Leisure and Community Policy Panel 12 June 2007
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LEISURE AND COMMUNITY POLICY PANEL – 12 JUNE 2007
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE – 25 JUNE 2007
PART I – NOT DELEGATED
12. DRAFT DISTRICT PLAY STRATEGY UPDATE AND BIG LOTTERY APPLICATION CRITERIA WITH INITIAL PROJECT OUTLINES (DLE)
1. Summary
1.1 To provide members with background detail regarding the BIG Lottery Children’s Play Initiative, along with the first draft (key findings) of the Three Rivers District Play Strategy and initial draft project proposals for submitting to the Big Lottery fund.
1.2 This report and attachments provides Members with the working draft papers and project proposals for comments before the finalised documentation is presented to the July Committee meetings cycle. Please note that the appendices are very long. Appendix A informs Members of the structure the Big Lottery expect local authorities to use in writing a district play strategy and Appendix B is the working draft of the Three Rivers strategy for Members information. Appendix C contains a number of project options for consideration before making an application to the Big Lottery fund.
2. Details
2.1 In March 2006 the Children’s Play Initiative was launched, unlocking £155 million for play in England. £124 million of this money is specifically prioritised to creating, improving and developing children’s play opportunities within local communities. 2.2 The Children’s Play initiative aims to: (i) Create, improve and develop children and young people’s free local play spaces and opportunities throughout England, according to need. (ii) Support innovation and new ways of providing for children’s play. (iii) Create a support and development infrastructure to ensure local agencies have the resources and skills to achieve the first two aims. (iv) Promote the long-term strategic and sustainable provision for play as a free public service to children. (v) Ensure that local authorities work with other stakeholders to develop children’s play strategies and plans. (vi) Ensure that good, inclusive and accessible children’s play services and facilities are provided locally.
2.3 The community of Three Rivers has been offered £200,000 over a three-year period for which the local authority is required to take the lead role in the application process to the Big Lottery as reported to the 17 January 2006 Panel meeting. This has to be supported closely by strong partnership links which are demonstrated clearly throughout a District Play Strategy.
2.4 The principle of “partnership” is an essential criterion of the Big Lottery fund for play. Therefore, officers have been working with the District Children’s Trust Partnership to develop the strategy and consult on the various findings.
2.5 The offered funding is to be specifically targeted towards areas or local groups where children and young people have the worst access to good play opportunities. These are highlighted as; rural areas, areas of greatest need (linked to deprivation), disabled children, girls of school age, children in care, children from ethnic or religious minorities. Any proposed projects must be new or additional but not existing.
2.6 The Children’s Play Initiative programme defines children’s play as “what children and young people do when they follow their own ideas, in their own way and for their own reasons”.
2.7 In order to access the money set aside for Three Rivers, officers are required to submit a District Play Strategy that demonstrates partnership working and consultation with children that will have a lasting legacy and will continue beyond the duration of Lottery funding. Appendix A provides detail of the format the Big Lottery requires each local authority must use in producing a District Play Strategy. The sections in bold are yet to be completed. Officers were strongly advised to follow this set format. The first sections of the draft District Play Strategy are attached in Appendix B for comments by Members before officers start work on the Action Plan, Monitoring and Evaluation sections of the document.
2.8 A number of the identified actions within the strategy can then be funded by the Big Lottery provided that they fulfil the criteria as described in paragraphs 2.5 and 2.6 above and achieve three or more the desired outcomes:
More children will take part in a wider range of good, inclusive and accessible play experiences. Children will have more choice and control over their play. Children will develop greater well-being through play(including healthy growth, knowledge and understanding, creativity and capacity to learn). Children will achieve greater independence and self-esteem through play. Children will achieve greater social skills and respect of others through play. Children will be able to test boundaries, be challenged and take risks through play, while kept safe from harm. More children experiencing barriers to free play will be included in mainstream play provision (for example girls, children and young people from ethnic or religious minorities, children in care, children of refugees and homeless families and those living in rural areas). Local communities, especially children, will have greater involvement in designing, planning and running play projects.
2.9 Any submitted Lottery projects must provide services or facilities that are in partnership with others (the offered money is not for Local Authority services only), respond to needs identified in the play strategy, are free of charge, local to home and are inclusive.
2.10 The Lottery will consider (subject to meeting all the guidelines detailed above) such facilities and services as playgrounds, BMX tracks, skateboarding areas, after-school activities, play teams and workers etc.
2.11 Appendix C provides Members with suggested project options for Three Rivers which fulfil the requirements of the Lottery funding and address gaps in quality play provision as identified in the District Play Strategy.
2.12 Due to the audit findings officers are not able to evidence the need to install further play area facilities using the Lottery funding. However, there is evidence to show that there is a need to increase the constructive usage of existing facilities by making them safer places to play.
3. Reasons for Recommendation
3.1 Members are being requested to provide comments on the draft District Play Strategy and the possible project options for submitting to the Big Lottery fund.
4. Policy/Budget Implications
4.1 The recommendations in this report are within the Council’s agreed policy. The Council’s objectives include “wanting young people to benefit from a healthy lifestyle”, providing a range of leisure and recreational activities for the local community and to increase levels of physical activity in the district by 1% per annum. The Council “has taken a decision to work to pursue the Every Child Matters agenda and make young people a priority” within its work and services.
4.2 The recommendations within this report are within existing budgets. Any future new children’s play services and facilities being proposed will be funded by the £200,000 Big Lottery offer to Three Rivers.
5. Financial, Legal, Equal Opportunities, Staffing, Environmental, Community Safety, Customer Services Centre, Website and Risk Management Implications
5.1 See Appendix C for details on proposed budget expenditure for the Lottery play projects.
5.2 Applications to the Lottery for project funding can include a management fee of up to a maximum of 10% of the total allocation. It is the view of officers at present, to include this cost in the front line delivery of the play services and that Members consider that the Play Development Officer undertakes the management of the lottery projects within the existing role and responsibilities.
5.3 Following the June Leisure and Community Services Panel Meeting and the Executive committee meeting, officers will start to finalise the District Play Strategy and Lottery applications for further presentation and comment to the July meetings cycle. At this point the full implications of the decisions will be detailed.
5.4 Officers are conscious that the current Lottery project proposals are revenue based which call into question the life of the projects beyond the three-year funding agreement with the Big Lottery. However, the projects could be considered as pilots to discover if this type of service improves the quality of children’s play and leisure time and creates more community cohesion. If the new projects do prove successful in meeting the strategic objectives of the Council in a better way than current activities then officers and Members can review and re-align resources at that time.
5.5 Part of the Play Development Officers time will be dedicated to securing funding for the projects post the Lottery funding to sustain the service. Working with voluntary organisations such as Watford YMCA (Woodlands, Leavesden Country Park) and Hertsmere Leisure, which both have strong experience in childcare provision and services will increase the capacity to secure external funding. Past experience has shown that voluntary organisations have more access to funds than Local Authorities (an example of this was the joint partnership with ASCEND in funding the “Celebration of South Oxhey” community arts project). 6. Equal Opportunities Implications
6.1 Relevance Test
Has a relevance test been completed for Equality Impact? No A relevance test and full impact assessment will be undertaken on the finalised District Play Strategy and Lottery application.
At this stage in the process Members can be mindful that the criteria for the Lottery funding and basis upon which the Strategy is being developed takes into full consideration children and young people experiencing barriers to free play including girls of schools age, children and young people from ethnic or religious minorities, children in care, children of refugees and homeless families and those living in rural areas.
The proposed Lottery projects are being specifically designed to target children who suffer the most from play deprivation for what ever the reason.
7. Recommendation
7.1 That Members of the Panel review the draft District Play Strategy and Big Lottery application proposals providing comments and views for the Executive Committee meeting.
7.2 That the Panel notes these comments together with those of the Executive Committee, District Children’s Trust Partnership, Youth Council and other children’s community groups which will inform the final District Play Strategy and Lottery funded project proposals for approval at the July Leisure and Community Policy and Executive Committee meetings.
Report prepared by: Alison Phin, Leisure Development Manager Sue Topping, Play Development Officer Chris Hope, Head of Leisure Services
Background Papers
17 January 2006 Leisure and Community Policy Panel Meeting
Members can find further information on the Children Play Initiative and Big Lottery Funding programme by accessing: www.biglotteryfund.org or www.playengland.org.uk
The Play Ranger Guide – Bath and North East Somerset (Leisure Offices)
APPENDICES/ATTACHMENTS
Appendix A - Structure of Play Strategies as required by the Big Lottery Appendix B - Draft Strategy Update Appendix C – Proposed Projects for Lottery Funding APPENDIX A
S tructure of Play Strategies as required by the Big Lottery
Play England has provided a list of contents they expect to be included in the strategy. We have followed this guidance closely and produced a draft document for the first few sections.
