Play Sufficiency Assessment. Toolkit

Transcription

1 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit

2 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Design: Welsh Government, Central Design Team Crown copyright 2012 ISBN WG16626

3 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Contents PART ONE How to use the Play Sufficiency Toolkit and prepare for the Assessment Introduction - The purpose of the Toolkit - What we want to achieve: time space and permission to play How to use the toolkit - Sections of the toolkit - How the toolkit was developed Preparing for the Play Sufficiency Assessment - Engaging with elected members - The Play Sufficiency Assessment Stages - Working in partnership - Conducting the Play Sufficiency Assessment PART TWO Undertaking the Play Sufficiency Assessment - Play Sufficiency Assessment Proforma - Play Sufficiency Action Plan Proforma PART THREE Additional Information - Consultation and Participation - Play Sufficiency Assessments: Matters that need to be taken into account - Matter A: Population - Matter B: Providing for diverse needs - Matter C: Space available for children to play - Matter D: Supervised provision - Matter E: Charges for play provision - Matter F: Access to space/provision - Matter G: Securing & Developing the Play Workforce - Matter I: Community engagement and participation - Matter I: Play within all relevant policy and implementation agendas - Risk Benefit Assessments

4 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit PART FOUR Additional Information 1. Options Analysis 2. Lead Officer Model Job Description 3. Play Sufficiency Working Group Model Terms of Reference 4. Model Skills Audit Template 5. Sample Survey Questions and Notes for Facilitators 6. Techniques for Surveying Children 7. Impact Assessment Template 8. Considerations to Include in Access Audits for Settings 9. Play space Assessment Template 10. The Playwork Principles 11. Quality Assessment Tool 12. Employee Questionnaire Template 13. Employer/Setting Questionnaire Template 14. Model Risk Benefit Management Policy

5 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit PART ONE How to use the Play Sufficiency Toolkit and prepare for the Assessment

6 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit PART ONE Design: Welsh Government, Central Design Team Crown copyright 2012 ISBN WG16626

7 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit PART ONE PART ONE How to use the Play Sufficiency Toolkit and prepare for the Assessment Contents 1. Introduction 1.1 The purpose of the Toolkit 1.2 What we want to achieve: time, space and permission to play 2. How to use the toolkit 2.1 Sections of the toolkit 2.2 How the toolkit was developed 3. Preparing for the Play Sufficiency Assessment 3.1 Engaging with elected members 3.2 The Play Sufficiency Assessment Stages 3.3 Working in partnership 3.4 Conducting the Play Sufficiency Assessment

8 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit PART ONE 1. Introduction 1.1 The Purpose of the Toolkit This toolkit has been prepared by Play Wales and the Welsh Government in conjunction with play providers across Wales to provide support to all Local Authorities in fulfilling their duties, as set out in the Play Sufficiency Assessment (Wales) Regulations The development of the toolkit was approved by the Deputy Minister for Children and Social Services, one of the Welsh Ministers, as a means of supporting the implementation of this duty. The toolkit should be used with reference to the Play Sufficiency Assessment (Wales) Regulations 2012 and associated Statutory Guidance. These set out the details of the assessment that each Local Authority needs to undertake, following the commencement of Sections 11(1) 11(2), 11(5) and 11(6) of the Children and Families (Wales) Measure (2010). This duty forms part of the Welsh Government s commitment to promote play opportunities for all children in Wales. It also forms part of the tackling poverty agenda, which recognises that children can have a poverty of experience, opportunity and aspiration, and that this kind of poverty can affect children from all social, cultural and economic backgrounds across Wales. The duty has the potential to make real and meaningful changes that support children s right to play as well as providing them with a wealth of opportunity and experience. The tools provided are tried and tested templates based on the matters that need to be taken into account within the Statutory Guidance. The templates provided may be used as they are or as a guide to inform the development of more specific resources. A proforma has been provided for the Play Sufficiency Assessment and for the Play Sufficiency Action Plan, which needs to be submitted to the Welsh Government by 1st March The other tools provided are to support local authorities in completing the assessment and action plan and should be used according to local requirements. 1.2 What we want to achieve: time, space and permission to play We want Wales to be a country where children are increasingly seen outside enjoying the benefits of play. We want to create a play friendly environment which provides time, space and permission for children to play. This will need parents, families and everyone in the community to recognise that play is of great importance in children s present lives and for their future development. We wish to promote positive attitudes towards children s right to play freely in their communities. This will need all these groups, together with Local Authority elected Members and Officers; and other decision makers and providers across many policy areas, to work together to remove barriers to children s play and make a real difference for children in their own streets and communities. It is important that Local Authority elected Members understand the broad range of policy areas that affect play and the matters that need to be taken into account in the assessment. They need to be fully engaged from the start of the assessment process and have ownership of the results. The toolkit has been developed to provide practical approaches that might help us to assess and address barriers and create a better Wales where children can live and play. In order to grasp the opportunity this legislation gives us, and make it work for children, it is clear we need to use our existing resources either more effectively or differently. 4

