Information for local authorities
Play Shaper brings together different sections of
the local authority with a full range of partners to develop
effective and sustainable approaches to play across the whole
public realm.
The Play Shaper programme is designed to help local authorities,
Children’s Trusts and their partners, the police and the local
Primary Care Trust, to work together to create more child-friendly
communities and to implement the Statutory Guidance to Children’s
Trusts.
By March 2011, every local authority in England will be offered
a one-day Play Shaper professional development seminar.
The Play Shaper seminar uses practical exercises, case studies
and group discussions, facilitated by experts in their field. It is
designed to help participants understand:
- the importance of play to children
- their role in creating child-friendly spaces and places, where
play and safe, active travel by children is supported
- how supporting children’s play in their area can help deliver
local priorities, for example increasing physical activity and
developing sustainable communities
- what can be done to encourage children’s play opportunities,
drawing on good practice
- the importance of cross-professional collaboration in creating
child-friendly communities
Each seminar is tailored to the specific requirements of the
local area and the needs of its Local Area Agreement, Local
Development Framework, Children and Young People’s Plan and other
local priorities.
Play Shaper emphasises how investing in play can help achieve
the targets and priorities of those working in planning, health and
safety, education, health, regeneration, the voluntary and
community sector, and the police.
‘Placemaking and Play’, a special module for those working
specifically in the built environment, will be offered in certain
areas.
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