An Executive Summary will also be produced at a later date for quick referencing.
**Sections shown in bold print have not been completed.
Foreword From Three Rivers District Council Youth Champion Introduction Purpose and scope Outline of content Definition of play The case for play Value and significance of play for children Contribution play makes to wider agendas Context Play in local, regional and national contexts Profile of council area Review of community engagement Consultation Approach Consultation Findings and conclusions Local provision examined Audit of findings Audit methodology Audit Analysis Management of Local Provision Play policy statements Key policy statements Links with wider strategic documents Local Standards Quality Measures Local examples of good practice Action Plan Criteria for identifying priorities for development Play projects Play developments Links to other strategies Timelines Resources Monitoring Evaluation Plan Outcomes Benchmarks Indicators Review The full document can be seen on www.playengland.org.uk/downloads/pdf/planning_for_play.pdf
N.B. It is important to note at this stage, that the format is specifically for the purpose of the Lottery. The format for communicating the strategy and its implementation to the residents of the district will be considered at a later date. APPENDIX B – Draft Strategy Update
Contents
Pages xx – xx Foreword: Three Rivers Youth Champion
Pages xx – xx Section One: Introduction
- Purpose and scope - Outline of content - Definition of play
Pages xx – xx Section Two: The Case for Play
- Value & significance of play for children - Contribution play makes to wider agendas
Pages xx – xx Section Three: Context
- Local, Regional and National play context - Profile of the Three Rivers District
Pages xx – xx Section Four: Review of Community Engagement
- Consultation approach - Consultation findings and conclusions
Pages xx – xx Section Five: Local Provision Examined
- Audit methodology - Audit findings - Audit analysis - Management of local provision
Pages xx – xx Section Six: Play Policy Statements
- Three Rivers District Council policy statements (Following further discussion with Members) - Links to wider strategic documents
Pages xx – xx Section Seven: Local Standards
- Quality Measures - Local examples of good practice
Pages xx – xx Section Eight: Action Plan
Following further discussion with Members
- Criteria for identifying priorities for development - Three Rivers Action Plan
Pages xx – xx Section Nine: Evaluation
- Project Review Section One: Introduction
Purpose of the Strategy
The Three Rivers Play Strategy will review the opportunities for play in the district and identify what action needs to be taken to improve play for children aged 0 to 19 years by 2012.
The intention is to provide a vision for play which allows freely chosen activity that is accessible to children primarily within Three Rivers. The strategy will provide a framework for implementing and demonstrating a joint commitment to play and will show that play makes a difference to children’s lives. The action plan within the document will reflect new planning guidance, current policies and proposed outcomes, as well as initiatives that will improve the quality and quantity of play for children.
The current Play Plan (2002 – 2007) has now been achieved, creating the need for a new Play Strategy to be developed for the future. This document will bring together the agencies charged with delivering play opportunities in order to share a cohesive agenda and to formulate new action plans for the next five years.
Scope of the Strategy
The definition of play can be complex and this is discussed at length further on. It is therefore important to state that the Strategy will resist the temptation to consider leisure and sport within its scope, but it will instead concentrate on Play promoting opportunities for children to have access to free play and to uphold their right to play in their neighbourhoods. Play must be accessible, welcoming and engaging for all children including those with disabilities, specific needs and wishes. Issues that have been highlighted as having significance to children but are beyond the scope of the Strategy, for example access to a multi-plex cinema, will be shared with the relevant providers for their consideration and action.
The Strategy will address planning for play and will document how this will be achieved. It will also identify barriers to play from both the child and the adult perspective and consider solutions to the issues that have been raised through the consultation process.
In summary, the Three Rivers Play Strategy will provide a five year framework to maximise the quality of play opportunities for young people. It will follow the principles of freely chosen, free to all and freely accessible opportunities and will embrace the agenda of Every Child Matters. It will create a platform for agencies to work together and share their aspirations.
Outline of Content
This document provides a structure for existing and future action in the District. It aims to influence work programmes and funding opportunities and provides a comprehensive approach to play development. It demonstrates that play is a cross-cutting theme which influences many agendas and should be considered seriously as a method to assist in the achievement of targets.
Following the purpose and scope, the strategy examines the definitions of play, details the links with other agendas and makes a case for play. It documents the public play consultation process and findings and details the results of the audit analysis on play provision. This analysis has enabled an action plan to be developed that details the steps being made to ensure improved play provision across the district. It states the timeline and resources needed to meet this plan and demonstrates how the progress will be monitored. This work is laid against an evaluation plan, which details the outcomes, benchmarks, indicators and review procedures in place to deliver the action plan. Throughout the document reference is made to good practice within the district, with particular mention of the Council’s work in play.
Definition of Play
Play is defined by the playwork profession as behaviour which is ‘freely chosen, personally directed and intrinsically motivated i.e. performed for no external goal or reward’. (Bob Hughes and Frank King sited in Best Play 2002).
Expanding on this definition and the three vital components of play: Freely chosen – that children choose WHAT they do, themselves. Personally Directed – that children choose HOW they do something. Intrinsically motivated – that children choose WHY they do something.
In addition to this statement, the Big Lottery defines play as: ‘What children and young people do when they follow their own ideas, in their own way and for their own reasons.’
Essentially both of these definitions are giving the same message about freedom of choice in all its dimensions.
During consultation in Three Rivers children explained that they felt activities are deemed to be fun when they can learn a new skill and the activities are challenging, exciting and involve an element of discovery, danger and risk.
This strategy will follow the three principles of ‘freely chosen, free to all and freely accessible’.
Section Two: A Case for Play
Value and Significance of Play for Children
After many years where the importance of play has not been fully recognised, the Play Sector is now coming of age. Adrian Voce, Director of the Children’s Play Council comments that play has been too easily considered trivial. Compared to the adult led services, play provision has often been the casualty of a mindset which views children as adults-in-waiting, acknowledged primarily as the means to an end – to enhance education or improve health. It seems that we are at last recognising the value of play for its own sake, as an essential part of the enjoyment of childhood.
Play has attracted many definitions and descriptions especially as its complexity and importance become increasingly debated. It is widely accepted that play can be fun or serious. Through play children explore social, material and imaginary worlds and their relationship with them. They learn to have a flexible range of responses to the challenges they encounter. By playing, children learn and develop as individuals and as members of the community.
Playworkers have developed a set of values and principles about children and play, based on the UN Convention Rights of the Child (sited in Best Play [2000]) and on understandings about play. These are stated in the National Strategy for Playwork Education and Training (sited in Best Play [2000]).
Children’s views
Children are active in the formation and determination of their own social lives. This has implications for playwork and for the development of better play provision. The voice of the child, their opinions and reactions, should be taken into account to the maximum degree consistent with health, safety and respect for the needs of others. Access to rich, stimulating environments
There is a poverty of play opportunities in the general environment and it is the responsibility of the community to ensure that all children have access to rich, stimulating environments that are free from unacceptable risk and thereby offer children the opportunity to explore both themselves and the world, through their freely chosen play.
Freedom to play
Children's freedom to play and children's sense of freedom, needs to be preserved. Many pressures increasingly dominate the lives of children in the UK. Public fears about safety, including the threat from traffic and from other people, lead many parents to restrict their children's freedom to play and to get around on their own. Commercial interests intrude into children's lives through targeted marketing and advertising campaigns. Educational policies and practice take a curriculum- centred approach that places increasing demands on children's time and energies, impacting upon their free time.
Equal entitlement
Every child, irrespective of gender, background, cultural or racial origin, sexuality, faith or religious belief, individual ability, health status, household income or family make up, should have equal access to good play opportunities.
Respect for children
Children should feel confident that the adults involved in play welcome and value them as individuals.
Children’s ability
To be in control of the play activity is crucial to children. It enriches their experience and enhances their learning and development. Adults need to recognise that play is something children do very well on their own.
Play for its own sake
As the definition states, play is intrinsically motivated. Hence there should be no task or product required of the play by those not engaged in it. However, adults may need to support children in creating and determining their own goals and outcomes.
The importance of risk
Play is a key element in children learning to appreciate, assess and take calculated risks, which is fundamental to the development of confidence and abilities in childhood. Children seek out opportunities for risk-taking and it is the responsibility of play provision to respond with exciting and stimulating environments that balance risks appropriately.
The adult role in play
Whereas children may play without encouragement or help, adults can significantly enhance the opportunities for a child to play creatively, through the provision of an appropriate human and physical environment. Adult responsiveness
Children can sometimes unleash powerful feelings in themselves or in their companions through their play. The process often has valuable cathartic or therapeutic effects but can also be disturbing. Children are entitled to expect that adults involved in play provision will understand and be responsive to cues that they may be in need of comfort or reassurance as a result of their play.