9 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit PART ONE 2. How to use the toolkit This toolkit has been prepared to support Local Authorities in conducting and completing the Play Sufficiency Assessment. It has been divided into four sections to enable ease of use. 2.1 Section of the Toolkit Part One: How to use the Play Sufficiency Toolkit and prepare for the Assessment Provides an introduction to the purpose of the toolkit and suggestions on how a Local Authority can prepare for conducting the assessment. Some tools are provided for the preparation process and these are included in Part Four which contains all of the tools referred to in the toolkit. Part Two: Undertaking the Play Sufficiency Assessment Contains: 2a. The Play Sufficiency Assessment Proforma and 2b. The Play Sufficiency Action Plan Proformas. Local Authorities should use both of these proformas as this will enable the Welsh Government to compare the assessments and action plans of Local Authorities to develop a clear national pan-wales picture of play opportunities. 2a. The Play Sufficiency Assessment (PSA) Proforma covers all of the matters that need to be taken into account in the Assessment, as set out in the Statutory Guidance. The proforma should enable each Local Authority to clearly set out its analysis of how well it is achieving sufficiency for each criterion and provide brief evidence for that judgement. The PSA proforma should not include raw data, but should indicate whether data is available, where it is held and links as appropriate. The full data should be used by the Local Authority for the purposes of improving play opportunities and be available to the Welsh Government on request. The Play Sufficiency Assessment also includes sections on shortfalls in sufficiency and identified action for the action plan. 2b. The Play Sufficiency Action Plan Proforma contains 2 forms which can be used to plan the actions that the Local Authority plans to take regarding the actions identified in the Play Sufficiency Assessment. The first form is to cover the year and should cover actions for that year, prior to the commencement of the second part of the Play Sufficiency Duty, to secure sufficient play opportunities. There will not be a statutory duty to undertake these actions but it is hoped that Local Authorities will undertake as much as possible to benefit children in their areas during this time. It is also expected that some of these actions will be incorporated within each Local Authority s Single Integrated Plan. The second form is to show the action for the period starting April It is anticipated that by that time the second part of the duty will have been commenced, which will require Local Authorities to secure sufficient play opportunities so far as reasonably practicable. This plan should include indicative budgets to allow the Welsh Government to fully consider the financial implications for the commencement of the second part of the duty. 5

10 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit PART ONE Part Three: Additional Information and Tools Provides additional information which may be useful for Local Authorities in considering the issues relating to play and methods for conducting the Play Sufficiency Assessment. Part Four: Tools Contains the tools with are referred to in the other sections and are intended to support the assessment process. 2.2 How the toolkit was developed A number of existing tools; quality assessment and assurance systems; and policy documents and strategies have been reviewed to inform the development of the toolkit. The Welsh Government together with Play Wales has aimed to ensure that the development of this toolkit has been an inclusive process. It has been developed in collaboration with a wide range of partners including: All Wales Strategic Play Network (Local Authority and voluntary sector play officers). South East Wales Chief Leisure Officers Group. Delegates at Welsh Government consultation events in Llandudno, Merthyr Tydfil and Swansea. Flintshire Lifelong Learning and Environment and Regeneration officers. Welsh Local Government Association. Conwy Principal Play Officer (seconded from Play Wales). End Child Poverty Network. Participation Unit, based at Save the Children Fund. Cardiff Council Transport Policy Team. Rhondda Cynon Taf Play Sufficiency Workshop event. Di Murray, Playworks UK Consultancy and Training. Theresa Casey, President, International Play Association. 6

