Case study: North Somerset Council

North Somerset Council

Executive members of the council and North Somerset Play Partnership unanimously adopted the North Somerset Play Strategy in the spring of 2007, securing its place at a strategic level with elected members and key lead officers.

The play strategy was based on the principle that all children and young people should have the opportunity to achieve their full potential within their leisure time.

An early task for the play partnership was to identify and network with lead officers in organisations and local authority departments with responsibility for:

  • planning
  • streets and open spaces
  • parish and town councils
  • voluntary sector organisations
  • built facilities and playing pitches
  • transport.

Building trust between departments and recognising professional skills was key to developing the play strategy. It enabled the team to pool their knowledge and expertise to meet the Every Child Matters outcomes and influence future planning proposals in North Somerset. The needs of local children, young people, parents and communities are seen as central to the planning and provision of services.

The play service is based within the Childcare Learning and Play Team, within the Children and Young People’s Services Directorate, and reports to the Childcare and Children Centres Development Manager. It also has strong links with the early years and the youth services. This further strengthens the partnership.

For further information contact: North Somerset Play Service or visit
www.n-somerset.gov.uk

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