These values and principles are widely adopted and supported by lead bodies involved in play. But what role does play have for our children? How does improving and investing in play benefit them?
The benefits are vast and largely fall into two main categories: ‘Play and Learning’ and ‘Play, Health and Well-being’.
The Contribution Play Makes to Wider Agendas Play and Learning
Play provides an opportunity to test boundaries and explore risk. Through the sheer enjoyment of play a child has the potential to unlock the social skills that they will use throughout life. Play teaches a child how to get along with friends, to learn about themselves and how they fit into the world. It is through play that much of children’s early learning is achieved and that a child can have the opportunity to enjoy freedom, and exercise choice and control over their actions. Using play can develop confidence in themselves and their ability to learn. It can assist in acquiring appropriate social skills and in becoming self directed. Evidence shows that children who have a degree of these attributes are ready to engage in the kind of play that enables significant growth in knowledge and understanding.
Play, Health and Well-being
When children play freely outdoors it benefits their physical, social and emotional health. There is increasing evidence to show that play is a way of being active that can support and promote good mental and physical health. Typically there is physical activity involved in most play which includes exercise, promotes physical co-ordination and develops skills for the growing child. Most children play instinctively whenever they are given the chance. If play environments can be made stimulating and challenging the physical benefits can only be improved. This in turn can help address the increasing concerns about childhood obesity and its associated issues. Poor nutrition, increased screen time, poor school playing facilities and a lack of good quality playgrounds have contributed to the decline in the good health of children. Jeanette Fich Jespersen, International Manager of KOMPAN notes that by increasing the areas with free access to free play activity and non-prescriptive play, we offer our children the possibility of being physically active without having to compete and be instructed. Furthermore we stimulate their creativity, their social abilities and their self-esteem this way. Playgrounds are frameworks for health as well as for life skills.
Significant research has been conducted around the absence of play and the effects on children, all of which are detrimental to the personal growth and development of the child. The Children’s Play Information Service comments on its Play and Health Factsheet that the psychological effects of physical activity include enhanced psychological well-being, reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety and increased self-esteem (Mulvihill, 2000 sited by the Children’s Play Council). In addition it is suggested that involvement in physical activity is a protective factor against stress, depression and risk-taking behaviours such as drug use (Ferron, et al 1999 sited by the Children’s Play Council). Physical activity for children is also beneficial to joints, muscles, bone strength and flexibility especially during early years (Chief Medical Officers Report 2004).
Given these messages it makes fundamental sense to invest in play opportunities for children. Through a well-planned Play Strategy it is possible to offer environments and services which can provide benefits for both the physical and psychological well-being of children. By providing good quality play we are working towards ensuring happy children today and healthy adults tomorrow. Strategic Context
Play should not be viewed in isolation but has a place in a variety of national and local strategic agendas. Its flexibility contributes to a number of disciplines such as health, physical activity, social interaction, community cohesion, use of open space and woodlands, planning developments that consider play space, roads and ‘Section 106’ developments.
In reality, how does play do this? A brief outline of some of the national and local documents, policies and guidance papers that actively promote or acknowledge play are detailed in the next section.
Section Three: Context
National Picture
Time for Play is written by the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) and is the government’s commitment to encourage the promotion of greater play opportunities for children and young people. It provides a suggested structure for children’s services in England, encompassing; The Children Act 2004, Every Child Matters, Children’s Trusts, Sure Start Children’s Centres, Birth to Three Matters, Extended School’s, Building School’s for the Future and Youth Matters.
Getting Serious About Play is a national strategy developed by DCMS to identify neighbourhoods and communities with most need and least high-quality facilities in England. The Government pledged that £200 million of National Lottery money is earmarked for new and improved children’s play facilities. Local Authorities in England are invited to bid for their funding allocation (minimum £200 000) following the completion of a Play Strategy that identifies local need.
Play England was launched in 2006 to support the infrastructure and roll out of Play Strategies being written by local authorities across the country. They offer a national voice and regional support.
Living East Cultural Strategy – ‘A Better Life’ is published by Living East, the cultural consortium for the East of England. It is the second cultural strategy for the region and includes three broad areas in which culture contributes to society, themed under prosperity, places and people. Children’s play, playgrounds and play activities are identified under their definition of culture.
Forestry Commission – ‘Growing Adventure’ is a report about how play should feature in all woodlands managed by the Forestry Commission. It identifies the importance of outdoor and nature play and encourages good practice within this environment, focusing on three key areas: nature play spaces, environmental play programmes and independent play in woodlands.
Choosing Activity: A Physical Activity Action Plan guidance from the Department of Health (DoH) recommends that physical activity, use of green spaces and play projects are used to tackle childhood obesity.
The Chief Medical Officers Report recommends that ‘children and young people should achieve a total of at least sixty minutes of at least moderate intensity physical activity each day. At least twice a week this should include activities to improve bone health, muscle strength and flexibility.’
Tackling Child Obesity – First Steps is a joint report from the National Audit Office, the Audit Commission and the Health Care Commission. Its focus is to promote cross-departmental working in government to tackle child obesity which is a growing threat to children’s health. It puts equal emphasis on play and sport to support an improvement in this complex public health issue.
Regional Picture Hertfordshire County Play Strategy – This document will be developed by Hertfordshire County Council in their role as the first tier authority, upon completion of the ten district authorities Play Strategies.
Hertfordshire Play Officers Forum – A county-wide professional group that works strategically, sharing good practice and promoting the role of play in Hertfordshire. Members represent the ten authorities, local providers of play (e.g. private leisure contractors) and the voluntary sector. The group meet four times a year.
East Region Development Centre – A regional service for training and professional development in play. The centre hosts officers from the lead agency Skills Active, who drive the implementation of the Workforce Strategy.
Local Picture
Three Rivers District Council Strategic Plan 2006-2010 details the district council’s priorities which are Safe, Sustainable, Prosperous and Healthy Communities. Children and young people are a crosscutting theme, which is reflected throughout all of the Council’s current plans and strategies.
Local Area Agreement (LAA) is an agreed document between the District Councils and Hertfordshire County Council, National Health Service, Police, Voluntary Sector and others, that outlines four specific blocks of activity to promote community action and development at a local level. Of particular importance to the Play Strategy is the Children and Young People’s Block which promotes healthy and happy children by linking to the Every Child Matters agenda.
Three Rivers Community Strategy 2006 - 2012 was written by the Local Strategic Partnership (The LSP comprises members from the local Primary Care Trust, Hertfordshire Constabulary, Hertfordshire Police Authority, the Voluntary and Business sector and the Parish, District and County Councils) and Young People is a cross-cutting theme of the strategy. It identifies that they are a growing percentage of the population and, whilst the difficulties that they face are no greater than in other areas, children and young people have been deemed a priority group.
Three Rivers Community Safety Strategy 2005 – 2008 is a local partnership made up of Three Rivers District Council, Hertfordshire County Council, Hertfordshire Constabulary, Fire Service etc. They work together to make the district a safer place to live, work and visit. The strategy covers anti-social behaviour, alcohol misuse, burglary and vehicle crime. It has been shaped through consultation with local people, police intelligence and the day to day experience of the community safety partners. Young people are a priority within the strategy both as victims and perpetrators of crime and disorder.
Hertfordshire Children and Young People’s Plan 2006 – 2009 is based on the five national ‘Every Child Matters’ outcomes. The plan’s actions are based on each of the outcomes in addition to cross cutting themes such as Safeguarding Children, Children’s Centres and Extended Schools, Parenting Support etc. Consultation with children and young people is seen as a priority aim.
Hertfordshire Children’s Charter is due for publication in Summer 2007 and is based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It will explain to children aged 0 – 13 years and adults, the rights of all children in Hertfordshire.
Hertfordshire Youth Charter was ratified in February 2005 by the Hertfordshire Children and Young People’s Partnership and is based on the same principles as the Children’s Charter, but is designed specifically for those aged 13 – 19 years.
Three Rivers District Children’s Trust Partnership brings together professionals from different agencies that work at a local level to achieve an agreed action plan focusing on the needs of children and young people in specific communities within the district. (See www.threerivers.gov.uk, following links - Council Democracy, Your Council and Partnerships to access the current action plan).
Three Rivers District Council Woodland Management Plan is currently a draft document due to be ratified by elected Members in the spring of 2007. Its long term vision is to develop a sustainable network of mainly broadleafed woodlands throughout the district that are rich in biodiversity and offer opportunities for public recreation and enjoyment.
