Agenda item

(a)       That the Play Sufficiency Assessment and the approach being taken

for the future of Summer Play Schemes and the core offer for children’s equipped play areas be endorsed; and

(b)       That the re-establishment of the Strategic Play Forum be supported.

The Chief Officer (Organisational Change 1) introduced a report to

inform of the summer play scheme programme 2015 and provide information with regard to the financial implications for delivery of the summer playscheme in 2016 and 2017.  

The Chief Officer provided background information and advised that the securing of play sufficiency would be about how the Council and its partners strategically planned to remove the barriers that prevented children accessing their right to play.  The Play Sufficiency Assessment 2016 aimed to promote inclusion and improve access to play opportunities for all children in the County.    The Chief Officer explained that information on the progress made by the Authority on the Play Action Plan 2013-2014 and the revised actions for 2016-17 was appended to the report.  He reported that Welsh Government feedback from the Play Sufficiency Assessment had been positive and was also appended to the report.

            The Chief Officer invited the Play Development Officer to report on play provision and schemes within the County during 2015.  She referred to the three play schemes which were delivered in partnership with Urdd Gobaith Cymru through the medium of Welsh and funded by the Families First grant.  The Play Development Officer advised that Welsh Government funding would not be available to support delivery of the Summer play scheme in 2016, although the Council had committed to funding for one year to ensure there are funds available for the delivery of the Summer 2016 programme.  Town and Community Councils were asked to consider increasing their contribution and to explore alternative delivery models to sustain the provision of play schemes in their areas.  Feedback from Town and Community Councils had indicated that it would be easier if they knew which play areas the Council could continue to provide and which it could not. 

            Councillor Ian Dunbar spoke of the value of the Quayplay scheme held at Connah’s Quay Sports Centre.   He commented on the pressure on Town and Community Council budgets due to reduced funding and said it may be difficult to make financial contributions in the future.  He asked what assistance and guidance  could be provided by the Authority to assist Town and Community Councils to help maintain such schemes going forward.       Councillor Kevin Jones and the Chief Officer gave an assurance that the Authority would do everything possible to assist Town and Community Councils and other willing organisations/partnerships to “take on board” play area provision.  Councillor Jones and the Chief Officer explained that it was planned to consult with Town and Community Councils around the beginning of May  on the core provision that the Council would potentially be able to provide in the future and the number of play areas in each community.  The Chief Officer commented that the Authority acknowledged that play was central to the physical and emotional well-being of children and referred to the need to increase opportunities for play within local communities and encourage greater use of the countryside as a more effective way to provide creative play for the future.  The Play Development Officer emphasised that children needed time, space and permission to play.     

            Councillor Robin  Guest spoke of the increasing demands on Town and Community Councils “in all directions” as a result of the withdrawal of central funding and said there was a need for Town and Community Councils to know the cost of repairs and maintenance of play areas before engaging in CAT schemes. 

Councillor Dave Mackie commented on the location and number of  play areas in some communities as opposed to others and also raised concerns around the acts of anti-social behaviour which occurred in some play areas.  He said he would like the Authority to review the funding for play areas and play schemes with a view to providing a more widespread and fairer allocation of provision for all local communities.   Councillor Mackie also referred to S106 funding and suggested that the funding could be better used to assist play provision and build play areas in communities where there was currently no provision. 

RESOLVED:

 (a)      That the Play Sufficiency Assessment and the approach being taken

for the future of Summer Play Schemes and the core offer for children’s equipped play areas be endorsed; and

(b)       That the re-establishment of the Strategic Play Forum be supported.