7-11 yrs Price: £2 per child Learn how hot air balloons work, make one yourself and launch it! To find out more or to book a place please phone Pat from the Canvey Schools Partnership on 07867787235

Monday 13th August – Friday 17th August Stop motion animation summer school You will be working with an animation artist Venue: The Art Factory Time: 9am-2pm Ages: 8-16 yrs Price: £80 per child for the week Places are limited, only 15 places Please ring for a booking form 01268 565700/800 or 07810567067

Monday 13th August

Have a Field Day Venue: Lake View Hall, Winter Gardens School, Hilton Road, Canvey Island Time: 11am-3pm Ages: Families

Price: £2 per child A fun filled day for all ages, bouncy castle, games, crafts and much more. Bring a picnic and enjoy the day. Parents go free. To find out more or to book a place please phone Pat from the Canvey Schools Partnership on 07867787235

Monday 13th August – Friday 17th August 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 http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/soccerschools/soccer_schools.html

Tuesday 14th August

Family Cookery Venue: Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Avenue, Canvey Island 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 15th August

Mother & Toddlers Artfull Splodgers Venue: Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Road, Canvey Island Time: 10-11am Ages: Preschool Price: £3 per child Come and enjoy creative activities provided by the company “Artfull Splodgers” To find out more or to book a place please phone Pat from the Canvey Schools Partnership on 07867787235

Artfull Splodgers Venue: Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Road, Canvey Island Time: 11am-1pm Ages: 5-11 yrs Price: £7 per child Painting, drawing, cutting and sticking, a creative treat for kids! To find out more or to book a place please phone Pat from the Canvey Schools Partnership on 07867787235

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 Venue: The Appleton School, Croft Road, Benfleet Time: 10.30am-3.30pm 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. To book a place please call Tottenham Hotspur on 020 8365 5049 or book 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 Price: £4 per child 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+ Price: £3 per child Would you like to make your own jewellery? Come and find out how easy it is. To find out more or to book a place please phone Pat from the Canvey Schools Partnership on 07867787235

Monday 20th August

Puppet Making (Paul Klee style) with The Art Factory Venue: Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Avenue, Canvey Island Time: 10am-12 noon Ages: 8+ (parents/carers welcome to stay) Price: £7 per child Make unique hand made puppets using modroc and fabric To find out more or to book a place please phone Pat from the Canvey Schools Partnership on 07867787235

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 Venue: The Art Factory Time: 9am-1pm Ages: 7+ Price: £10 per child Please ring for a booking form 01268 565700/800 or 07810567067

Pottery Venue: Runnymede Small Hall, Behind Council Offices, Kiln Road, Benfleet Times: 11am-12.30pm Ages: 7-9 yrs Price: £5 per child 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 Venue: The Art Factory Time: 9am-1pm Ages: 7+ Price: £10 per child Please ring for a booking form 01268 565700/800 or 07810567067

Family Tri-Golf and Family Arts & Crafts 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 Try out a new golfing craze followed by an opportunity to get creative! 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.

2D Art (looking at local artists and styles) with The Art Factory Venue: Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Avenue, Canvey Island Time: 10am-12 noon Ages: 8+ (parents/carers welcome to stay) Price: £7 per child Painting with mixed media, looking at influential local artists and styles To find out more or to book a place please phone Pat from the Canvey Schools Partnership on 07867787235

Wednesday 22nd August

Wire Sculpture (with paper) with The Art Factory Venue: Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Avenue, Canvey Island Time: 10am-12 noon Ages: 8+ (parents/carers welcome to stay) Price: £7 per child 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 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 Experience music from around the world followed by a cricket coaching session 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.

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 Venue: Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Avenue, Canvey Island Time: 10am-12 noon Ages: 8+ (parents/carers welcome to stay) Price: £7 per child Traditional hand weaving, making wall hangings using a variety of materials To find out more or to book a place please phone Pat on 07867787235

Dance around the World and Rounders 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 Investigate dances used by different cultures and followed by a game of rounders 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.

Friday 24th August

Collage (Environmental influences) with The Art Factory Venue: Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Avenue, Canvey Island Time: 10am-12 noon Ages: 8+ (parents/carers welcome to stay) Price: £7 per child Create a fabric collage, studying the environment, recycling, using stitches To find out more or to book a place please phone Pat on 07867787235

Dodge Ball and Orienteering 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 Try out the latest sports craze followed by a test of your map reading 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.

Monday 27th August

Art Attack Venue: The Art Factory Time: 9am-12noon Ages: 5-11 yrs Price: £10 per child Please ring for a booking form 01268 565700/800 or 07810567067

Tuesday 28th August

Working with wire Venue: The Art Factory Time: 9am-1pm Ages: 7+ Price: £15 per child Please ring for a booking form 01268 565700/800 or 07810567067

Wednesday 29th August

Working with wire Venue: The Art Factory Time: 9am-1pm Ages: 7+ Price: £15 per child Please ring for a booking form 01268 565700/800 or 07810567067

Basketball Coaching

Venue: Castle View School, Meppel Avenue, Canvey Island Time: 10am-3pm Ages: 8-12yrs Price: £10 per child To find out more or to book a place please contact: Dawn: 01268 682273

Thursday 30th August

Mosaic Art Venue: The Art Factory Time: 9am-1pm Ages: 7+ Price: £15 per child Please ring for a booking form 01268 565700/800 or 07810567067

Friday 31st August

Mosaic Art Venue: The Art Factory Time: 9am-1pm Ages: 7+ Price: £15 per child Please ring for a booking form 01268 565700/800 or 07810567067

Rugby Coaching Venue: Castle View School, Meppel Avenue, Canvey Island Time: 10am-3pm Ages: 8-12yrs Price: £10 To find out more or to book a place please contact: Dawn: 01268 682273

Multi Sports Mania Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays from Tuesday 7 August (Throughout August) Venue: Castle View School, Meppel Avenue, Canvey Island 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: What children and young people think play is ...... 6 Figure 2: Where children and young people of all ages play ...... 7 Figure 3: Where children and young people of all ages don’t play...... 9 Figure 4: Where children and young people of all ages would like to play...... 11 Figure 5: What children and young people of all ages would like to play...... 13 Figure 6: With whom children and young people of all ages play ...... 15 Figure 7: With whom children and young people of all ages would like to play...... 16 Figure 8: The accessibility issues stopping children and young people of all ages from playing...17 Figure 9: 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

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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 Statistics were collected in 2004. All data was accessed on 27th January 2007 on the EastNET, Government Office for the Southeast website, created 14th June 2006: http://www.gos.gov.uk/goeast/our_region/272094/essexkf/?a=42496

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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? (Present) 5. Who would you like to play with? (Future) 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. 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.