KKP Open Space Study (July 2005) - Formal and Informal Green and Open Space: Three Rivers District Council aims to promote and enhance informal recreational opportunities in its green spaces, to raise environmental awareness and to improve quality of life.
Designing Open Spaces for Recreation (Planning Guidance for Section 106 Developments) is a document advocating a cross departmental approach for planners, play and leisure officers, developers and environmental officers to create innovative play and open spaces that incorporate biodiversity and design.
Profile of the Three Rivers District
To understand the make up and nature of the Three Rivers District, it is important to appreciate its demographic profile.
Geographical profile
Three Rivers District Council is situated in South West Hertfordshire and covers 34 square miles, 64% of which is Metropolitan Green Belt. The District includes large rural areas with 12 villages and small towns. It borders Watford and Hertsmere Boroughs to the east, Buckinghamshire (Chiltern and South Bucks Districts) to the west, St Albans City and District and Dacorum to the north and the London Boroughs of Harrow and Hillingdon to the south. The District is on the inner fringe of London and benefits from excellent road and rail connections, including the M1, M25, the West Coast main line and Metropolitan line into central London. Heathrow, Luton and Stansted airports are all nearby.
Economy
The District has a mixed economy of business and industry with no dominant industry or employer but head or regional offices of a number of large national and international companies. Each weekday 12,000 workers commute into the District, compared to 24,000 going out. This reflects the importance of the adjacent job markets and the significance of commuting patterns, with the second highest daily outflow of commuters in Hertfordshire. Unemployment is below the national average although slightly above the Hertfordshire average (1.8% in May 2002).
Population
The District has a population of around 82,848. There is a higher proportion of elderly people than in most districts. The ethnic minority composition of the District is unusual in that the great majority live in the most affluent wards, Moor Park, Chorleywood East and Carpenders Park.
There is no distinctive Three Rivers community. However, people identify with the Metroland area, which is neither a rural idyll like the Chilterns nor an urbanised area like Watford.
The total child population aged 0 - 19 years for the district is 20,702 making up 25% of the total population. Of these children 86.6% are white British, 4% are Asian Indian and 3.1% of mixed race. In 2004 - 2005 127 children were in Looked After-Care, 16 left care, and 34 young people approached the Council for housing. 540 (3.2%) children aged between 0-15 years and 341 (4.6%) aged 16-24 years have limiting long term illness.
Deprivation
Three Rivers is a district with significant contrasts. Hayling and Northwick wards in South Oxhey, a 50 year old GLC overspill estate, feature on national deprivation and health scales with unemployment running at 3.5% to 4%. Other relatively deprived wards are Maple Cross and Mill End with unemployment at 2% to 2.8%. In stark contrast are Moor Park and Chorleywood with the lowest unemployment rates in the country at 0.7% and some of the wealthiest estates.
Understanding the demographics of the local community enables more effective research to be carried out to establish real and perceived gaps in play services. The public play consultation is analysed in section four.
Section Four: Review of Community Engagement
Consultation on Children’s Play
The main focus of this consultation was qualitative rather than quantitative. This decision was made due to budget availability and that Hertfordshire Children’s Schools & Families (CSF) was undertaking a Health Related Behaviour Survey (HRBS) in local schools and a Youth Service consultation throughout the district. It was therefore agreed between the organisations involved to target different groups to avoid consultation apathy.
A copy of the full consultation document is available at www.threerivers.gov.uk by following the Leisure and Culture page.
The Target Groups
The children’s group involved 150 boys and girls aged 3 – 16 years. Care was taken to focus on consultation with specific minority groups including: children with disabilities children living in affluent rural communities children living in deprived urban communities children with caring responsibilities children from Black & Minority Ethnic (BME) groups
In addition, a number of focus groups were held with traditionally hard to reach groups. There was a poor response to many of these especially from children from BME groups, homeless young people and those attending the Youth Offending Team Service.
The parents and carers group comprised of 384 members from the Citizens Panel who completed a questionnaire reflecting an adult’s perception of a child’s play needs.
Methods of Consultation
A variety of methods were used with different groups which included: focus groups questionnaires (paper copy or online version) one-to-one interviews friendship pairs photo fieldwork direct leisure database mailing of a questionnaire to 1,600 children and families There was a poor response to the website consultation and from the photo fieldwork task.
Summary of Children and Young People’s Consultation
The overriding themes voiced by boys and girls were:
they like to socialise with existing friends they like meeting new friends (girls more so than boys) activities that are deemed to be fun are when they can involve a new skill they like activities to be challenging, exciting and to involve an element of discovery, danger and risk.
It was noted that very young children prefer more indoor play with family and friends and enjoy riding bikes and going to the park. Older children specifically sited meeting up with friends and playing in the fields and woods.
The barriers to children playing or undertaking fun activities are identified as: location cost transport/travel not well advertised safety
In less affluent families, children are not taken to organised play opportunities but tend to stay local and typically not allowed out to play unsupervised. Whilst children living in more affluent communities, have opportunities to undertake structured activities and experience a wider range of play outside the home.
The consultation with children with disabilities found that they like to do and enjoy the same things as their able bodied peers, such as playing with friends in parks and playgrounds. They do however have an additional barrier as they need more adult support or organisation (usually provided by a parent or carer) to undertake free time activities and trips.
Children with care responsibilities undertake more indoor home based activities with friends and family than other groups. However when they go out to play with friends they feel more included.
Summary of Adult Consultation
The views of adults correspond with the views of children, in identifying that there is a need for them to have more opportunities to play with friends. Adults with less income were more likely to agree that there was not enough for children to do in their local area.
Similar barriers to play were highlighted including transport and cost of activities, especially for families with more than one child.
Adults highlight improvements such as: advertising supervision (to help negate safety concerns of older children and gangs) transport suggestion of a bus to Woodside age specific activities better outdoor facilities an increase in the number of indoor play opportunities
Suggested Improvements In terms of improvement children are most likely to suggest the need for more things to do with friends. They would like more and bigger parks and playgrounds as well as skate parks.
More to do with friends More creative things More challenging, safe (supervised) activities, close to the home or in local community, which pro actively involve children with disabilities, children with care responsibilities. Indoor activities for Winter months Fun youth clubs – drama, music, discos, bowling and games (TV/computer)
The value of public consultation cannot be underestimated in the successful planning of future services. Thanks are given to all the individuals that took part and who have helped to shape the action plan.
The needs that have been identified in the consultation should be considered alongside existing play opportunities, in order that a rounded picture can be presented. An audit to document provision has been undertaken and is detailed in section five.
Section Five: Local Provision Examined
Audit Demographics
Using information gathered from the National Census (2001), it is possible to appreciate the number and geographical spread of children across the district. As with any statistical data, care has to be taken with its interpretation and due note should be given to the vastly different sized wards in Three Rivers. As resources will always be at a premium it is important to pinpoint work accurately to maximise benefits for children. The analysis of wards by age, crime and disorder deprivation and income deprivation affecting children, helps to provide a picture of where resources are most needed.
Age: There are 20,578 children under the age of nineteen, living in the district. Of these, 13,088 are under eleven and 7490 are aged between twelve and eighteen.
The highest number of children live in South Oxhey, which comprises of Ashridge, Hayling, Northwick and Oxhey Hall wards. A total of 4288 children live in this area, of which 2835 are under eleven and 1453 are aged twelve to eighteen. The second and third areas with the highest number of children are Croxley with 2931 and Mill End, Maple Cross, West Hyde & Penn with 2808. The least amount of children live in the more rural communities of Bedmond and Primrose Hill and Sarratt with 745 and 362 respectively.
Crime and Disorder Deprivation: The National Census (2001) provides a rating of 1 for areas considered to have the highest levels of Crime and Disorder Deprivation. Three Rivers is recognised nationally as being a safe district to live and work in and there are no wards that meet the rating of 1 across the district.
The three areas which have the highest rating are South Oxhey (+ 0.44), Langleybury (+ 0.22) and Sarratt (- 0.18). The areas with the lowest rating are Chorleywood (- 5.63) and Croxley Green (- 6.19).
Income Deprivation Affecting Children: Census (2001) figures are calculated to provide a ranking of areas where income deprivation affects children. In Three Rivers the community of South Oxhey is significantly higher at 2.13 than its second community of Mill End, Maple Cross, West Hyde & Penn at 0.81. Croxley Green is ranked third at 0.4. Sarratt and Moor Park/Eastbury are the least affected at 0.04 and 0.05 respectively. In addition to the child population demography, this section also identifies opportunities for children to play throughout the district. Provision is detailed in wards and includes open spaces, woodland, equipped play facilities and organised play settings such as pre-school groups and playschemes. In line with the typology for play spaces and facilities devised by Play England, the information is separated into three sections. The information shown on the table needs to be considered alongside the GIS mapping provided in the appendices. This shows the concentration of dwellings in relation to the provision of services. The maps also demonstrate the unique pattern of villages, towns and countryside in this district. Larger wards will show more opportunities than smaller ones, however this does not necessarily link directly to a lack of choices.
