Manchester City Council

Manchester Play is responsible for the strategic planning, support and delivery of open access play services throughout the City. In recent years, Manchester Play has developed an innovative approach to increase the availability of play opportunities, particularly in areas of high social need and low provision through it's outreach programme. In addition, by working in partnership with play providers, support agencies and parents, those children with individual needs have been able to play alongside their friends in a safe and suitable play environment.

There is a very large community of open access play providers in Manchester who exist in the non-profit making voluntary and independent sectors providing high quality varied play activities and Manchester Play provides the resources, information and support that enable these services to operate to the required Ofsted standards. Manchester Play also organises regular Play Forums where playworkers and those involved in organising play services can meet to discuss play.

Grants provided by Manchester Play meet the majority of the operating costs enabling parental contributions and fees to be kept to a minimum. Our Inclusion Service also provides resources to enable and ensure that children with additional needs can access their local playscheme. In addition, Manchester Play operates Outreach Play Services during the summer holidays targeting areas of low provision ensuring children and young people in Manchester have access to an open access playscheme in their locality.

Manchester Play is also involved in the Lottery funded Parktastic play provision that is available all year round across the city.

Contact Details
Manchester Play Team
Manchester City Council
Wenlock Way Offices
West Gorton
Manchester
M12 5DR

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