Open access play projects will be running in various locations throughout the region over the coming school holidays, including the Easter break. The schemes aim to encourage more children to play out in their local community.
Open access play projects are free to attend and are aimed at Children and young people aged 5 to 15 years. The projects have a proven track record in providing children with access to exciting, challenging and stimulating play spaces staffed by experienced, trained play workers. Opportunities on offer can range from den building and using tools, to water and messy play, to arts and crafts and sports and traditional games. Playworkers recommend that children wear clothes that are ok to get dirty!
Play projects will be running in the following communities over the Easter holidays: Offa, Penycae, Rhosddu, Brynteg, Brymbo & Tan y Fron, Rhos & Johnstown, Chirk, Bwlchgwyn, Llay & Gresford, Coedpoeth, Caia Park, Esclusham and Gwersyllt.
Wrexham Council’s Play Development Coordinator, Mike Barclay, is hopeful that 2010 will encourage yet more children to regularly participate in outdoor play:
“The number of open access play projects continues to grow throughout our region and it is extremely encouraging to see that these projects are helping more and more children to do what they do best…play! The playworkers involved in these projects aim to remove some of the barriers that can limit children’s play experiences. This includes helping parents and carers to feel confident that someone is on hand should children need support when they are out playing”
These projects aim to support children’s independence and enable them to play freely in the same way previous generations of children were allowed to. As a result one element playworkers are keen to stress is that these projects should not to be confused with childcare. A representative from one of the projects stated: “In open access play provision children are not restricted in their movements, other than where related to safety matters and are not prevented from coming and going from the setting as and when they wish. Playworkers do not have a responsibility to ensure that children stay on site for a specified period of time.”
For a full list of locations and any further information, please contact the Wrexham County Borough Council play development team. 01978 340740 or [email protected]