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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:

Football Imaginative play TV Dance 3% 3% 3% 3% 16% 3% Games console 3% Swimming 3% Art 4% 11% Playground (adventure) Cycling Running Ball games 4% Pets toys Martial arts 4% 6% Climbing frames 5% 6% Computer 5% 5% Board games 5% 5% 5% Lego Tennis Skipping Basketball

Figure 1: What children think play is

1. Football 2. Imaginative play 3. TV 4. Dance 5. Games console 6. Swimming 7. Art 8. Playground (adventure) 9. Cycling 10. Running Table 1: “What is play?” - the top responses

See Appendix 1: “What is play?” for full range and quantity of responses.

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Outcome 2a: Where do you play? (1069 responses) The following figure is based on the most frequent responses:

1%0% 5% 4% 22% 11% Park Outside Home Swimming pool Inside Street Garden 13% Theme Park 16% Playground Southend Pier 13% 15%

Figure 2: Where children of all ages play

1. Park 2. Outside 3. Home 4. Swimming pool 5. Inside 6. Street 7. Garden 8. Theme Park 9. Playground 10. 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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Year 1 to 3 (1053 responses) 1. Park 222 2. Outside 165 3. Home 146 4. Swimming pool 133 5. Inside 128 Year 4 to 6 (16 responses) 1. Home 7 2. Swimming Pool 3 3. Park 3 4. Outside 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) The following figure is based on the most frequent responses:

1%0%0% 4% 2% 1% 10% Street 33% Outside Inside 13% Home Park Swimming pool Party Theme park Castle (Hadleigh) Dirty Forest/woods 17% 19% Figure 3: Where children of all ages don’t play

1. Street 2. Outside 3. Inside 4. Home 5. Park 6. Swimming pool 7. Party 8. Theme park 9. Castle (Hadleigh) 10. Dirty 10. 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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Year 1 to 3 (228 responses) 1. Street 75 2. Outside 44 3. Inside 38 4. Home 29 5. Park 23 Year 4 to 6 No responses from this age group Table 5: “Where don’t 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 3a: Where would you like to play? (438 responses) The following figure is based on the most frequent responses:

5% 5% 23% 5% Parks 6% Home Playground (adventure) Imaginative play Slides Forest/woods 7% Outside Castle 15% Climbing frame 11% Swings 11% 12% Figure 4: Where children of all ages would like to play

1. Parks 2. Home 3. Playground (adventure) 4. Imaginative play 5. Slides 6. Forest/woods 7. Outside 8. Castle 9. Climbing frame 10. 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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Year 1 to 3 (322 responses) 1. Home 28 2. Parks 26 3. Imaginative play 22 4. Playground (adventure) 22 5. Outside 13 Year 4 to 6 (116 responses) 1. Parks 25 2. Forest/woods 9 3. Home 7 4. Rollercoaster 7 5. Swimming pool 6 Table 7: “Where would you like to 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 3b: What would you like to play? (396 responses) The following figure is based on the most frequent responses:

4% 4% 4% 5% 28% Imaginative play Slide 5% Climbing frame Swings Swimming pool Park (woodland) Football pitch 7% Trampoline Ball games 8% Board games 13% Playground 10% 12% Figure 5: What children of all ages would like to play

1. Imaginative play 2. Slide 3. Climbing frame 4. Swings 5. Swimming pool 6. Park (woodland) 7. Football pitch 8. Trampoline 9. Ball games 10. Board games 10. 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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Year 1 to 3 (355 responses) 1. Imaginative play 68 2. Slide 30 3. Climbing frame 28 4. Swings 26 5. Swimming pool 20 Year 4 to 6 (41 responses) 1. Boxing 7 2. Football pitch 7 3. Trampoline 4 4. Computer 3 5. Imaginative play 3 Table 9: “What would you like to 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 4: Who do you play with? (1222 responses) The following figure is based on the most frequent responses:

3% 1% 1%0% 5% 26% 10% Siblings Parents Friends Grandparents Babies Teenagers Alone 12% Cousins Carers People being rude 24% 18%

Figure 6: With whom children of all ages play

1. Siblings 2. Parents 3. Friends 4. Grandparents 5. Babies 6. Teenagers 7. Alone 8. Cousins 9. Carers 10. 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) The following figure is based on the most frequent responses:

3% 2% 2% 4% 5% Friends 5% Siblings 48% Family Parents Alone Mum Cousins 7% Pets Grandparents 9% Dad

15%

Figure 7: With whom children of all ages would like to play

1. Friends 2. Siblings 3. Family 4. Parents 5. Alone 6. Mum 7. Cousins 8. Pets 9. Grandparents 10. 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) The following figure is based on the most frequent responses:

4% 6% Not enough/badly maintained facilities and equipment 6% 24% Bullies 8% Busy parents Not allowed alone Siblings Can't find friends Not much wood/ forest Dinner time 8% 15% Lost ball Money 9% 9% 11% Figure 8: The accessibility issues stopping children of all ages from playing

Not enough/badly maintained 1. 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 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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Year 1 to 3 (195 responses) 1. Bullies 25 2. Busy parents 20 3. Can’t find friends 19 4. Siblings 17 5. Dinner time 14 Year 4 to 6 (107 responses) 1. Facilities (not enough/bad) 28 2. Park (not enough equipment) 19 3. Not much wood 17 4. Not allowed out alone 13 5. Money 10 Table 13: “What is stopping you from playing (accessibility)?” - 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 6b: What is stopping you from playing (safety)? (155 responses) The following figure is based on the most frequent responses:

6% 7% 17% 7% Siblings Bullies Broken glass 9% 13% Facilities (not enough) Fights Parents Weather Animals Litter 10% Wet floor 11% 10% 10% Figure 9: The safety issues stopping children of all ages from playing

1. Siblings 2. Bullies 3. Broken glass 4. Facilities (not enough) 5. Fights 6. Parents 7. Weather 8. Animals 9. Litter 10. 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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Year 1 to 3 (131 responses) 1. Siblings 22 2. Broken glass 14 3. Bullies 13 4. Fights 12 5. Parents 12 Year 4 to 6 (24 responses) 1. Facilities (not enough) 10 2. Teenagers 5 3. Animals 4 4. Bullies 3 5. Litter 3 Table 15: “What is stopping you from playing (safety)?” - 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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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. Leisure parks 2. Friend’s houses 3. House 4. 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 Social barriers Disability access Ratings Percentage Ratings Percentage 1 7% 1 18% 2 7% 2 27% 3 33% 3 27% 4 33% 4 23% 5 20% 5 6%

Information and publicity Opening times Ratings Percentage Ratings Percentage 1 23% 1 8% 2 23% 2 24% 3 27% 3 36% 4 15% 4 16% 5 12% 5 16%