11 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit PART ONE 3. Preparing for the Play Sufficiency Assessment A well-conducted Play Sufficiency Assessment will provide the evidence needed to identify gaps in provision and support the development of action plans to address these shortcomings. Conducting the Play Sufficiency Assessments against the criteria of the Statutory Guidance will require skills and a partnership approach. Many Local Authorities in Wales have developed play policies and strategies that are based on the national Play Policy and the Play Policy Implementation Plan respectively. As a result, many areas already have the foundation for creating local policy and strategy which develops cross-departmental working practices, policy development and implementation procedures to enhance children s opportunities to play. The Play Sufficiency Assessment will need to demonstrate consideration of the range of factors that affect children s opportunities to play. It will include: Demographic profiles of the area An assessment of: - open space and existing and potential play space; - dedicated play provision; - recreational provision Other factors that promote play opportunities including planning; traffic; transport; information and publicity, as well as workforce development. 3.1 Engaging with elected members An important first step is to identify the lead elected cabinet member who is responsible for Play Sufficiency in an area. Providing a briefing for elected members will help to raise the profile of the Play Sufficiency Assessment process among Councillors. The briefing will provide an opportunity to identify the range of other factors and decisions that impact on children s opportunities to play in their communities. 3.2 Play Sufficiency Assessment Stages Stage 1: Preparation Liaise with the Lead Member for Children and Young People/Cabinet Agree the Assessment methodology Decide who will lead the Assessment Identify contributors Identify membership and establish a Play Sufficiency Working Group Establish partnership roles and responsibilities and timeline Identify and recruit key partners Agree principles Identify financial resources/support 7

12 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit PART ONE 8 Stage 2: Conducting the Play Sufficiency Assessment Undertake assessment and identifying options of actions, using the Play Sufficiency Assessment Form Audit and map existing spaces and provision for playing Survey children and parents Identify and agree strengths and shortfalls in provision Stage 3: Producing the Play Sufficiency Assessment Write the assessment Review and sign-off of the Play Sufficiency Assessment Form by the Play Sufficiency Working Group Play Sufficiency Assessment agreed by elected members Stage 4: Producing the Action Plan Analyse and prioritise future actions Review and sign-off of the Play Sufficiency Action Plan Form by the Play Sufficiency Working Group Play Sufficiency Action Plan agreed by elected members Stage 5: Submit the Play Sufficiency Assessment Form, and Play Sufficiency Action Plan form to Welsh Government Stage 6: Submit the Play Sufficiency Assessment and Play Sufficiency Action Plan to the Local Service Board for inclusion in the Single Integrated Plan Stage 7: Publish Play Sufficiency summary on local authority website 3.3 Conducting the Play Sufficiency Assessment Options Analysis An options analysis will enable the measurement of an organisation s ability to conduct the Play Sufficiency Assessment and identify the most appropriate approach to take. Please refer to Tool 1 Options Analysis Lead Officer The next step is to identify an officer of appropriate seniority to lead the process and to ensure that the wide range of partners are involved and engaged. Being clear about the expected level of involvement will be critical. Broadly, these are the roles that partners may be asked to take: Provide information that the partners already collect Provide information that is currently outside their normal day-to-day responsibility Be consulted about key issues Be part of the assessment process, for instance, as a steering group member In order to conduct and produce a good Play Sufficiency Assessment there is a range of skills and in depth understanding required, which includes: Local people, policies, plans and delivery mechanisms, child and family population and needs, play and play provision, spatial planning, transport planning, open space planning, community safety, public health.

