Play services

About the Strategy

The purpose of the Manchester Play Strategy is to:-

• improve the value and raise the profile of play across the city
• increase the number of children and young people who play
• raise awareness of the benefits and long-term legacy of play
• work in partnership with key stakeholders to promote and provide play services
• promote the long-term sustainability of play in Manchester
• maximise the use of new and existing play resources in the city

It is intended to benefit

• all children and young people
• families and the wider community
• key stakeholders working with children and young people
• key departments and agencies.

The strategy explains the purpose and value of play at both district and city-wide levels and why it is important to children and young people, families and the Government. It describes how play actively contributes to the achievement of the five outcomes of the Governments "Every Child Matters" and the targets of Manchester's Children and Young People Plan (CYPP), analyses current play provision and explores the contribution that play makes to wider agendas.

Included in the strategy are the results of consultations with children and young people and other members of local communities which are linked to the planning process. It sets out district-level and city-wide ambitions for change and improvement based on need and sustainability. The strategy establishes an action plan for the development of play provision, describes how it's successes will be measured and assessed and sets a timetable for review and further work.

Integral to the strategy is a commitment to:-

• inter-departmental and inter-agency working
• partnerships between the LA and the private and voluntary sectors
• local development of services and a commitment to community involvement
• leadership at the most senior level.

Manchester believes these to be key factors in the success of the strategy, enabling the city to make the most of available resources, avoid duplication, meet shortfalls in provision and target support where it is most needed.

The Play Strategy is currently under review and we will keep you updated with any developments.

The National Play Strategy has also now been released and is available from: www.teachernet.gov.uk/publications

Contact Details

Manchester Play Team 
Wenlock Way Offices
West Gorton
Manchester
M12 5DR

Tel: 0161 274 6503
Fax: 0161 274 6512
Email: manchesterplay@manchester.gov.uk