Audit Methodology
Play England’s typology includes 3 specific categories of spaces and facilities:
Type A: Doorstep spaces and facilities These are small local areas often unequipped or equipped for younger children. Examples would include Fearney Mead play area in Mill End, Otley Way play area in South Oxhey and Ovaltine play area in Kings Langley.
Type B: Neighbourhood spaces and facilities Often large equipped play areas for 5 -11 year olds. This type also includes junior skate and bike facilities. Local examples would include Croxley Green Skate Park, Manor House Grounds in Abbots Langley and Ebury in Rickmansworth. * This section will also include large unequipped play areas.
Type C: Local spaces and facilities for play This category has two sections including supervised play such as our playschemes and areas which have no formal supervision such as parks, ball courts, playing fields and woodlands. There are many and varied opportunities throughout the district.
Audit Findings (Members, please add the details of other projects you are aware of).
Area: Type A: Doorstep Type B: Neighbourhood Type C: Local Spaces Spaces & Facilities Spaces and Facilities and Facilities for Play Abbots Langley Boundary Way Manor House Grounds Woodlands YMCA Pre- & Leavesden (children’s play (open space, skate area, School: Abbots Langley equipment): Abbots children’s & teenagers’ (Q) Langley play equipment): Abbots Langley Bananas After-School Huntonbury Village Club: Abbots Langley (children’s play Leavesden Country Park equipment) : Abbots (open space, children’s & Breakspeare Community Langley teenagers’ play Pre-School: Abbots equipment: Abbots Langley Jacketts Langley Field(children’s play Pumpkin Pre-School: equipment) : Abbots Primrose Hill (open space Abbots Langley Langley & children’s play equipment): Abbots Watford & District Lemonfield Drive Langley Mencap Playscheme: (children’s play Abbots Langley (Q) equipment): Abbots Tanners Wood (woodland Langley & swings): Abbots Langley YMCA Woodlands: Abbots Langley (Q) Love Lane (children’s play equipment): Abbots Langley
Ridgehurst Avenue (children’s play equipment): Abbots Langley
South Way (children’s play equipment): Abbots Langley
Ovaltine (children’s play equipment): Abbots Langley
Area: Type A: Doorstep Type B: Neighbourhood Type C: Local Spaces Spaces & Facilities Spaces and Facilities and Facilities for Play Bedmond & Bedmond Playing Fields Primrose Hill (open space, children & teenagers’ play equipment): Bedmond
Area: Type A: Doorstep Type B: Neighbourhood Type C: Local Spaces Spaces & Facilities Spaces and Facilities and Facilities for Play Carpenders Greenfields (children’s Carpenters Wood Park play equipment): (woodlands): Carpenders Carpenders Park
The Mead (children’s play equipment): Carpenders
Oulton Way (children’s play equipment): Carpenders
Area: Type A: Doorstep Type B: Neighbourhood Type C: Local Spaces Spaces & Facilities Spaces and Facilities and Facilities for Play Chorleywood The Swillett (children’s Chorleywood Estate Old Macdonalds Day East & West play equipment): (woodland, open space): Nursery: Chorleywood Chorleywood Chorleywood Primrose Cottage Day Nursery: Chorleywood
Hillside Pre-School: Chorleywood
Stag Lane Pre-School: Chorleywood
Chorleywood Montessori School: Chorleywood JK Club: Chorleywood
Chorleywood Youth Project: Chorleywood
Area: Type A: Doorstep Type B: Neighbourhood Type C: Local Spaces Spaces & Facilities Spaces and Facilities and Facilities for Play Croxley Green, Barton Way (children’s Baldwins Lane (open St Oswalds Church Croxley Green play equipment): space, children’s play Toddler Group: Croxley North & South Croxley Green equipment and large skate Green park: Croxley Green Cassiobridge New Road Pre-School: (children’s play Croxley Hall Woods Croxley Green equipment): Croxley (woodlands): Croxley Green Green All Saints Toddler Group: Croxley Green
Morris Minors Pre- School: Croxley Green (Q)
St Oswalds Church Playgroup: Croxley Green
Childminders X 19: Croxley Green
Yorke Mead Playscheme: Croxley Green (Q)
St Oswalds Church Youth Club: Croxley Green
Area: Type A: Doorstep Type B: Neighbourhood Type C: Local Spaces Spaces & Facilities Spaces and Facilities and Facilities for Play Langleybury Langleybury Cricket KLASH After-school Ground (children’s play Club: Kings Langley equipment): Langleybury St. Paul’s Playscheme: Langleybury (Q) Area: Type A: Doorstep Type B: Neighbourhood Type C: Local Spaces Spaces & Facilities Spaces and Facilities and Facilities for Play Maple Cross, Longcroft Road Denham Way (open space Maple Cross Toddler Mill End & (Children’s play & children’s play Group: Maple Cross Penn equipment): Maple equipment): Maple Cross Cross Little Shepherds Day Hornhill Recreation Ground Nursery: Mill End Fearney Mead (kick-about area & (children’s play children’s play equipment): Childminders X 3: Maple equipment): Mill End Maple Cross Cross
Mead Place (children’s King George V Playing Childminders X 14: Mill play equipment): Mill Fields (open space, skate End End area, children’s & teenagers’ play equipment): Little Shepherds After- Queens Drive Mill End School Club: Mill End (children’s play equipment): Mill End Beechen Wood West Hyde & Maple Cross (woodlands): Maple Cross Playcheme: West Hyde (Q) Frankling Spring (woodlands): Maple Cross West Hyde & Maple Cross Youth Club: West Hyde
Mill End Youth Project: Mill End
Rickmansworth Gateway Club: Mill End
Area: Type A: Doorstep Type B: Neighbourhood Type C: Local Spaces Spaces & Facilities Spaces and Facilities and Facilities for Play Moor Park & Eastbury Playing Fields St. Mathews Afternoon Eastbury (open space): Eastbury Toddlers Group: Eastbury
St. Mathews Church Hall Toddler Group: Eastbury
Area: Type A: Doorstep Type B: Neighbourhood Type C: Local Spaces Spaces & Facilities Spaces and Facilities and Facilities for Play Oxhey Hall, Ballater Close Hayling Road Play Area Rainbow Kids Toddler Hayling, (children’s play (open space & children’s Club: South Oxhey Northwick & equipment): South play equipment): South Ashridge Oxhey Oxhey Wednesday Whiz Kids Toddler Group: South Chilwell Gardens Oxhey Woods Oxhey (children’s play (woodlands): South equipment): South Oxhey Places for Children Day Oxhey Nursery: South Oxhey Oxhey Playing Fields Hampermill (children’s Woods (woodland): The Kindergaden Day play equipment): South South Oxhey Nursery: South Oxhey Oxhey Hartsbourne Wood Busy Bees Pre-school: Hillcroft Crescent (woodlands): South South Oxhey (Q) (children’s play Oxhey equipment): South Little Furze Pre-School: Oxhey Pond Wood (woodlands): South Oxhey South Oxhey Lincoln Drive (children’s Childminders X 4: South play equipment): South Oxhey Oxhey MASCOT After-School & Otley Way (children’s Holiday Club: Oxhey (Q) play equipment): South Oxhey Acorns After-school Club: South Oxhey (Q) Oaklands Avenue (children’s play The Centre Playscheme equipment): South & Creche: South Oxhey Oxhey (Q)
Krazy Kids Playscheme: South Oxhey
The Zone Youth Club: South Oxhey
Area: Type A: Doorstep Type B: Neighbourhood Type C: Local Spaces Spaces & Facilities Spaces and Facilities and Facilities for Play Rickmansworth Skidmore Way Ebury Way Play Area Daybreak Day Nursery: & (children’s play (large children’s play Rickmansworth Rickmansworth equipment): equipment and access to West Rickmansworth Aquadrome): Stepping Stones Pre- Rickmansworth Prep School: Rickmansworth Scotsbridge Playing Fields (Skate area & Watford & District open space): Mencap Children’s Rickmansworth Centre Pre-school: Rickmansworth Bishops Wood (woodlands): Bury Lane Nursery: Rickmansworth Rickmansworth
Aquadrome Woods Bury Way nursery (woodlands): School: Rickmansworth Rickmansworth Daisy Chain (St. Mary’s) The Grove (woodlands): Pre- School: Rickmansworth Rickmansworth
Shepherds Close Dell Heronsgate Pre-School (woodlands): Nursery: Rickmansworth Rickmansworth St. John’s Pre-School: Pheasants & Solomons Rickmansworth Wood (woodland): Rickmansworth Valley Nursery School: Rickmansworth (Q) Greenbroom Spring (woodlands): Daisy Chain Montessori Rickmansworth School: Rickmansworth
Longspring Wood Childminders: X 5: (woodlands): Rickmansworth Rickmansworth Rickmansworth After School & Holiday Club: Rickmansworth (Q)
Just for Fun Out of School Club: Rickmansworth (Q)
The Activities Club: Rickmansworth
TopKidz After-School & Holiday Club: Rickmansworth
Rickmansworth Centre for Young People: Rickmansworth
Area: Type A: Doorstep Type B: Neighbourhood Type C: Local Spaces Spaces & Facilities Spaces and Facilities and Facilities for Play Sarratt King George V (open Sarratt Ducklings Pre- space & children’s play School: Sarratt (Q) equipment): Sarratt Sarratt Youth Project: Sarratt
Audit Summary
The detailed work carried out in the audit highlights that in general terms, the district is well served with a variety of play opportunities. Resources are provided by a range of professionals from the private, voluntary and public sector who all work towards the common goal of providing stimulating services for children.