13 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit PART ONE Technical procedures such as survey research, sampling and analysis, geographical mapping systems, performance measurement and management. In order that the role of the officer responsible for co-ordinating the Play Sufficiency Assessment is clearly understood it may be usefully outlined by a job description. Please refer to Tool 2 Lead Officer Model Job Description 3.4 Working in partnership While it is essential that one department and a dedicated officer take overall responsibility for managing the Play Sufficiency Assessment, the data collection and analysis will require input from a range of partners with specific functions including: Local Authority staff - Play Services - Children with disability support - Geographical information Systems (GIS)/mapping - Planning - Research - Marketing - Transport - Environmental services/parks - Leisure Services - Youth Services - Family Information Service - Participation workers - Early years, childcare and family support - Community development/partnership officers - Education Estates Regional Voluntary Play Association Voluntary and community sector play providers Town and Community Councils Establishing a Play Sufficiency Working Group will ensure that up to date information and data contribute to a comprehensive Play Sufficiency Assessment. It will also ensure that a realistic action plan is developed. Terms of Reference will help describe the purpose and structure of a Play Sufficiency Working Group. Please refer to Tool 3 Play Sufficiency Working Group Model Terms of Reference Skills Audit It is important that the Local Authority identifies the most appropriate officer in each department or partner organisation to contribute to the task of the Play Sufficiency Working Group. A Skills Audit table breaking down the assessment process for each Matter is provided to suggest the knowledge and skills required for each section. Please refer to Tool 4 Model Skills Audit Template 9

14 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit PART TWO Undertaking the Play Sufficiency Assessment

15 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit PART TWO Design: Welsh Government, Central Design Team Crown copyright 2012 ISBN WG16626

16 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit PART TWO PART TWO Undertaking the Play Sufficiency Assessment Contents 1.1 Play Sufficiency Assessment Proforma 1.2 Play Sufficiency Action Plan Proforma

17 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Play Sufficiency Assessment Form Name of Local Authority: Name of responsible officer: Job title: Date of completion: Please note that the Play Sufficiency Assessment must be received by the Welsh Government by 01 March 2013.

18 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Conducting the Assessment Play Sufficiency Assessment As well as establishing a baseline of provision, the Play Sufficiency Assessment will enable the following: Identification of gaps in information, provision, service delivery and policy implementation Support the establishment of evidence to give an indication of distance travelled in relation to play sufficiency Highlight potential ways of addressing issues relating to partnership working The input and involvement of all partners increasing levels of knowledge and understanding A monitoring system which will involve and improve communication between professionals The identification of good practice examples Increased levels of partnerships in assessing sufficient play opportunities The identification of actions for the Securing Play Sufficiency Action Plan which accompanies the Play Sufficiency Assessment A template has been produced to support a corporate appraisal of the matters that need to be taken into account as set out in the Statutory Guidance. The indicators listed within each matter are provided as sample indicators that should be amended to meet local issues as appropriate. 2

19 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit The Play Sufficiency Assessment must demonstrate that the Local Authority has taken into account and assessed the matters set out in The Play Sufficiency Assessment (Wales) Regulations 2012 and Statutory Guidance. As well as providing baseline information, the Assessment can include examples of current practice that the Local Authority wishes to highlight. Local Authorities might consider structuring the Play Sufficiency Assessment in the following way and as a minimum address all the identified sections. Principle Statement This section should be used to articulate the Local Authority s acknowledgement of the value and importance of play in the lives of children. 3

20 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Context This section should describe the methodology used to undertake and approve the Play Sufficiency Assessment and Action Plan and any consultation with partners on the Assessment/Action Plan. It should also list the key partners that engaged with the process and identify any challenges in undertaking the Assessment. It should describe the mechanism that the Local Authority proposes to use to take forward the identified actions for the action plan. 4

21 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Partnership working This section should demonstrate to what extent the following (and others) were involved in the undertaking of the Assessment and the development of the action plan: Town and Community Councils Third sector organisations, particularly regional play associations The private sector if appropriate Community groups Community First Partnerships 5

22 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Consultation and participation This section should describe how the Local Authority has: Obtained the views of children with regards to the play opportunities they currently access, how they would like the community to better support them to play and what barriers stop them from playing Obtained the views on play provision from parents, families and other stakeholders Analysed the information and have used it to inform future plans 6

23 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Maximising resources This section should provide an overview as to how partners currently use their existing budgets to support children s access to play opportunities. It should identify whether or not there is an intention to reprioritise budgets as part of the Securing Play Sufficiency Action Plan. 7

24 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit The Play Sufficiency Assessment and the Single Integrated Plan This section should identify how the Play Sufficiency Assessments form part of the local needs assessment and to what extent the Play Sufficiency Assessment and Action Plan are integrated into the planning, implementation and review of the Single Integrated Plan. 8

