Open Access Play

The Welsh Assembly Government have recognised that play and leisure is very important to children and young people. In February 2006, the Welsh Assembly Government published a document called "Play in Wales", where promises were made to improve children and young people's lives by providing better play provision in Wales.

Blaenau-Gwent County Borough Council employ Play Development staff to help improve current play provision and to develop more play opportunities within the area. They promote good quality play and fun learning to both adults and children. It pays particular attention to promoting the importance of quality staffed open access play provision. This is play that happens in a range of settings, such as in the Integrated Children's Centre in Blaina, sports centre playschemes, or in local play parks/areas and school playgrounds during the summer holidays.

Open access play provision means children and young people, aged 5 - 15 years, can come and go as they please. Playworkers run the play sessions and will not stop children leaving if they so choose to.

Play Development staff also offer support to Out of School Childcare Clubs in improving the quality of the play opportunities they provide. They also provide play workshops and training for groups and individuals interested in running play sessions for children and young people.

For further information on open access play, or support for developing local community-based play provision, please contact the Children's Information Service.