The audit data also confirms that District Council resources such as playschemes are targeted in the correct areas (e.g. South Oxhey and Croxley Green). Further investment in fixed play shows a similar picture with only three areas identified in the PPG 17 study with gaps (Chorleywood, Sarratt and Eastbury/Moor Park). Section Six: Play Policy Statements
Key Policy Statements Following discussion with Members.
Links to Wider Strategic Documents The Play Strategy is not a stand alone document to be viewed in isolation. The activity of play in itself can meet a variety of national and local strategic agendas. These could include Every Child Matters and the Three Rivers Strategic Plan. It is essential to understand that play is more than swings and roundabouts in local play areas and that by providing good quality play opportunities, it is possible to achieve targets within a wider context. It is important that the local and national picture is addressed whilst ensuring that the child is at the centre of the decision making process. Good provision equals happy children in Three Rivers.
In xx xxxxxx 2006, Three Rivers District Council adopted the Hertfordshire Children and Young People’s Plan, which identifies key objectives for local children based on the government’s five key outcomes specified in Every Child Matters (ECM). The five outcomes are, ‘Being Healthy’, ‘Staying Safe’, ‘Enjoying and Achieving’, ‘Making a Positive Contribution’ and ‘Economic Wellbeing’. By using these principles as a foundation for action it is possible to show how local and national agendas can be met. The table below cross references the wider strategic context.
ECM Outcome Strategic Document Strategic Target Reference to Action Plan Being Healthy Three Rivers Strategic 2.2 We want to conserve open spaces and ‘Play contributes to Social, Physical, Plan 2007 - 2010 increase the amount accessible to the Intellectual, Cultural, Emotional and (Sustainable Communities) public by 2008. Psychological development. Energetic play provides children (Healthy Communities) 4.2 We want young people to benefit from with a significant amount of their a healthy lifestyle. regular exercise. Good play allows the chance to try out and experience 4.2.1 Enable a greater proportion of young a range of emotions.’ people to participate in leisure and recreational activities.
4.2.1.1 Provide and promote a range of leisure activities. ECM Outcome Strategic Document Strategic Target Reference to Action Plan Being Healthy (cont.) Hertfordshire Children’s All children and young people in and Young People’s Plan Hertfordshire will grow up living a healthy 2006 - 2009 lifestyle and the impact of any health problems will be minimised.
- H1 Have fewer preventable health problems by living healthy lifestyles in a healthy living environment. - H3 Feel good about themselves and develop into confident and mature adults. Hertfordshire Youth The right to a range of help that promotes Charter a healthy lifestyle, such as healthy eating, stopping smoking and leisure activities. (Article 24 & 33) Three Rivers District To contribute to the reduction in obesity Children’s Trust amongst young girls in Three Rivers. Partnership Action Plan Three Rivers Community Implement detached youth work Safety Strategy 2005 – programmes. 2008
(Drugs and Alcohol) Designing Open Spaces Broadening notions of play to include for recreation (in Three visual and sensorial experiences alongside Rivers) physical activity.
(Guidance notes for the Design of Open Space) Convention on the Right’s Article 27: 1. To recognise the right of of the Child 1990. every child (including those with a disability; Article 23.3) to a standard of living adequate to the child’s physical, mental, spiritual, moral and social development. Hertfordshire Youth Charter Department of Health & Halt by 2010 the year on year rise in Department of Education obesity among children under eleven and Skills ‘Be Healthy years. Paper’ December 2006 Issue 22.
ECM Outcome Strategic Document Strategic Target Reference to Action Plan Staying Safe Three Rivers Strategic 1.1.5 Increasing the number of leisure and Plan 2007 – 2010 community facilities available to targeted ‘Fear of strangers, traffic and bullying groups. by other children contribute to not (Safe Communities) 1.1.5.1 Increase attendance at a range of playing outdoors. Good play facilities, activities and events. provision reduces unacceptable 1.1.5.2 Increase the number of facilities. levels of danger whilst encouraging children to take risks, make decisions and gain self confidence.’
Hertfordshire Children All children and young people in and Young People’s Plan Hertfordshire will grow up and thrive in safe 2006 – 2009 environments, communities and family settings.
- S1 Are safe, and feel safe, in the environments in which they live, work, travel or receive services. Hertfordshire Youth You have the right not to be bullied in any Charter way by anyone. (Article 19 & 29) Three Rivers District To maintain and, if possible increase the children’s Trust numbers of children from low income Partnership families attending playschemes. Three Rivers Community We will work to provide safe places for Safety Strategy 2005 – young people to access activities across 2008 the district. Tackle anti-social behaviour using a multi- (Anti-Social Behaviour agency approach; provide appropriate and Criminal Damage diversionary activities for young people. Targets.) Designing Open Spaces Encourage family activity, rather than for recreation (in Three segregated child activity. Rivers)
(Guidance notes for the Design of Open Space) Hertforshire Local Area S – A1.1a: Reduce the number of people Agreement (LAA) surveyed who consider teenagers hanging around on the streets to be a big or fairly (Safer and Stronger big problem in their local area by 4% by Communities Block 2009. stretch target)
ECM Outcome Strategic Document Strategic Target Reference to Action Plan Enjoying and Achieving Three Rivers Strategic Plan ‘ The essence of play is enjoyment. Giving children the chance for free, uninhibited play allows them a safe emotional space in which to explore their boundaries and enhances their enjoyment of life.’
‘ Good play provides the opportunity to enhance problem solving, language and literacy skills, by developing social and emotional intelligence. Play is important as it develops children’s imaginations, creative interests and abilities.’ Hertfordshire Children All children and young people in and Young People’s Plan Hertfordshire will have access to a good 2006 – 2009 range of high quality opportunities for learning and personal development.
- EA4 Have fun and enjoyable things to do and good places to go that support their personal and emotional development. Hertfordshire Youth The right to access sports, arts, leisure and Charter cultural activities (Article 31) Three Rivers District To increase the uptake of provision for Children’s Trust children and young people in Three Rivers. Partnership To increase the knowledge of available services available for children and young people in Three Rivers. To increase the enjoyment and participation in leisure, play and youth services of children and young people with disabilities and special needs in Three Rivers. To encourage increased participation of children and young people in play activities.
ECM Outcome Strategic Document Strategic Target Reference to Action Plan Enjoying and Achieving (cont.) Hertforshire Local Area C - E9: Increase the number of 16 to 24 Agreement (LAA) year olds participating in at least 30 minutes of moderate sport and physical activity at (Children and least 3 times as measured by Sport Young England’s Active People Survey. People Block stretch target) Convention on the Rights Article 31: 1. To recognise the right of the of the Child 1990. child 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. 2. Respect and promote the right of the child to participate fully in cultural and artistic life and shall encourage the provision of appropriate and equal opportunities for cultural, artistic, recreational and leisure activity. Article 23.1: To recognise that a mentally or physically disabled child should enjoy a full and decent life, in conditions which ensure dignity, promote self reliance and facilitate the child’s active participation in the community. . ECM Outcome Strategic Document Strategic Target Reference to Action Plan Making a Positive Contribution Three Rivers Strategic 3.2.3 By improving or facilitating affordable Plan 2007 – 2010. and accessible childcare. ‘ Children’s involvement in the 3.2.3.1 Provide playschemes. development of their own play is (Prosperous fundamental. Children learn from the Communities) effects of their actions and develop skills in making their own choices. Respecting and incorporating children’s views into plans and provision helps develop motivation and, potentially, participation in society.’