25 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Criteria This section contains the matters that need to be taken into account as set out under section 10 of the Statutory Guidance. The Criteria column: sets out the data that needs to be available and the extent to which Local Authorities meet the stated criteria. The RAG status column: provides a drop down box, whereby the Local Authority can show its assessment of whether that criterion is fully met; partially met; or not met. These have been given Red, Amber Green markers, which appear as words in the drop down boxes. Red, Amber Green (RAG) status is a tool to communicate status quickly and effectively. RAG status Criteria fully met. Criteria partially met. Criteria not met. Fully met Partially met Not met The Evidence to support strengths column: should be used to provide the reason for the chosen criteria status and how the evidence is held. The Shortfall column: should be used to explain the areas in which the Local Authority does not fully met the criteria. The Identified Action for Action Plan column: should be used to show how the Local Authority plans to meet these criteria, including its priority for the Action Plan and identifying a lead officer for the work. The General Comments: for each matter should give a clear overview of how the Local Authority complies with the intention and implementation of this matter as set out fully in the Statutory Guidance. The template should be monitored by the officer who is co-ordinating the Assessment and reviewed on a regular basis by the Play Sufficiency Working Group. 9

26 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Matter A: Population The Play Sufficiency Assessment should present data about the number of children living in the Local Authority to enable an assessment of their potential play requirements. The data should provide information about the numbers of children in different categories that may affect their play requirements. The data should also show if the area is classified as one of disadvantage/deprivation and whether a 5 year population projection is available. RAG Status Criteria fully met. Criteria partially met. Criteria not met. Criteria RAG Status Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan There is data broken down by STATUS Lower Super Output Areas (LSOAs) There is up to date data for ages: STATUS 0-3 STATUS 4-7 STATUS 8-12 STATUS STATUS STATUS There is an up to date recorded STATUS number of disabled children in each age group There is up to date information STATUS 10

27 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Criteria RAG Status Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan regarding the number of children for whom Welsh is their first language or attend Welsh medium schools There is up to date information regarding other recorded cultural factors, including other language, and gypsy traveller children STATUS General Comments: Population Measures 11

28 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Matter B: Providing for Diverse Needs The Play Sufficiency Assessment should present data about how the Local Authority and partners aim to offer play opportunities that are inclusive and encourage all children to play and meet together. RAG Status: Criteria fully met. Criteria partially met. Criteria not met. Criteria RAG Status Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan The play requirements of children STATUS living in isolated rural areas are understood and provided for The play requirements of Welsh STATUS language speaking children are understood and provided for The play requirements of children STATUS from different cultural background are understood and provided for The play requirements and STATUS support needs of disabled children are understood and provided for. Play projects and providers have STATUS access to a range of resources which support inclusion There is a well known and STATUS 12

29 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Criteria agreed mechanism which is used to identify the need for separate provision for disabled children Access audits for all play provision as described in the guidance are undertaken Designated play space is provided and well maintained on gypsy traveller sites The requirements of young carers are understood and provided for The requirements of lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB) children are understood and provided for The requirements of disabled children are understood and provided for within traffic and transport initiatives RAG Status STATUS STATUS STATUS STATUS STATUS Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan General Comments: Providing for Diverse Needs 13

30 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Matter C: Space available for children to play: Open Spaces and Outdoor unstaffed designated play spaces The Local Authority should recognise that all open spaces within their area are potentially important areas where children can play or pass through to reach other play areas or places where they go. RAG Status Criteria fully met. Criteria partially met. Criteria not met. Open Spaces Criteria The Local Authority has undertaken an Open Space Assessment (OSA) that maps areas that are used, or might be used for playing as listed in the Statutory Guidance The Local Authority has undertaken an Accessible Greenspace Study that maps areas that are used for playing The Local Authority undertakes access audits at all open spaces and implements proposals to RAG Status STATUS STATUS STATUS Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan 14

31 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Criteria improve access and safety The Local Authority has developed its own Open Space Standards in accordance with the advice and requirements of Planning Policy Wales The Local Authority undertakes and actions Play Space assessments which include actions to make public space clear from hazards Brownfield sites owned by the Local Authority are assessed for the potential for the site to be reclaimed to provide for children s play RAG Status STATUS STATUS STATUS Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan Outdoor Unstaffed Designated Play Spaces Criteria The Local Authority keeps an up to date record of all designated play space as described in the RAG Status STATUS Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan 15

