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Back to the index for Have your say.
Bedford has no play policy document, and is reluctant to develop one. Staff and Councillors in Bedford have a commitment to play and to the consultation process that is borne out of experience of delivering play facilities for children that help improve the quality of life in local communities.
They believe that laying down a policy document is often seen as an end in its own right and can limit the possibilities and scope of public consultation and the need to design each scheme individually for the local area.
The Free Play Network would like to hear from other play providers. Do you have a play policy? What are the pros and cons of developing a policy? Please let us know your views by completing the response form on this page.
For further information see:
"I am the play development officer for the London Borough of Croydon and I have some comments in response to the bulletin Play Policy or No play Policy- what's your view? in the recent Free Play Network newsletter.
"London Borough of Croydon has been producing a play policy over the last 12 months, which underpins the borough-wide play strategy. The play policy sets out Croydon's understanding of the role of play in children's lives and the values and principles, which underpin the play strategy.
"Developing the policy and strategy has seen play put on the agenda in Croydon. A play policy has encouraged all agencies that impact on play to be involved, for example Cultural Services, Housing, Planning & Transportation, Social services, Croydon PCT, Education and the voluntary sector. With all partners involved, it ensures everyone takes some responsibility rather than it being placed with one agency.
"A play strategy transforms the play policy into action and therefore it is vital that these are developed together.
"Adopting a borough-wide play policy and strategy
has been the first step in co-ordinating play. The play strategy
means there is a set of common values, aims and objectives around
which all Council departments and voluntary and private agencies
can unite to deliver a consistent and coherent choice of play opportunities."
© 2003 PLAYLINK.
Have you been involved in preparing a Play Policy? Do you have a comment on Play Policy or No Play Policy? If so, fill in the response form below. Selected comments will be published on this page.
© 2003 PLAYLINK.