Hertfordshire Children All children and young people in and Young People’s Plan Hertfordshire will take part in their 2006 - 2009 community and will avoid anti-social or offending behaviour.
- PC1 Are consulted and contribute to decisions on matters affecting them, and have opportunities to shape services. Hertfordshire Youth Have the right to your own thoughts, to be Charter listened to, have your views taken seriously and to be involved in decisions which affect you. (Articles 12 & 14) Three Rivers District To increase the contribution by children and Children’s Trust young people in Three Rivers to their local Partnership communities.
ECM Outcome Strategic Document Strategic Target Reference to Action Plan Economic Wellbeing Three Rivers Strategic 3.2.3 By improving or facilitating affordable Plan and accessible childcare. ‘Good play provision enables parents 3.2.3.1 Provide playschemes. to feel their children are happy and (Prosperous safe and enjoying themselves, as Communities) well as having important space away from them. Play provision has economic benefit through jobs and training in this expanding professional field. Development of outside play and recreation spaces has been shown to have a measurable impact on local interaction, new friendships, community cohesion and community safety’. Hertfordshire Children All children and young people in and Young People’s Plan Hertfordshire will have maximum 2006 - 2009 opportunities to avoid the adverse effects of poverty and achieve economic wellbeing in adulthood.
- EW4 Have access to affordable, high quality childcare to enable their parents and carers to work. Section Seven: Local Standards
Alongside the consultation and audit, an assessment of the quality of current provision needs to be considered. Quality measures have been included in the current audit information and are recognised locally by the following indicators.
Herts Quality Standard – HQS is a quality assurance scheme for providers of childcare and play settings in Hertfordshire. The award reflects that the setting meets the HQS criteria and provides a high quality service. Open Space, Sport and Recreation Study (PPG17 Report) – This is an assessment report that considers supply and demand issues for outdoor recreational facilities, including a visual quality rating. National Standards for Out of School Care - A set of nationally recognised outcomes and regulations that are measured by Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education). Inspectors provide a quality rating based on the providers ability to meet the standards. Green Flag – A measure of service excellence for public open-spaces that provide encompassing and accessible facilities
There are currently no Green Flag sites in Three Rivers however work is underway to achieve a recognised site.
A variety of local providers meet the National Standards for Out of School care, with some of these also achieving the Herts Quality Standard. It is the intention that the District Council will aim to achieve HQS at appropriate services they operate.
The district council has also achieved Charter Mark across all Council services in September 2006. This is a government mark of quality for excellent customer service in the public sector.
Alongside quality measures, there are also some examples of good practice across the district.
Investment in Local Children's Play Areas and Informal Meeting Places
The Council and its partners are coming to the end of a three-year play areas refurbishment and upgrading programme. This capital improvement plan has included the installation of new play equipment aimed at older children, combination basketball / football / cricket hoops and walls, youth shelters and concrete skateboarding areas. A number of inclusive pieces of play equipment have been installed in the designs, including: wheelchair accessible roundabouts and supportive swing seats.
The Council has invested a total of £378,409 towards open access play facilities, the local Community Safety Partnership has invested a further £12,200 for youth shelters and a local community group raised £14,000 with the local company Cadbury Trebor Basset contributing £25,000 for the Ebury play area project. In the past three years a total of £429,609 was invested in children’s play in the District. The Big Lottery offer of £200,000 has come at an opportune time for the Council and its partners to increase investment in local, inclusive and freely available play provision.
Children and Young People Involved in Design and Choices of Play Equipment
The skateboarding area designs and play equipment choices were based on discussions and consultation with children and young people.
A sample of the questionnaire and photo from the subsequent workshop. While conducting informal research, officers also discovered that both skaters and parents were very keen to have staff supervising the park; parents know their children are being looked after and skaters feel the environment is friendlier. Following full consideration, the Council decided to make the park fully open-access, free of charge, for the full year and employ trained staff during the school holidays.
Sample comments from users of the Skate Park include "general layout looks fantastic", "great idea" and "the park is how I want it now".
Children from the Friday evening Mill End Youth Project chose to have the SMP Playgrounds Nexus Core range of play equipment that was installed in their local park and in the more rural community of Bedmond. Both these geographical communities are identified as areas of deprivation in the district.
In preparation for the Play Strategy a full health and safety inspection together with access audit for all play area sites in the district (including those owned by Parish Council's) has been conducted. The outcomes will influence the future three-year proposed refurbishment programme.
Working with the Council Planning Authority in the Provision of Children's Play Areas
A close working relationship between the Play Development Officer, Leisure Development Manager and the Planning Development teams has resulted in a number of new play areas being part of new residential developments. Over the previous four years, five new play areas have been installed with another four currently included within planning approvals and Section 106 agreements. The largest provision for a children's play area is under discussion but initial outline negotiations are indicating a sum of £250,000 to be ring fenced on a large residential and commercial development due within the district.
Local residents commented in the consultation "Thank you for the new area on the 'Lawn' Housing in Oaklands Avenue. It's nice to hear mums and children of all ages playing on the equipment, provided by the building contractors".
Innovative Design of Parks and Public Open Spaces as Playful Environments
In working with the planning policy and development control officers, a number of planning guidance documents have been developed to aid the design and more careful consideration of play within public open spaces. A number of officers of the Council joined with the Green Heart Partnership to develop a design tool and guidance note for the development of play spaces. The aim of the partnership is to provide a document that illustrates "innovative and sustainable approaches to the design of stimulating open spaces and play spaces" which are "sympathetic to the promotion of bio-diversity and the needs of a multi-user culture". This aim is to be achieved by considering a park or open space as a stimulating playful environment by combining landscape and sculptural design alongside traditional play equipment. This piece of work has been identified as an example of good practice by CABE Space (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment), the leading organisation influencing the design and development of the built environment and open space. CABE is currently providing enabling support and advice to local play partnerships on behalf of Play England. APPENDIX C – PROPSED PROJECTS FOR LOTTERY FUNDING
Three Rivers District Play Strategy
Draft Project Options for Submission to the Big Lottery Fund Option A – Play Buddies @ Three Rivers
Play Buddies Project Objective
The Play Buddy project is an innovative approach to delivering inclusive play services that enable children to play freely in the natural outdoor environments and encourage the wider community to access parks and open spaces so that these spaces are at the heart of the local neighbourhood. Play workers in the Play Buddy team will be trained in inclusive practices and encourage children with disabilities to take part in the projects.
Play Buddies Project Aims
To encourage children to play outside and make more use of the parks and open spaces all year round. To support children's healthy, physical, social and emotional development. To reduce children's fear of bullying when playing out. To help children to feel that they have someone to listen to their needs and turn to for advice and contribute to a reduction in their feelings of exclusion. To enable equality of access by children with disabilities to play activities that are free of charge, inclusive and local to their homes. To provide qualified and trained staff and volunteers to support individual children and their families with accessing local play provision. To ensure that children with identified needs are provided with choice in taking part in local play activities and that opportunities are communicated to the families. To provide a programme of play and free-time activities that reflects the needs and aspirations of children with disabilities and specific needs (i.e. young carers). To support and encourage individual children to reach their full potential in the play activities that they choose to undertake. To enhance and encourage greater community spirit.
Target Group
Play Buddies will work with children (5-16yrs) in their leisure time, after school and in the holidays by visiting local parks, open spaces or woodland areas on a weekly basis. Play Buddies will work and play with children and young people in areas of greatest social and economic need. The Buddies will be trained in equality and inclusion so that all children are included in the service.
Consultation and Research Findings
Children and Young People's Views
The overriding themes voiced by boys and girls were:
they like to socialise with existing friends they like meeting new friends (girls more so than boys) activities that are deemed to be fun are when they can involve a new skill they like activities to be challenging, exciting and to involve an element of discovery, danger and risk.
It was noted that very young children preferred more indoor play with family and friends and enjoyed riding bikes and going to the park. Older children specifically sited meeting up with friends and playing in the fields and woods.
The barriers to children playing or undertaking fun play activities were identified as: location cost transport/travel not well advertised safety
In less affluent families, children were not taken to organised play opportunities but tended to stay local and typically not allowed out to play unsupervised. Whilst children living in more affluent communities, had opportunities to undertake structured activities and experienced a wider range of play outside the home.
The consultation with children with disabilities found that they like to do and enjoy the same things as their peers, such as playing with friends in parks and playgrounds. They like to play sports especially football and swimming, playing with their friends, spending time with their family, going to theme parks, playschemes, cinema, bowling and playing in the park and playgrounds. They do however have an additional barrier as they need more adult support or organisation (usually provided by a parent or carer) to undertake free time activities and trips. Thus, there is an identified need to provide local play opportunities in communities where children are living in families on low incomes.