Affordability Ratings Percentage 1 21% 2 21% 3 30% 4 21% 5 7%

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Overall accessibility of existing local play facilities: Rating Information & publicity 3 Social barriers 3 and 4 Affordability 3 Disability access 2 and 3 Opening times 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 Percentage 1 12% 2 12% 3 44% 4 32% 5 0%

What are the key safety aspects? 1. Broken glass 2. Litter 3. Lighting bad 4. 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 car By public transport Ratings Percentage Ratings Percentage 1 4% 1 13% 2 8% 2 22% 3 28% 3 39% 4 28% 4 4% 5 32% 5 22%

On foot Ratings Percentage 1 15% 2 27% 3 27% 4 8% 5 23%

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Overall, how easy is it to get to the existing local play facilities Mode of transport Rating On foot 3 By public transport 3 By car 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 under 5s Facilities for 10 - 13 year olds Ratings Percentage Ratings Percentage 1 28% 1 57% 2 36% 2 13% 3 24% 3 22% 4 8% 4 4% 5 4% 5 4%

Facilities for 6 - 9 year olds Facilities for 14 - 18 year olds Ratings Percentage Ratings Percentage 1 33% 1 65% 2 21% 2 20% 3 33% 3 5% 4 13% 4 10%

Overall quality ratings for existing age specific local play facilities Facility Ratings For under 5s 2 For 6 - 9s 1 For 10 - 13s 2 For 14 -18s 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 More activities for teenagers – older 1. children and young people 2. More/better design and equipment 3. 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.

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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. 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 findings provided by responses to these questions are summarised and set out in the sub- sections 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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• 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.

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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 Total Total Male Total Female Football 126 92 34 Imaginative play 84 54 30 TV 50 36 14 Dance 45 17 28 Games console 43 32 11 Swimming 43 22 21 Art 42 22 20 Playground (adventure) 39 28 11 Cycling 38 27 11 Running 36 23 13 Ball games 33 22 11 Pets toys 29 21 8 Martial arts 28 21 7 Climbing frames 24 20 4 Computer 24 16 8 Board games 22 16 6 Lego 22 17 5 Tennis 22 10 12 Skipping 21 10 11 Basketball 20 14 6 Park 19 10 9 Golf 17 12 5 Dolls 15 9 6 Slides 14 8 6 Hopscotch 13 6 7 Wendy house 12 10 2 Animals 10 7 3 Beach 10 7 3 Reading 10 8 2 Trampoline 10 6 4 Computer games 9 4 5 Outside games 9 5 4 Rugby 9 6 3 Cricket 8 7 1 Fireworks 8 5 3 Parents 8 8 0 Robots 8 4 4 Swings 8 5 3 Cars 7 6 1 Cooking 7 4 3 Music 7 4 3

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Result Total Total Male Total Female Skateboarding 7 6 1 Drawing 6 5 1 Grandparents 6 3 3 Sandcastle 6 3 3 Shooting 6 3 3 Babies 5 3 2 Boxing 5 4 1 Drink & smoke 5 2 3 Eating 5 3 2 Friends 5 3 2 Gymnastics 5 3 2 Horses 5 3 2 Scooter 5 3 2 Sleeping 5 1 4 Sunbathing 5 2 3 Aeroplanes 4 4 0 Baseball 4 3 1 Bowling 4 2 2 Climbing 4 3 1 Crying 4 2 2 Drama 4 0 4 Grown ups washing up 4 2 2 Ice hockey 4 2 2 Ice skating 4 2 2 Jumping 4 3 1 Rocket 4 3 1 Seaside 4 2 2 Singing 4 2 2 Teddy bears 4 2 2 Teenagers 4 2 2 Telling off 4 2 2 Walking with stick 4 3 1 Working 4 2 2 Adults 3 1 2 Alone 3 2 1 Camping 3 2 1 Card games 3 1 2 Hide & seek 3 2 1 Hockey 3 1 2 Holiday 3 3 0 Netball 3 0 3 Playing 3 2 1 Puzzles 3 1 2 Sign language 3 1 2 Table tennis 3 1 2 Volleyball 3 2 1 Wheelchair 3 1 2 Writing 3 1 2

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Result Total Total Male Total Female Writing games 3 2 1 Adventures 2 1 1 Digging 2 1 1 Dinosaur 2 1 1 Egyptians 2 1 1 Everything 2 1 1 Fishing 2 2 0 Fun 2 1 1 Gardening 2 2 0 Grass 2 1 1 Ice cream 2 1 1 Marbles 2 1 1 Old people 2 1 1 Picnic 2 1 1 Racing 2 1 1 Role play 2 1 1 Roller skating 2 1 1 Shopping 2 1 1 Snowman 2 2 0 Sucking thumb 2 1 1 Toys 2 1 1 Trains 2 2 0 Washing up 2 1 1 Water 2 1 1 Badminton 1 0 1 Barbie 1 1 0 Bed 1 0 1 Boulders 1 1 0 Chill out 1 1 0 Christmas 1 1 0 Cinema 1 1 0 Clarinet 1 1 0 Disney 1 1 0 Dressing up 1 1 0 Exercise 1 1 0 Frisbee 1 1 0 Gym 1 1 0 Helping with dinner 1 1 0 Home 1 1 0 Kicking 1 1 0 Money 1 1 0 Musical chairs 1 1 0 Parachute 1 1 0 Pillow fights 1 1 0 Play Doh 1 1 0 Railway 1 1 0 Sand 1 1 0 Shapes 1 1 0

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Result Total Total Male Total Female Siblings 1 1 0 Squash 1 0 1 Teacher 1 1 0 Theme park 1 1 0 Zoo 1 1 0 Total responses: 1285

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Appendix 2: “Where do you play?” Result Total Total Male Total Female Park 225 113 112 Outside 168 87 81 Home 153 76 77 Swimming pool 136 75 61 Inside 128 57 71 Street 116 68 48 Garden 46 23 23 Theme park 36 18 18 Playground 7 4 3 Southend Pier 5 4 1 Castle (Hadleigh) 4 2 2 Rollercoaster 4 2 2 Stones 4 2 2 Water 4 2 2 Forest / wood / woodlands 3 3 0 Big course 2 1 1 Bridge 2 1 1 Climbing frame 2 1 1 Field 2 1 1 Football training 2 2 0 Pebbles 2 1 1 Roundabout 2 1 1 Shelter 2 1 1 Tunnels 2 1 1 Uniformed groups 2 1 1 Zoo (Colchester) 2 2 0 Adventure Island 1 1 0 Canoeing 1 1 0 Dance class 1 0 1 Kids Kingdom 1 1 0 Playtopia 1 1 0 School 1 1 0 Train to Belgium 1 0 1 Tropical Wings 1 1 0 Total responses: 1069

