Play Partnership

The Play Partnership is a multi agency partnership overseeing implementation of the Play Strategy (pdf, 197.3 kb) and developments on children's play across the city.

Key Priorities

• To strive towards every child and young person in Newcastle having access to good quality green play spaces within easy walking distance of their homes, which meet their needs for variety, accessibility, choice, open space, adventure and other play aspirations.
• To maximise the participation of children and young people, local communities, in the provision, management and evaluation of play provision in their neighbourhoods.
• To ensure that children and young people with disabilities have access to the widest possible range of play opportunities and that play in Newcastle conforms, at a minimum to the requirements set out in the disability Discrimination Act.
• To provide a range of play opportunities in the built environment, city parks, natural spaces (managed or wildlife) open spaces, woodlands, riverside and other areas used for play where risk is managed.
• To agree standards and performance indicators for play and use these to improve provision across the City; ensure that relevant training is available to practitioners involved in the delivery of services to children and young people.
• To organise the resources of Play to provide a clear framework for investment, action, workforce development and partnership working.
• To improve the awareness of play amongst policy makers and the public so as to promote good quality play as a right that fosters children and young people's growth, learning and development.
• To communicate effectively about all aspects of play with the public, including "hard to reach groups", play providers, internal and external partners and other organisations with the aim of improving the quality of provision and participation.

Frequency Of Meetings

Quarterly

Contact

Chair
Helen Woods-Waters, Integrated Services Manager - Childhood Services
Phone:0191 277 4497
helen.woodswaters@newcastle.gov.uk

Key Contact
Una MacDermott, Play Service Manager, Newcastle City Council
Email: una.macdermott@newcastle.gov.uk
Phone: 0191 277 4568

Membership

• Integrated Youth Services    
• Sure Start / Children's Centres 
• Planning Department
• Your Homes Newcastle
• Regeneration Department  
• Police
• PCT / Health
• University of Northumbria    
• Tyne & Wear Playing Fields Association  
• Parks & Countryside Division
• Connexions
• Schools
• Voluntary Sector
• Social Care