The Value of Play:
Play is powerful. Play is a crucial counterpoint to more
formal, structured forms of learning (ie schooling) – from early years through
to late teens (and into adulthood). It develops curiosity and inquisitiveness,
and provides vital forms of nurture and support for youngsters. It goes
hand-in-hand with creativity and exploration, of the self and of the world.
Without plenty of play, it is unlikely that children will grow up into adults
capable of self (and collective) definition, empowered to achieve self (and
collective) realisation.
What would a ‘City of
Play’ feel like?
We find ourselves in an age where – despite ever
diversifying types of and mediums for playing, including digital ones – play,
as a foundation for learning and as a right for all, needs promoting and
protecting. A playful city would have a diverse, well resourced, and thriving
‘play scene’ – including but not limited to (currently financially pressured
and shrinking) early years play provision and public funded play contexts such
as adventure playgrounds and youth clubs. It would be one where a wide range of
organisations, institutions, and public spaces recognise their own importance
and better share and promote access to their resources to support young
people’s play and informal learning. One where there is a shared vision
developed by a network of individuals, communities, and organisations who work
with and bring up children and young people in diverse contexts, and with
strong leadership and support from City Council, policy makers, and public
institutions.
How is this to be
achieved?
- To increase the profile of Play in Bristol
- To raise awareness of the importance of Play to parents.
- To represent Play in Bristol at National /International forums, campaigning to keep Play on the agenda. Together we will have more weight politically.
- To Link up Play providers thus increasing our impact
- To provide a space to increase the flow of information between providers, thus increasing the opportunities for shared delivery and alliances that increase opportunities for Play.
- To provide an up to date picture of Free Play opportunities for children and Parents
- To work together to ensure we are providing the most opportunities of the best quality that we can with limited resources. By sharing information hopefully this will cut down on repetition and highlight any obvious gaps in provision.
- Shared Resources. Increase play for all children and better ways for children to find play opportunities.
- Promotion and increased profile about the importance of play to child development
- Publically fight the barriers to children’s free play by offering solutions.
- Raise the profile of play with politicians, schools and parents especially in Bristol but also nationally. Lobby for children’s right to play.
- Promote play facilities and play providers across the city.
- Information and ideas to help families play and find places to play.
- Linking up the play providers and organisations in Bristol.
- Campaign to prevent the loss of play providers and play spaces.
- Support funding bids.
- Support and advice for play providers, families, schools etc about play.