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Appendix 3: “Where don’t you play?” Result Total Total Male Total Female Street 75 37 38 Outside 44 25 19 Inside 38 18 20 Home 29 14 15 Park 23 12 11 Swimming pool 8 6 2 Party 4 2 2 Theme park 3 3 0 Castle (Hadleigh) 2 1 1 Dirty 1 1 0 Forest/woods 1 1 0 Total responses: 228

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Appendix 4: “Where would you like to play?” Result Total Total Male Total Female Parks 51 26 25 Home 35 20 15 Playground (adventure) 27 21 6 Imaginative play 24 15 9 Slides 24 12 12 Forest/woods 16 7 9 Outside 14 8 6 Castle (Hadleigh) 12 6 6 Climbing frame 12 8 4 Swings 11 6 5 Beach 10 6 4 Bridges 10 5 5 Theme park 10 5 5 Football pitch 9 6 3 Gardening 9 6 3 Rollercoaster 9 3 6 Bench 8 4 4 Indoor 8 4 4 Jungle 8 5 3 Boxing ring 7 4 3 Field 7 5 2 Friends house 7 4 3 Swimming pool 7 4 3 Water park 7 5 2 Pool 6 2 4 Tunnels 6 3 3 Seaside 5 3 2 Tree house 5 5 0 Camping 4 2 2 Dance club 4 2 2 Running track 4 2 2 See saw 4 2 2 TV 4 2 2 Wendy house 4 2 2 Zoo (Colchester) 4 3 1 Ball games 3 2 1 Bubbles 3 2 1 Fish 3 2 1 Fun fair 3 3 0 Martial arts club 3 1 2 Skateboard 3 2 1 Windmill 3 2 1 Basketball court 2 1 1 Chair 2 1 1 Frisbee 2 1 1 Gate 2 1 1

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Result Total Total Male Total Female Hotel 2 1 1 Maze 2 1 1 Path way 2 1 1 Pond 2 1 1 Rugby 2 1 1 Seat 2 1 1 Skating 2 2 0 Caravan 1 1 0 Ice skating 1 0 1 Trampoline 1 0 1 Total responses: 438

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Appendix 5: “What would you like to play?” Result Total Total Male Total Female Imaginative play 71 37 34 Slide 32 16 16 Climbing frame 30 15 15 Swings 26 13 13 Swimming pool 20 10 10 Park (woodland) 17 9 8 Football pitch 13 10 3 Trampoline 12 5 7 Ball games 10 5 5 Board games 10 5 5 Playground 10 5 5 Basketball school 9 5 4 Boxing 9 8 1 Water park 8 4 4 Computer 7 5 2 Camping 6 3 3 Cycling 6 3 3 Hopscotch 6 3 3 Pets 6 3 3 Rollercoaster 6 3 3 Roundabout 6 3 3 See saw 6 3 3 Skate boarding 6 3 3 Tree house 6 3 3 Tunnels 6 3 3 Rugby 5 3 2 Aeroplane 4 2 2 Art 4 2 2 Baseball 4 2 2 Martial arts 4 2 2 School 4 2 2 Wendy house 4 2 2 Fishing 2 1 1 Funfair 2 1 1 Giant chimney 2 1 1 Golf 2 1 1 Gym 2 1 1 Ice skating 2 1 1 Kents Hill Infants School 2 1 1 Monkey bars 2 1 1 Ponds 2 1 1 Reading 2 1 1 Wildlife park 2 1 1 Clubs for children 1 1 0 Total responses: 396

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Appendix 6: “Who do you play with?” Result Total Total Male Total Female Siblings 312 175 137 Parents 289 143 146 Friends 213 109 104 Grandparents 147 70 77 Babies 117 93 24 Teenagers 58 36 22 Alone 42 29 13 Cousins 17 8 9 Carers 16 8 8 People being rude 5 2 3 People changing games 4 2 2 Weather 2 1 1 Total responses: 1222

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Appendix 7: “Who would you like to play with?” Result Total Total Male Total Female Friends 97 54 43 Siblings 32 21 11 Family 19 16 3 Parents 14 10 4 Alone 11 6 5 Mum 10 4 6 Cousins 8 4 4 Pets 7 5 2 Grandparents 5 4 1 Dad 4 3 1 Adults 2 1 1 Life guard 2 1 1 Sailor 2 1 1 Babysitter 1 1 0 Teacher 1 0 1 Total responses: 215

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Appendix 8: “What is stopping you from playing (accessibility)?” Result Total Total Male Total Female Not enough/badly maintained facilities and 53 37 16 equipment Bullies 33 18 15 Busy parents 24 11 13 Not allowed alone 21 11 10 Siblings 20 11 9 Can't find friends 19 10 9 Not much wood/ forest 17 10 7 Dinner time 14 8 6 Lost ball 13 7 6 Money 10 9 1 Weather 9 6 3 Broken toys 8 4 4 Parents 7 4 3 Objects (sharp/dangerous) 6 3 3 Dirt 5 4 1 Distractions 4 2 2 Going out 4 2 2 Roads 4 2 2 Teachers 4 2 2 Homework 3 2 1 Illness/injury 3 2 1 Bored 2 1 1 Chores 2 1 1 Climbing frame 2 1 1 Fence 2 1 1 Games console 2 1 1 Noise 2 1 1 Strangers 2 1 1 Swimming 2 1 1 Traffic 2 1 1 Distance 1 1 0 Drink 1 1 0 Toys 1 1 0 Total responses: 302

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Appendix 9: “What is stopping you from playing (safety)?” Result Total Total Male Total Female Siblings 22 11 11 Bullies 16 8 8 Broken glass 14 8 6 Facilities (not enough) 12 11 1 Fights 12 6 6 Parents 12 6 6 Weather 11 6 5 Animals 8 4 4 Litter 8 4 4 Wet floor 7 4 3 Injury 6 3 3 Sharp objects 6 3 3 Teenagers 5 5 0 Not allowed 4 2 2 Equipment (unsafe) 3 2 1 Scared of rides 2 1 1 Strangers 2 1 1 Swimming pool 2 1 1 Theme park 2 1 1 Dirty 1 1 0 Total responses: 155

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Play 4 Play

Special Schools Findings Report

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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

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INDEX OF FIGURES Figure 1: What children and young people think play is ...... 6 Figure 2: Where children and young people play ...... 7 Figure 3: Where children and young people don’t play...... 8 Figure 4: Where children and young people would like to play...... 9 Figure 5: What children and young people would like to play ...... 10 Figure 6: With whom children and young people play ...... 11 Figure 7: With whom children and young people would like to play...... 12 Figure 8: The accessibility issues stopping children and young people from playing...... 13 Figure 9: The safety issues stopping children and young people from playing ...... 14

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 don’t you play?” – the top responses ...... 8 Table 4: “Where would you like to play?” – the top responses...... 9 Table 5: “What would you like to play?” – the top responses...... 10 Table 6: "Who do you play with?" - the top responses...... 11 Table 7: "Who would you like to play with?" - the top responses ...... 12 Table 8: "What is stopping you from playing (accessibility)?" – the top responses ...... 13 Table 9: "What is stopping you from playing (safety)?" – the top responses...... 14

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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

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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? (Present) 5. Who would you like to play with? (Future) 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. 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.

