Policy into practice Time for fun
Anne Longfield
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
THE ISSUEReports looking at childhood have claimed that children's lives in Britain have become "more difficult than in the past", and that "more young people are anxious and troubled".
They provide a timely reminder about how important it is to find the time and resources to encourage young people to enjoy themselves in a number of different ways. The recent bad weather, with the resulting school and work closures, showed the good times families can have together and highlighted the need for children to have some good old-fashioned fun. The Play Strategy, published last December, recognised the importance of play not only for learning and development, but play for play's sake. Being happy and having fun is part and parcel of a quality healthy life, and it is great to see organisations putting the fun back into children's lives.
CASE STUDY 1
To promote the emotional wellbeing of local young people, Woking Borough Council has created the Fun Attack activity programme for children of all ages. Their Pick 'n' Mix Playstore and Fun and Bounce trampolining sessions, both held at Woking Leisure Centre, allow children to let off steam indoors. With a party atmosphere, children under 12 can play on trampolines, while others test out the climbing wall and sky rider.
Woking Borough Council's sports programme is also offering activities for older age groups, such as horse riding and netball classes this February half-term. The Easter programme will extend to include athletics, cricket and archery. Woking Play Forum also allows play providers and those interested in having fun to talk about exciting local play programmes.
CASE STUDY 2
The Street Play Project in Leeds is an open access, mobile play project that visits local communities. Taking place outdoors, the project encourages open and flexible fun and encourages young people to take control of sessions. Using resources such as mud clay, ropes and wood, the project encourages children to use their imagination and manipulate local spaces. Children are also able to participate in den making, sports, obstacle courses, barbecues and campfire cooking.
Recognising the negative stereotypes that are often associated with groups of young people, the project encourages parents and the community to join in. This helps to increase understanding of young people's needs while legitimising the use of local spaces for children to enjoy. Running all year round, the Leeds Play Network is now expanding its reach into the north-west and north-east areas of the city through joined-up working.
- Anne Longfield is chief executive of 4Children.