32 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Criteria RAG Status Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan Statutory Guidance The Local Authority assesses play spaces for play value and potential to increase in play use as set out in the Statutory Guidance The Local Authority undertakes access audits at all designated play spaces and implements proposals to improve access and safety The Local Authority has developed and agreed a new fixed play provision standard The Local Authority undertakes and actions play space assessments in designated play spaces The Local Authority has introduced smoke-free playgrounds The Local Authority has removed no ball games signs to encourage more children playing in the community STATUS STATUS STATUS STATUS STATUS STATUS The Local Authority has erected STATUS 16

33 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Criteria signs, such as Play Priority Signs to encourage more children playing in the community The Local Authority includes a recognition of the importance of playing fields to children s play when any disposal decisions are made The Local Authority includes children and their families in any consultations regarding decisions to dispose of playing fields RAG Status STATUS STATUS Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan General Comments: Open Spaces 17

34 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit General Comments: Outdoor unstaffed designated play spaces 18

35 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Matter D: Supervised provision The Local Authority should aim to offer a range of supervised play provision. RAG Status Criteria fully met. Criteria partially met. Criteria not met. Play work provision Criteria RAG Status The Local Authority keeps STATUS an up to date record of all supervised play provision as described in the Statutory Guidance The Local Authority offers STATUS play provision which offers a rich play environment as described in the Statutory Guidance The Local Authority STATUS ensures that partners are supported to offer rich play environments as described in the Statutory Guidance Staffed play provision that STATUS Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan 19

36 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Criteria RAG Status the Local Authority provides meets the regulatory requirements and National Minimum Standards Staffed play provision that STATUS the Local Authority funds meets the regulatory requirements and National Minimum Standards Staffed play provision that STATUS the Local Authority s partners provide meets the regulatory requirements and National Minimum Standards Staffed play provision STATUS across the Local Authority works to a recognised quality assurance programme The Local Authority STATUS priorities quality issues when engaging with/ commissioning the private sector to deliver recreational activities for children. The Local Authority STATUS Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan 20

37 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Criteria provides council premises and space free of charge to organisations which provide free (at the point of access) play provision for children RAG Status Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan Structured recreational activities for children Criteria RAG Status The Local Authority is STATUS delivering on its responsibility to secure the services set out under Core Aim 4 for sport, leisure and culture The local Creating an STATUS Active Wales plan is increasing play and recreational activities for children Local Authority STATUS Partnership Agreements (LAPAs) are contributing to increasing free play and recreational activities The sports agenda STATUS Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan 21

38 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit contributes to the provision of sufficient recreational activities for children The cultural and arts agenda, is contributing to the provision of sufficient recreational activities for children STATUS The Local Authority Youth Service provides for children s opportunities for leisure and association STATUS General Comments: Supervised play provision 22

39 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit General Comments: Structured recreational activities for children 23

40 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Matter E: Charges for play provision The Local Authority should consider which play opportunities involve a charge and the extent to which the Local Authority takes these charges into account in assessing for sufficient play opportunities for children living in low income families as set out in the Statutory Guidance. RAG status Criteria fully met. Criteria partially met. Criteria not met. Criteria The Local Authority keeps records of the number of children living in low income families RAG Status STATUS Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan The Local Authority keeps records of the number of children living in areas of deprivation STATUS The Local Authority keeps records of the number of children living in rural areas STATUS The Local Authority keeps records of the number of disabled STATUS 24

41 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Criteria children and those with particular needs. RAG Status Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan The Local Authority records the availability of no cost provision STATUS The Local Authority records the provision of no cost / low cost premises used for play provision STATUS The Local Authority records the provisions where grants or subsidies are available for play providers STATUS The Local Authority provides subsided transport for children travelling to play opportunities STATUS 25

42 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit General Comments: Charge for play provision 26

43 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Matter F: Access to space/provision The Local Authority should consider all the factors that contribute to children s access to play or moving around their community. RAG Status Criteria fully met. Criteria partially met. Criteria not met. Criteria The Local Authority keeps an up to date record of the number of 20 mph zones/school safety zones in residential areas RAG Status STATUS Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan The Local Authority has an identified mechanism for assessing the impact of speed reduction and other road safety measures on the opportunity for children to play outside in their STATUS 27