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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) The following figure is based on the most frequent responses:

Football Games console Computers Bikes Swimming and diving 2% 2% 2% 2% 13% Basketball 2% 2% TV 2% 2% Dance 11% 2% Musical instruments 3% Lego Swings Ball games Card games 3% Slides 8% 3% Cooking 3% Dressing up 4% 6% Running 4% 4% 6% 5% 6% Art Climbing frame Imaginative play Pets Reading Scooters

Figure 1: What children and young people think play is

1. Football 2. Games console 3. Computers 4. Bikes 4. Swimming and diving 6. Basketball 7. TV 8. Dance 9. Musical instruments 10. Lego Table 1: “What is play?” – the top responses

See Appendix 1: “What is play?” for full range and quantity of responses.

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Outcome 2a: Where do you play? (298 responses) The following figure is based on the most frequent responses:

3% 2% 2% 5% 23% Playground 6% Park 6% Swimming pool Home Theme park Gardens Outside Adventure island 7% Pool 20% Pirate ship 12% Seaside 14% Figure 2: Where children and young people play

1. Playground 2. Park 3. Swimming pool 4. Home 5. Theme park 6. Gardens 7. Outside 8. Adventure Island 9. Pool 10. Pirate ship 10. Seaside 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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Outcome 2b: Where don’t you play? (32 responses) The following figure is based on the most frequent responses:

3% 3% 3% 6% 24% Boring places 9% Football Home Running Scary places High places Forest/woods Dirty places 13% 13% Sea front Under water

13% 13% Figure 3: Where children and young people don’t play

1. Boring places 2. Football 3. Home 4. Running 5. Scary places 6. High places 7. Forest/woods 8. Dirty places 8. Sea front 8. 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.

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Outcome 3a: Where would you like to play? (200 responses) The following figure is based on the most frequent responses:

4% 4% 4% 19% 5% Park House 5% Playground 6% Adventure playground School Swings Garden Swimming pool with slide 17% 6% Football pitch Merry go round 13% Theatre 17% Figure 4: Where children and young people would like to play

1. Park 2. House 3. Playground 4. Adventure playground 5. School 6. Swings 7. Garden 8. Swimming pool with slide 9. Football pitch 10. Merry go round 10. 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.

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Outcome 3b: What would you like to play? (104 responses) The following figure is based on the most frequent responses:

7% 18% 7% Slide 7% Swings Climbing frame Pantomime Role play Bike Monkey fun 7% 17% Sand pit Snow boarding 7% Swimming 10% 10% 10% Figure 5: What children and young people would like to play

1. Slide 1. Swings 3. Climbing frame 3. Pantomime 3. Role play 6. Bike 6. Monkey fun 6. Sand pit 6. Snow boarding 6. 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.

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Outcome 4: Who do you play with? (288 responses) The following figure is based on the most frequent responses:

1%1%0% 9%

14% 34% Friends Parents Siblings Grandparents Alone Family Play leaders Cousins 19%

22% Figure 6: With whom children and young people play

1. Friends 2. Parents 3. Siblings 4. Grandparents 5. Alone 6. Family 6. Play leaders 8. 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.

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Outcome 5: Who would you like to play with? (144 responses) The following figure is based on the most frequent responses:

3% 2% 2% 3% 4% 4% Friends Siblings 5% Family 50% Alone Parents Pets Mum Dad 12% Cousins Teacher

15%

Figure 7: With whom children and young people would like to play

1. Friends 2. Siblings 3. Family 4. Alone 5. Parents 5. Pets 7. Mum 8. Dad 9. Cousins 9. 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

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Outcome 6a: What is stopping you from playing (accessibility)? (134 responses) The following figure is based on the most frequent responses:

5% 5% 19% 6% Weather 7% Not enough time Lighting Staging Broken equipment Parents 8% Siblings 15% Someone spoiling the games Bored 9% Not allowed 13% 13% Figure 8: The accessibility issues stopping children and young people from playing

1. Weather 2. Not enough time 3. Lighting 3. Staging 5. Broken equipment 6. Parents 7. Siblings 8. Someone spoiling the games 9. Bored 9. 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.

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Outcome 6b: What is stopping you from playing (safety)? (47 responses) The following figure is based on the most frequent responses:

5% 11% 5% Rubbish 5% Spray painting 5% 11% Teenagers 7% Injuries Interruptions Litter Need authority figures Hoodies Fighting 11% 10% Glass Headache from computer 10% 10% Height restrictions 10%

Figure 9: The safety issues stopping children and young people from playing

1. Rubbish 1. Spray painting 1. Teenagers 4. Injuries 4. Interruptions 4. Litter 4. Need authority figures 8. Hoodies 9. Fighting 9. Glass 9. Headache from computer 9. 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.

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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. 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.

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”.

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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. 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. 8. 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.

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• 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 • 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. 2. 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.) 3. 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

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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 Total Total Male Total Female Football 83 66 17 Games console 67 51 16 Computers 50 35 15 Bikes 38 29 9 Swimming and diving 38 26 12 Basketball 37 26 11 TV 28 22 6 Dance 25 14 11 Musical instruments 24 15 9 Lego 23 19 4 Swings 21 14 7 Ball games 20 15 5 Card games 19 14 5 Slides 19 13 6 Cooking 15 7 8 Dressing up 15 8 7 Running 15 8 7 Art 14 1 13 Climbing frame 14 11 3 Imaginative play 14 9 5 Pets 14 6 8 Reading 14 12 2 Scooters 14 11 3 Adventure playground 12 10 2 Chasing 12 10 2 Online games 12 8 4 Tennis 12 8 4 Wendy house 12 10 2 Trampolining 11 5 6 Gymnastics 9 8 1 Rugby 9 8 1 Shooting 9 8 1 Drama 8 2 6 Drawing 8 4 4 Peep behind the curtain 8 7 1 Skating 8 5 3 Skipping 8 3 5 Table tennis 8 7 1 Group games 7 2 5 Guitar 7 5 2 Martial arts 7 5 2

