This is in response to the availability of funding for play provision for local authorities through the BIG Lottery Fund.  This Strategy will enable us to ensure that we take a lead role with other key stakeholders in raising the profile of play leading to improved play opportunities for children and young people throughout our area.

This is the first time that a Strategy has been produced specifically for play.  Currently, it is a working document and we would like to hear your views before it is adopted with its supporting Action Plan.  

The term ‘play’ has traditionally been used in relation to young children and playing with toys or on playground equipment. However, throughout this document it has been used to mean anything which children and young people choose to do in their spare time.  For children under 8 years, this may mean swings, trikes or bikes, water play, and dressing up.  For older children and teenagers this may include meeting friends in youth shelters, using BMX and skateparks or playing football.

If you provide a service to children and young people, or are a parent or carer, a child or young person, we would welcome your comments.  We have already received some constructive, useful feedback from some of our Town and Parish Councils.  These comments along with others will be taken into consideration and appropriate changes will be made to the Strategy and Action Plan.

The consultation finishes on Friday, 27th July 2007.

You can click on the link below to complete an online form.  Or, if you prefer, comments can be directed to:

David Stirling, Assets, Design and Regeneration Manager

dstirling@northwilts.go.uk or

Jo Cogswell, Community Partnership Team Leader

jcogswell@northwilts.gov.uk

The Draft Strategy documents are available by clicking on the below links. The Consultation Questionnaire is also below

The BIG Lottery Fund is also offering grants for play through its Playful Ideas Programme.  This programme supports projects that focus on innovation and new ways of providing for children’s play.  Grants are between £10,000 and £250,000.  It is open to Towns and Parish Councils, voluntary and community groups and the social enterprise sector.  For more information, please contact the Big Lottery Fund.