44 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Criteria communities RAG Status Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan The Local Authority has a plan(s) to reduce the negative effect of busy roads and junctions through the introduction of speed reduction measures and provision of safe crossing points/routes for pedestrians and cyclists STATUS The Local Authority has a plan(s) to improve walking and cycle access to parks, outdoor play facilities and local leisure centres from residential areas STATUS There is potential for the Local Authority to take further action to reduce traffic speed and improve STATUS 28

45 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Criteria road safety to promote play opportunities RAG Status Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan The Local Authority uses road safety grants and/or other funding to support delivery of cycling training for children to national standards STATUS The Local Authority uses road safety grants and/or other funding to provide pedestrian safety training for children STATUS The Local Authority has an accessible and well-known way of arranging temporary road closures, to support more children to play outside their homes STATUS The Local Authority refers to Manual for STATUS 29

46 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Criteria Streets when considering new developments and changes to the highway network/urban realm RAG Status Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan The Local Authority works to nationally recognised good practice guidelines when developing walking and cycling facilities STATUS The Local Authority uses child pedestrian road accident casualty data to inform the location and design of interventions which help children get around independently in their communities STATUS The Local Authority considers children s needs to access play opportunities when STATUS 30

47 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Criteria making decisions about public transport planning and expenditure RAG Status Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan Information, publicity and events: For children and families to take part in play opportunities, recreational activities and events it is necessary for them to know what is available in their area. Criteria The Local Authority has a clearly identified section on its website which gives information about play opportunities as described in the Statutory Guidance (play areas, play provision, clubs and their accessibility) The Local Authority RAG Status STATUS STATUS Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan 31

48 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit provides information on access to play opportunities and contact for support if required 32

49 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit The Local Authority supports and publicises events which encourage play opportunities and events for children and families The Local Authority publicises information which contributes to positive community attitudes to play The Local Authority publicises helpful hints and support for parents to help them encourage their children to play The Local Authority widely uses on-site signposting to safeguard and STATUS STATUS STATUS STATUS 33

50 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit promote play The Local Authority engages with the media to encourage the positive portrayal of children playing in the local area STATUS General Comments: Access to space/provision 34

51 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit General Comments Information, publicity, events 35

52 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Matter G: Securing and developing the play workforce The Local Authority should provide information on the organisational structure of the policy area which manages the play agenda and the play workforce. RAG status Criteria fully met. Criteria partially met. Criteria not met. Criteria The Local Authority keeps up to date information regarding the workforce across the Local Authority (this should include the number of playworkers, play management structure, qualification levels, training opportunities and volunteers) The Local Authority supports all of the workforce to achieve the qualification level RAG Status STATUS STATUS Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan 36

53 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Criteria RAG Status required by the Welsh Government s National minimum Standards The Local Authority STATUS supports the workforce to achieve the accepted qualification levels set out by SkillsActive The Local Authority STATUS includes playwork within its Workforce Development strategies The Local Authority STATUS supports partners to deliver appropriate training to community groups, parents and volunteers The Local Authority STATUS has undertaken a comprehensive training needs analysis for the play workforce as defined in the toolkit glossary The Local Authority STATUS Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan 37

54 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Criteria has a staff development budget ring fenced for play, including playwork The Local Authority takes action to expand the variety of learning and development opportunities that are offered to staff There is a comprehensive range of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities available for playworkers in the area There is a comprehensive range of CPD opportunities for a range of professionals who work with children Training is available for volunteers and parents to develop their knowledge on skills in play work RAG Status STATUS STATUS STATUS STATUS Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan 38

55 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Criteria Training awareness sessions are available for professionals and decision makers whose work impacts on children s opportunities to play RAG Status STATUS Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan General Comments Securing and developing the play workforce 39

56 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Matter H: Community engagement and participation. The Local Authority should consult widely with children, their families and other stakeholders on their views on play provision. It should also promote wide community engagement in providing play friendly communities. RAG Status Criteria fully met. Criteria partially met. Criteria not met. Criteria The Local Authority promotes initiatives to engage youth groups, school councils, school governing bodies, community groups and other relevant groups in enhancing play opportunities for children in its area. The Local Authority promotes community engagement in: - making space available and RAG Status STATUS STATUS Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan 40

57 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit suitable for play - organising play events - positive attitudes towards children and play - training on the importance of play. General Comments Community engagement and participation 41