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Result Total Total Male Total Female Pool 7 6 1 Role play 7 6 1 Badminton 6 3 3 Books 6 2 4 Building bricks 6 3 3 Dolls 6 2 4 Fishing 6 4 2 Hide and Seek 6 5 1 Riding bike 6 3 3 Rolling on the floor 6 5 1 Snooker 6 3 3 Board games 5 2 3 Cars 5 5 0 Cricket 5 3 2 Eating 5 3 2 Hairdressers 5 3 2 Horses 5 2 3 Roundabout that you can put 5 1 4 wheelchairs on Sensory games 5 3 2 Snowmen 5 3 2 Wrestling 5 4 1 Bouncing balls 4 1 3 Duck Duck Goose 4 4 0 Paddling in the sea 4 2 2 Reward time 4 2 2 Sleeping 4 1 3 Teddy bears 4 2 2 Toys 4 3 1 Golf 3 3 0 Sonic 3 1 2 Speeding 3 3 0 Spinning cups 3 2 1 Balancing 2 1 1 Being a butterfly 2 1 1 Car 2 2 0 Chess 2 2 0 Chocolate 2 2 0 DVD 2 2 0 Fighting 2 1 1 Gardening 2 1 1 Hockey 2 1 1 Jumping 2 2 0 Keyboard 2 1 1 Love Island 2 1 1 Making a model 2 2 0 Marsh Farm 2 1 1 Monkey bars 2 1 1

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Result Total Total Male Total Female Movies 2 2 0 Netball 2 0 2 Phone friends on mobile 2 0 2 Play Doh 2 1 1 Playing in tents 2 1 1 Playing Lego 2 1 1 Punch and Judy 2 1 1 Riding horses 2 0 2 Robots 2 1 1 See saw 2 1 1 Straws 2 1 1 Trains 2 2 0 Watching fireworks 2 2 0 Watching football 2 2 0 Zip lines nets 2 1 1 Acrobatics 1 1 0 Action figures 1 1 0 Babies 1 0 1 Bowling 1 0 1 Brownies 1 1 0 Chatting 1 0 1 Christmas 1 1 0 Crafts 1 1 0 Darts 1 1 0 Drinking 1 1 0 English 1 0 1 Exercise 1 1 0 Fairy wand 1 0 1 Free play 1 1 0 Friend 1 0 1 Go karting 1 1 0 Helter Skelter 1 1 0 Horse box 1 1 0 Ice skating 1 0 1 Internet 1 0 1 Jokes 1 1 0 Lights 1 1 0 Monkey 1 1 0 Outside 1 1 0 Padding pool 1 1 0 PE 1 0 1 Pirate ships 1 1 0 Play fighting 1 1 0 Playing 1 1 0 Puzzles 1 0 1 Railway 1 1 0 Rollercoaster 1 0 1 Singing 1 1 0

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Result Total Total Male Total Female Snakes & Ladders 1 0 1 Soft play 1 0 1 Star Wars 1 1 0 Story time 1 1 0 Tubes and cylinders 1 1 0 Walking 1 1 0 Walking pets 1 1 0 Water 1 1 0 Weight 1 1 0 Winnie the Pooh 1 0 1 Total Responses 1049

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Appendix 2: “Where do you play?” Result Total Total Male Total Female Playground 60 42 18 Park 49 33 16 Swimming pool 35 27 8 Home 30 20 10 Theme park 17 12 5 Gardens 15 9 6 Outside 14 8 6 Adventure Island 12 6 6 Pool 7 5 2 Pirate ship 6 4 2 Seaside 6 3 3 Football 5 4 1 Southend Pier 5 4 1 Lego 4 3 1 Leisure World swimming 3 2 1 School field 3 3 0 Car park 2 1 1 Colchester Leisure World 2 1 1 Colchester Park 2 1 1 Colchester Zoo 2 1 1 Holiday 2 2 0 In the street 2 1 1 Rollercoaster 2 1 1 Swings 2 1 1 Beach 1 1 0 Brownies 1 0 1 Camp site 1 1 0 Canoeing 1 1 0 Football pitch 1 1 0 Forest/woods 1 1 0 Kids Kingdom 1 1 0 Social club 1 0 1 The Common 1 1 0 Whizz Kidz 1 0 1 Zoo 1 1 0 Total responses: 298

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Appendix 3: “Where don’t you play?” Result Total Total Male Total Female Boring places 8 3 5 Football 4 2 2 Home 4 4 0 Running 4 2 2 Scary places 4 3 1 High places 3 2 1 Forest/woods 2 1 1 Dirty places 1 1 0 Sea front 1 0 1 Underwater 1 1 0 Total Responses 32

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Appendix 4: “Where would you like to play?” Result Total Total Male Total Female Park 21 12 9 House 18 10 8 Playground 18 13 5 Adventure playground 14 12 2 School 6 4 2 Swings 6 3 3 Garden 5 4 1 Swimming pool with slide 5 1 4 Football pitch 4 3 1 Merry go round 4 1 3 Theatre 4 2 2 Outside 3 3 0 Basketball pitch 2 1 1 Beach 2 1 1 Boat pond 2 1 1 Bunker 2 1 1 Canvey Island 2 2 0 Chill out zone 2 1 1 Chocolate factory 2 1 1 Colchester Zoo 2 1 1 Disneyland 2 1 1 Drum 2 1 1 Field 2 1 1 Fishing pond 2 1 1 Friendship seat 2 1 1 Gangster playground 2 1 1 Guinea Pig World 2 1 1 Human cannon 2 1 1 Indoors 2 2 0 Jungle 2 1 1 Leisure World 2 1 1 Love Ville 2 1 1 Mersea 2 1 1 Pirate ship 2 1 1 Play tunnel - slide & stairs 2 1 1 Ride – go 2 1 1 Running track 2 1 1 Sand pit 2 1 1 See saw 2 1 1 Shooting range 2 1 1 Spinning cups 2 1 1 Swimming pool 2 1 1 Tunnels 2 1 1 TV 2 1 1 Volleyball place 2 1 1 Back yard 1 0 1

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Result Total Total Male Total Female Bedroom 1 0 1 Bright colours 1 0 1 Castle 1 0 1 Clacton 1 1 0 Countryside 1 1 0 Dance club 1 0 1 Drive wall 1 0 1 Front room 1 0 1 Hockey park 1 1 0 Hollywood bowl 1 1 0 Lakeside 1 1 0 Martial arts club 1 0 1 Monkey 1 1 0 On holiday 1 0 1 Play boat 1 1 0 Rope bridges 1 1 0 Rugby 1 1 0 Sea 1 1 0 Snow Dome 1 1 0 Street 1 0 1 Trees 1 1 0 Tropical wings 1 0 1 Virgin Swimming Baths 1 1 0 Wheeley 1 1 0 Windmill 1 1 0 Total Responses: 200