Children with care responsibilities undertake more home based activities with friends and family than other groups. However, when they go out to play with friends they "feel more included".
Parent and Carers Consultation Findings
Adults views, correspond with children's, in identifying that there is a need for them to have more opportunities to play with friends. Adults in less affluent families were more likely to agree that there was not enough for children to do in their local area.
Similar barriers to play were highlighted including transport and cost of activities, especially for families with more than one child.
Adults highlight improvements such as: advertising supervision (to help negate safety concerns of older children and gangs) age specific activities better outdoor facilities
Suggested Improvements
In terms of improvement children were most likely to suggest the need for more things to do with friends. They would like more and bigger parks and playgrounds as well as skate parks.
More to do with friends More creative things More challenging, safe (supervised) activities, close to the home or in the local community, which pro actively involves children with disabilities and children with care responsibilities. Fun youth clubs – drama, music, discos, bowling and games (TV/computer)
Parents of Children with Disabilities
At a meeting held with Council officers, Members and parents of children with disabilities (Feb. 2007) the main issue raised when considering children's free time activities was the need to improve the marketing and communication of the opportunities available to local children and young people with disabilities.
Audit Demographics (see section of Play Strategy for further information)
Using information gathered from the National Census (2001), it is possible to appreciate the number and geographical spread of children across the district. As with any statistical data, care has to be taken with its interpretation and due note should be given to the vastly different sized wards in Three Rivers. As resources will always be at a premium it is important to pinpoint work accurately to maximise benefits for children. The analysis of wards by age, crime and disorder deprivation and income deprivation affecting children, helps to provide a picture of where resources are most needed.
Age: There are 20,578 children under the age of nineteen, living in the district. Of these 13,088 are under eleven and 7490 are aged between twelve and eighteen. The highest numbers of children live in South Oxhey, which comprises of Ashridge, Hayling, Northwick and Oxhey Hall wards. A total of 4288 children live in this area, of which 2835 are under eleven and 1453 are aged twelve to eighteen. The second and third areas with the highest number of children are Croxley with 2931 and Mill End, Maple Cross, West Hyde & Penn with 2808. The least amount of children live in the more rural communities of Bedmond / Primrose Hill and Sarratt with 745 and 362 respectively.
Audit of Play Spaces Summary
The detailed work carried out in the audit, highlights that in general terms the district is well served with a variety of play opportunities. Resources are provided by a range of professionals from the private, voluntary and public sector who all work towards the common goal of providing stimulating services for children.
The audit data also confirms that district council resources such as playschemes are targeted in the correct areas (e.g. South Oxhey and Croxley Green). Further investment in fixed play shows a similar picture with only three areas identified in the PPG 17 study with gaps (Chorleywood, Sarratt and Eastbury / Moor Park). The installation of play areas in these communities would not fulfil the Lottery funding criteria due to the relative affluence of these communities.
As the district is currently well served with opportunities, the Council has taken the decision to target resources and BIG Lottery funding to enhance usage by children in key areas of the district (to be agreed by Members). Activities that address the needs identified by children during the consultation will be given priority, particularly targeting supervision of open-spaces and support for children with disabilities.
Draft Summer time Operating Hours for the Proposed Play Buddies Project
Day Time Location Comment Saturday *2.00pm to 6.00pm tbc 3 playworkers (1 supervisor and 2 assistants) at each session Sunday 2.00pm to 6.00pm tbc Monday 4.00pm to 7.00pm Barton Way Recreation Ground, Croxley Green Tuesday 4.00pm to 7.00pm Leavesden Country Park Partnership with YMCA Woodlands Wednesday 4.00pm to 7.00pm King George V Playing Fields, Partnership with Mill End Hertsmere Leisure and use of Pavilion for bad weather sessions Thursday 4.00pm to 7.00pm South Oxhey Playing Fields Partnership working with the South Oxhey PCSO’s Friday Mill End Youth Project operates on this evening at William Penn Leisure Centre
*All operating hours should be flexible to be adjusted to winter and summer hours and to the local need of the local children and young people.
Draft Budget
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Comment Salaries 48,225 49,420 50,646 1 full- time Supervisor on Sc6 for 37 hours per week of which 20 of these hours will be face to face work the rest for administration and management of the team and programme of activities. 2 part-time Assistants on Sc5 for 21 hours per week
Causal staff / 1,500 1,500 1,500 Volunteer expenses Recruitment 1,500 0 0 Travel/Mileage 4,000 4,000 4,000 Claims Equipment / 2,500 2,500 2,500 Uniform Special Activities 5,000 5,000 5,000 The success of the Mill End Youth Project is due to a wide range of quality activities and equipment being provided Publicity & 2,500 2,500 2,500 Marketing
Total Expenditure 63,725 63,420 64,646 Total 3 Year *191,791 This figure is a guestimate at this stage. Lottery Funding The Lottery has strongly advised that the Three Rivers bid requests the full £200,000
* Important Information – The Lottery guidance allows for 10% of the total funding offer to allocated to managing the portfolio of projects. It is the officers view at this stage in the development of the project bids that all of the awarded funding goes to front line delivery of services and that the management role is covered by the Play Development Officer and contained within existing revenue expenditure.
This option may need to be explored in more detail if other organisations agree to deliver elements of the projects.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Year One
Qualitative - Questionnaire and face to face interviews based on the Every Child Matters Outcomes. Photo and artwork sessions.
Quantitative - 20 hours of face to face Play Buddy time by three trained workers 15 child attendance's to each session (90 children attendances per week) ?? individual children and families 20 children with disabilities
Year Two and Year Three
Increased by 30% each year.
Impact Assessment of the Play Buddies Project
A number of Local Authorities submitting applications have identified a budget of £5,000 from the Lottery offer to undertake detailed consultation on the impact of the project on the quality of play provision improvement and local community. Officers suggest that the Three Rivers bid include a similar provision in preparation for securing further funding to sustain the service.
Post the Big Lottery Funding and Sustainability of new Service
Due to the revenue nature of the Play Buddies Project further funding will need to be secured by officers during year three of the project. Initial conversations have indicated that both Hertsmere Leisure and YMCA Woodlands would be interested in supporting the delivery of the Play Buddies project. If these two organisations and the local PCSO’s can be partners in the project there will be more opportunity to lever external funding that a local authority would not be able to access. More funds and trusts can be accessed by those voluntary organisations providing local services, especially when targeted at children living in families on low incomes and with special needs. A funding plan will be established once the Lottery Bids have been agreed by both Members and the District Children’s Trust Partnership. This does not need to be submitted to the Lottery.
Examples of Good Practice
This type of project has been successfully introduced to communities in other parts of the country, namely Bristol and Bath and North East Somerset by the Wansdyke Play Association.
Dan Norris MP for Wansdyke comments that this new approach “to delivering play services is not only enabling children to play freely in natural outdoor environments, it is also encouraging the wider community to access parks and open spaces so that they are at the heart of the local neighbourhood”. Examples from the Bristol project described to Members who attended the workshop by Wendy Usher, is also proving successful in local communities starting to take over the running of similar services. Option B – Play Buddies focusing in one community per year (three communities over the life of the funding)
Officers would suggest the following geographical areas for consideration; Leavesden Country Park, King George V Playing Fields in Mill End, South Oxhey Playing Fields, Barton Way in Croxley Green and Maple Cross Playing Fields.
These projects provide more focused work within one community and include funding to improve the local play facilities within the park or open space such as the installation of dirt jumps for the bikers at Leavesden Country Park and in South Oxhey.
The draft expenditure is based on three staff undertaking 16 hours of face to face work over two evenings and Saturday afternoon/evening.
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Comment Salaries 43,866 44,743 45,638 1 Supervisor on Sc6 for 30 hours per week 2 part-time Assistants on Sc5 for 21 hours per week Causal staff / 1,500 1,500 1,500 Volunteer expenses Recruitment 1,500 0 0 Travel/Mileage 4,000 4,000 4,000 Claims Equipment / Uniform 2,500 2,500 2,500 Special Activities and 8,000 8,000 8,000 The success of the Mill End project is projects including due to quality a wide range of quality basketball and activities and equipment being provided football coaching sessions and girls dance, inclusive equipment, dirt jumps, dens, tree houses, log and boulders meeting places, goal posts etc. Publicity & Marketing 2,500 2,500 2,500 Consultation with children and young people, parents and Members have highlighted the need to improve promoting local play and leisure opportunities. Total Expenditure 63,866 63,243 64,138 Total 3 Year Lottery *191,247 This figure is a guestimate at this stage. Funding The Lottery has strongly advised that the Three Rivers bid requests the full £200,000