“Over the past four years, Nottingham has been a national trailblazer when it comes to play. 

We’ve had a major programme of parks being developed and improved for example and have won a lot of external funding for play projects throughout the city. 

Now I’m calling on everyone involved with play in Nottingham to come together and make sure we continue to build on our achievements, despite the challenges we face, such as cuts to public sector funding. 

The alternative is to risk forgetting the huge importance of play – which is vital to the health, wellbeing, education and development of our children, as well as to our communities.” 

Those are the words of Playworks’ Senior Manager Liz Asher, in her role as Chair of the Nottingham Play Partnership, a partnership made up of many different city organisations involved in play.

Now, that Partnership is aiming to ensure that the whole city understands and becomes involved in protecting play, by launching a refreshed Play Strategy for Nottingham on 9th December.

Anyone with an interest in play including schools, nurseries, community groups and volunteers are welcome to go along to the launch, which will take place from 10.30am to 1pm at Playworks, Alfred Street North, Nottingham, NG3 1AE.

The launch will also be a chance for individuals and groups to join the Play Action Network – a network of play professionals, volunteers and those interested in play.

The refreshed strategy will set out Nottingham’s vision for play, building on Nottingham’s trailblazing work in terms of being a ‘playful city’ and the idea that all children should have the right to access a wide range of appropriate, freely chosen, self-directed play opportunities.

It will also explore the crucial role of play in children’s physical and mental health; wellbeing; emotional resilience; education and development as well as how play benefits the environment and local communities.

For example, the Strategy will look at how play can help tackle issues such as childhood obesity and anti-social behaviour.

Last but not least, the Strategy will set out how training opportunities and support for parents and carers will help to benefit children and the city as a whole.

Wendy Russell, a leading national play academic will be speaking at the launch, along with Justine Darke,  Service Manager for Youth Strategy at Nottingham City Council.

For more information including the views of Wendy Russell and Councillor Mellen, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services at Nottingham City Council, please view or download the press release.

To find out more about the launch or to book your free place please call Laura Summers at Playworks on 0115 958 9199 or email laura.summers@playworks.org.uk

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