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Appendix 5: “What would you like to play?” Result Total Total Male Total Female Slide 7 3 4 Swings 7 4 3 Climbing frame 4 2 2 Pantomime 4 2 2 Role play 4 2 2 Bike 3 1 2 Monkey fun 3 1 2 Sand pit 3 2 1 Snow boarding 3 2 1 Swimming 3 2 1 Ball pit 2 1 1 Basketball 2 1 1 Birdie flying ride 2 2 0 Cars 2 2 0 Child only area 2 1 1 Crabbing 2 1 1 Elevator 2 1 1 Fishing 2 2 0 Football 2 1 1 Giant chimney 2 1 1 Grenade launcher 2 1 1 Keep out sign 2 1 1 Paddling pool 2 1 1 Parachute 2 1 1 Pond 2 1 1 Reading 2 1 1 Robot 2 1 1 Rocket park 2 1 1 Roundabout 2 1 1 Someone with a wig 2 1 1 Spider’s web 2 1 1 Toilets 2 1 1 Train 2 1 1 Trampoline 2 1 1 TV 2 1 1 Art 1 0 1 Bouncy teddy bear 1 1 0 Bumpy slide 1 0 1 Computer 1 0 1 Cricket 1 1 0 Dressing up 1 0 1 Farmers in the den 1 1 0 Monster 1 1 0 Princess 1 0 1 Puzzles 1 0 1 Rollercoaster 1 1 0

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Result Total Total Male Total Female Throwing 1 1 0 Wrestling 1 0 1 Total Responses: 104

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Appendix 6: “Who do you play with?” Result Total Total Male Total Female Friends 100 66 34 Parents 62 39 23 Siblings 55 31 24 Grandparents 39 22 17 Alone 27 13 14 Family 2 1 1 Play leaders 2 1 1 Cousins 1 0 1 Total Responses: 288

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Appendix 7: “Who would you like to play with?” Result Total Total Male Total Female Friends 70 46 24 Siblings 22 12 10 Family 17 12 5 Alone 7 4 3 Parents 6 3 3 Pets 6 4 2 Mum 5 3 2 Dad 4 3 1 Cousins 3 1 2 Teacher 3 1 2 Aunt & Uncle 1 0 1 Total Responses: 144

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Appendix 8: “What is stopping you from playing (accessibility)?” Result Total Total Male Total Female Broken equipment 9 6 3 Parents 8 5 3 Siblings 7 4 3 Someone spoiling the games 6 5 1 Bored 5 5 0 Not allowed 5 2 3 No musical equipment to play with 4 4 0 Not enough equipment 4 3 1 Weather 21 15 6 Barriers and fences 2 1 1 Being poorly 2 1 1 Can’t do it 2 1 1 Homework 2 1 1 Losing equipment 2 1 1 Money 2 1 1 Next door neighbours 2 1 1 Sleeping 2 1 1 Your mum calling you in for dinner 2 1 1 Not enough time 16 15 1 Lighting 14 14 0 Staging 14 14 0 Age limit 1 0 1 Distance 1 1 0 Space 1 1 0 Total Responses: 134

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).

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Appendix 9: “What is stopping you from playing (safety)?” Result Total Total Male Total Female Rubbish 5 4 1 Spray painting 5 3 2 Teenagers 5 4 1 Injuries 4 2 2 Interruptions 4 2 2 Litter 4 3 1 Need authority figures 4 2 2 Broken glass 3 1 2 Hoodies 3 2 1 Fighting 2 1 1 Headache from computer 2 0 2 Height restrictions 2 1 1 Being close to cars 1 1 0 Bullies 1 1 0 Dirty 1 1 0 Dog park 1 1 0 Total Responses: 47

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Essex Children and Young People’s Participation Group 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 Sue Thomas Chief Executive, EST Connexions Head of Youth Service, Essex County Council

Essex Children and Young People’s Participation Group Youth Matters Consultation Report November 2005

The results of the consultation exercise are shown on the following pages:

Age of respondents Total 13-16 912 17-19 121 Other 277 (blank) 9 Grand Total 1319

Ethnicity of respondents Total White British 1170 White Irish 6 white other 26 Mixed Heritage White / Black African 3 Mixed Heritage White / Asian 7 Asian or Asian British Indian 8 Asian or Asian British Pakistani 18 Chinese 2 Other Ethnic Group 12 Black or Black British African 5 Black or Black British Caribbean 6 Black or Black British Other 3 Mixed Heritage White / Black Caribbean 8 Mixed Heritage Other 5 Asian or Asian British Bangladeshi 5 Asian or Asian British Other 3 Prefer not to say 5 (blank) 27 Grand Total 1319

Where people live Total Basildon 153 Braintree 149 Brentwood 16 CastlePoint 112 Chelmsford 76 Colchester 268 Epping 71 Harlow 81 Maldon 38 Outside Essex 24 Rochford 37 Southend 10 Tendring 217 Thurrock 1 Uttlesford 40 (blank) 26 Grand Total 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 912 Not sure 326 No 48 (blank) 33 Grand Total 1319

Somewhere to go

Q4. Where would you like to be able to go to meet friends? Total Local Park 708 Shopping Centre 627 Youth Clubs 488 Café/ Coffee Shop 437 Sports Centre 412 Other 302 Community Centre 147 Mobile Youth Centre 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 695 Not sure 303 No 266 (blank) 55 Grand Total 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 542 Not sure 486 No 217 (blank) 74 Grand Total 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 673 Work experience 556 Website 433 Visits from young adults in work 272 text messages 197 Phone 146 Other 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.

2.3 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:

• 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.

2.4 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:

• Provide better variety in design and equipment so that there is more choice for parents and children when visiting playgrounds.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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).

• Provide more good quality facilities for young people and discuss in partnership with local communities where and what such facilities should be.

5. 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 Financial Estimated priority Year cost £

The Paddocks Enclosed Paddling Pool, Fair Very popular summer facility, retain and 3 2010/11 80,000 Canvey Island. refurbish play equipment and associated structures.

The Paddocks Recreation Ground, Canvey Poor Remove play equipment, safety surface, 1 2008/09 4,000 Island. and dispose as scrap. Remove and retain perimeter fencing for other site alterations/repairs. Reinstate ground.

King George V Playing Fields, Canvey Island. Poor Remove existing play equipment and safety 1 2009/10 80,000 surface, reposition area, supply and install new equipment including a youth shelter, reinstate existing fencing and repaint.

Kismet Park, Canvey Island. Poor Remove existing play equipment, safety 2 2009/10 80,000 surface and dispose as scrap. Supply and install new equipment including a youth shelter and re-paint perimeter fence.

