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Play

 

Play is a vital component of a child's life it enables them to understand themselves and the world around them.  Through play, children and young people explore the physical and social environment, ideas and concepts, and learn how to deal with situations that trouble or frighten them. In this they learn what cannot be explicitly taught.

Our aim is for all children and young people to:

  • have access to high quality play opportunities
  • be able to access free, inclusive, local play provision and play space
  • build local partnerships for play
  • promote equality and diversity in play provision
  • raise awareness and improve standards.

Newcastle's Play Strategy

The Newcastle Play Strategy aims to create a lasting support structure for play providers within Newcastle and generate a commitment to ensuring that all children have access to a range of rich, stimulating and fun play environments, which are free from harm, embrace diversity and encourage inclusion of all children. It will raise awareness of the importance of play in children's lives and stimulate better play opportunities and play services.

A Play Strategy for Newcastle upon Tyne (243.1 KB, pdf)

Guidance

A Play Strategy for Newcastle upon Tyne (243.1 KB, pdf)

The Newcastle Plan for Children and Young People 2006-2009 (2.9 MB, pdf)

ECM Outcomes Framework (external link)

The New Charter for Children's Play' Children's Play Council. A copy of the Charter for Children's Play can be downloaded from the Play England Web Site (external link)

Newcastle Play Partnership

The partnership has worked with Newcastle City Council in developing the Newcastle Play Strategy. The partnership, in consultation with children and young people, has developed a portfolio of projects to address identified areas of need and the strategic objectives of the Play Strategy, in Newcastle. For further information about the partnership please visit the Play Partnership page

Related Links

Family Service Directory is a comprehensive guide to services and organisations. It provides information for children, young people, parents, carers, professionals/practitioners and the wider community, including universal and specialist services.

Play England provides advice and support to promote good practice, and works to ensure that the importance of play is recognised by policy makers, planners and the public.

National Children's Bureau promotes the interests and well-being of all children and young people across every aspect of their lives. NCB advocates the participation of children and young people in all matters affecting them.

Department for Children, Schools and Families leads work across Government to ensure the five Every Child Matters outcomes for all children and young people.

SkillsActive is the Sector Skills Council for Active Leisure and Learning. Directed by employers, SkillsActive leads the skills and productivity drive across sports and recreation, heath and fitness, outdoors, playwork and caravan industries.

Contacts

Tony Lamb, Area Manager

Play Service, Children's Services

Phone: 0191 2782833

E-mail:tony.lamb@newcastle.gov.uk

Una MacDermott, Head of Play Service

Play Service, Children's Services

Phone: 0191 2782844

Fax: 0191 2782843

E-mail:una.macdermott@newcastle.gov.uk