58 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Matter I: Play within all relevant policy and implementation agendas The Local Authority should examine all its policy agendas for their potential impact on children s opportunities to play and embed targets and action to enhance children s play opportunities within all such policies and strategies. RAG Status Criteria fully met. Criteria partially met. Criteria not met. Criteria There is a named person on the Local Service Board who champions children s play and ensures that the Play Sufficiency Assessment and Action Plan contribute to and are incorporated within the Single Integrated Plan RAG Status STATUS Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan 42

59 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Education and schools Criteria Schools ensure that children are provided with a rich play environment for breaks during the school day RAG Status STATUS Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan Schools provide play opportunities during out of teaching hours STATUS Schools provide access to school grounds for playing out of school times Schools encourage children to walk and cycle to school STATUS STATUS The Local Authority offers guidance to ensure schools understand and ensure that regular outdoor play is not curtailed STATUS 43

60 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit 44

61 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Town and Country Planning Criteria The Local Development Plan recognises and addresses the outdoor play needs of children of various age groups and abilities RAG Status STATUS Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan Traffic and Transport Criteria The local Transport Plan recognises the importance of local streets, roads and walking and cycling route in offering play opportunities for children of different ages and abilities RAG Status STATUS Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan 45

62 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Criteria The local Transport Plan identifies ways of assessing and addressing the needs of all groups including those which are often marginalised. RAG Status STATUS Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan Health and Wellbeing Criteria The Local Authority plans and agenda to promote health and well-being recognise the importance of play for children s and families physical health and wellbeing RAG Status STATUS Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan 46

63 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Child Poverty Criteria The Local Authority s tackling poverty agenda and plans recognise the importance of ensuring that play opportunities are available to all families regardless of their income. RAG Status STATUS Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan Early Years/Childcare Criteria Early Years, and Flying Start plans and services recognise the importance of play and contribute to the provision of rich play opportunities RAG Status STATUS Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan 47

64 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Criteria for younger children RAG Status Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan The Childcare Strategy offers guidance to ensure local childcare providers understand the importance of and provide a rich play environment as a routine part of the care they provide STATUS Family policy and initiatives Criteria Family support initiatives provide up to date information and support for parents to enable them to support their children to play RAG Status STATUS Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan 48

65 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Inter-generational policy and initiatives Criteria RAG Status Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan There are a range of play based approaches to intergenerational activity There is a creative approach to intergenerational activity which encourages better interaction between children of different ages STATUS STATUS Community Development Criteria The Community Strategy makes a clear statement regarding the rights of children to play within their RAG Status STATUS Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan 49

66 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit communities The Community Strategy supports communities to provide play opportunities for their children The Community Strategy makes a clear statement regarding how providing play opportunities contributes to community cohesion STATUS STATUS Community Safety Criteria RAG Status The Community STATUS Safety Strategy makes a clear statement which recognises the rights of children to play in their communities The Community STATUS Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan 50

67 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Safety Strategy includes actions which provide a safe environment for children to play in their communities Health and Safety Criteria The Health and Safety policies explicitly recognise the value of children being able to experience risk and challenge The Health and Safety policies and procedures incorporate the riskbenefit approach to health and safety assessments as recommended by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) RAG Status STATUS STATUS Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan 51

68 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Criteria The Local Authority offers the provision of insurance through the Local Authority scheme to all third sector play providers and community councils RAG Status STATUS Evidence to support strengths Shortfalls Identified Actions for action Plan General Comments: Play within relevant policy and implementation agendas 52

69 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Conclusion This section should summarise the key findings of each Matter that was assessed in accordance with the Regulations and described in the Statutory Guidance. 53

70 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Way forward This section should briefly introduce the Action Plan which sets out what steps need to be taken to improve the opportunities for children to play within the Local Authority area, including what mechanism and criteria were used to agree and prioritise actions. It should also describe the actions the Local Authority will take with regards to change in infrastructure, partnership working or mechanisms to ensure that it is well placed to deliver on the duty to secure sufficient play opportunities, once part two of the duty is commenced. Signed: Date:.. 54

71 Play Sufficiency Assessment Toolkit Part 2 Assessment Toolkit Play Sufficiency Action Plan Name of local authority: Name of person responsible officer: Job title: Date of completion: 55