Leigh Beck Recreation Ground, Playground 1, Poor Remove play equipment, safety surface, 1 2007/08 4,000 Canvey Island. and dispose as scrap. Remove and retain perimeter fencing for other site alterations/repairs. Reinstate ground.

Leigh Beck Recreation Ground, Playground 2, Poor Remove existing play equipment, safety 1 2007/08 120,000 Canvey Island. surface and dispose as scrap. Supply and install new equipment including a youth shelter and re-paint perimeter fence.

Leigh Beck Recreation Ground, Playground 3, Poor Remove play equipment, safety surface, 1 2007/08 2,000 Canvey Island. and dispose as scrap. Remove and retain perimeter fencing for other site alterations/repairs. Reinstate ground. Play area location Condition Recommendation Replacement Financial Estimated priority Year cost £

Larup Avenue Playground, Canvey Island. Fair Remove existing play equipment, safety 3 2011/12 60,000 surface and dispose as scrap. Supply and install new equipment and re-paint perimeter fence.

Thorney Bay Open Space, Canvey Island Fair Remove existing play equipment, safety 3 2011/12 80,000 surface and dispose as scrap. Supply and install new equipment including a youth shelter and re-paint perimeter fence.

Waterside Farm Recreation Ground, Canvey Poor Remove existing play equipment, safety 1 2007/08 120,000 Island. surface and dispose as scrap. Supply and install new equipment including a youth shelter and re-paint perimeter fence.

South Benfleet Playing Fields, Benfleet. Poor Remove existing play equipment, safety 1 2007/08 120,000 surface and dispose as scrap. Supply and install new equipment including a youth shelter and re-paint perimeter fence.

Villa Road Recreation Ground, Benfleet. Very Poor No equipment left. Relocate site to western 2 2008/09 90,000 boundary and supply and install new equipment including a youth shelter and re- paint perimeter fence.

Tarpots Recreation Ground, Benfleet. Poor Remove existing play equipment, safety 2 2009/10 80,000 surface and dispose as scrap. Supply and install new equipment and re-paint perimeter fence.

Play area location Condition Recommendation Replacement Financial Estimated priority Year cost £

Woodside Avenue Play Area, Thundersley. Very Poor No equipment left. Supply and install new 2 2008/09 60,000 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 anti- social youth behaviour. This facility will provide a ‘door step’ facility for young children to play near their houses in sight of their parents.

Woodside Park, Playground 1, Thundersley. Very Poor Remove play equipment, safety surface, 1 2007/08 2,000 and dispose as scrap. Reinstate ground.

Woodside Park, Playground 2, Thundersley. Very Poor Remove existing play equipment, safety 1 2007/08 120,000 surface and dispose as scrap. Supply and install new equipment including youth shelter and re-paint perimeter fence.

Thundersley Common Recreation Ground, Good New equipment installed 2003. No action N/A N/A N/A Thundersley. required at present.

Swans Green Recreation Ground, Good New equipment installed 2003. No action N/A N/A N/A Thundersley. required at present.

JH Burrows Recreation Ground, Hadleigh. Fair Remove existing play equipment, safety 3 2011/12 90,000 surface and dispose as scrap. Supply and install new equipment and re-paint perimeter fence.

The Crescent Recreation Ground, Hadleigh. Poor Remove existing play equipment, safety 2 2010/11 60,000 surface and dispose as scrap. Supply and install new equipment and re-paint perimeter fence.

Play area location Condition Recommendation Replacement Financial Estimated priority Year cost £

The Memorial Recreation Ground, Playground Very Poor Remove existing play equipment, safety 2 2008/09 80,000 1, Hadleigh. surface and dispose as scrap. Supply and install new equipment including a youth shelter and re-paint perimeter fence. Remove play equipment, safety surface, The Memorial Recreation Ground, Playground Poor and dispose as scrap. Remove and retain 1 2008/09 3,000 2, Hadleigh. perimeter fencing for other site alterations/repairs. Reinstate ground.

King George V Playing Fields, Benfleet, Excellent New play facility opened 16th July 2006. N/A N/A N/A (Jason Adams Memorial Play Area). Cost £55,000.

Expenditure summary £ Estimated cost for 2007/2008 488,000 Estimated cost for 2008/2009 237,000 Estimated cost for 2009/2010 240,000 Estimated cost for 2010/2011 140,000 Estimated cost for 2011/2012 230,000 Total programme cost 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

• Old equipment progressively removed uneconomic to repair • Recommendation: rationalise and remove playground Kismet Park Canvey Island

• Old equipment progressively removed uneconomic to repair • Recommendation: Remove existing equipment, provide new playground equipment to revitalise Leigh Beck Recreation Ground, Playground 1 Canvey Island

• Old equipment progressively removed uneconomic to repair • Recommendation: rationalise and remove playground Leigh Beck Recreation Ground, Playground 2 Canvey Island

• Old equipment progressively removed uneconomic to repair • Remove existing equipment, provide new playground equipment to revitalise Leigh Beck Recreation Ground, Playground 3 Canvey Island

• Old equipment progressively removed uneconomic to repair • Recommendation: rationalise and remove playground 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

• Old equipment progressively removed uneconomic to repair • Recommendation: Remove existing equipment, provide new playground equipment to revitalise South Benfleet Playing Fields South Benfleet

• Old equipment progressively removed uneconomic to repair • Recommendation: Remove existing equipment, provide new playground equipment to revitalise Villa Road Recreation Ground Benfleet

• All equipment removed as uneconomic to repair • Recommendation: relocate to other side of site and provide new playground equipment to revitalise Tarpots Recreation Ground Benfleet

• Old equipment progressively removed uneconomic to repair • Recommendation: Remove existing equipment, provide new playground equipment to revitalise 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

• Old equipment progressively removed uneconomic to repair • Recommendation: rationalise and remove playground Woodside Park, Playground 2 Thundersley

• Old equipment progressively removed uneconomic to repair • Recommendation: Remove existing equipment, provide new playground equipment to revitalise 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

• Old equipment progressively removed uneconomic to repair • Recommendation: Remove existing equipment, provide new playground equipment to revitalise The Memorial Recreation Ground, Playground 1 Hadleigh

• Old equipment progressively removed uneconomic to repair • Recommendation: Remove existing equipment, provide new playground equipment to revitalise The Memorial Recreation Ground, Playground 2 Hadleigh

• Old equipment progressively removed uneconomic to repair • Recommendation: rationalise and remove playground 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: Playground Renewal Programme – Results of Public Consultation Exercise Report of the: 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 91% B) No 9%

1.2 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 Provide better variety in design and equipment so that there is more choice for parents and children when visiting playgrounds.

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 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.

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 Provide more good quality facilities for young people and discuss in partnership with local communities where and what such facilities should be.

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.