We are building a playground this Spring and want to open it for children aged 5 - 12, three time a week and to children with disabilities or special needs and their families once a week. The playground is located in Streatham Vale Park, South West London and all children will be welcome to come and play. The play sessions will last for 2 hours after school and 4 hours on a Saturday afternoon as well as 4 hours a day, 4 days a week during school holidays. The playground will provide an opportunity for adventurous and imaginative play and the sessions will be supervised by a team of qualified play workers. The play will not be pre=determined by adults, but the children will play freely without the control of adults. The play environment will excite and inspire children to run, climb, jump, swing, dig, create, negotiate and lead.
What we'll deliver:
- 3 play sessions per week for children aged 5 - 12 in term time
- 3 play sessions per week for children aged 5 - 12 in school holidays
- 1 play session per week for disabled children all year round
Why it's a great idea:
Children have been severely effected by covid-19 and the isolation created by it. Many children have lost their confidence and are fearful of going out and mixing with others. Some children have experienced bereavement within their families or friendship circles which has lead to anxiety or depression. This project will help children to regain their confidence through play. Children often start to make sense of the world around them through play, play encourages expression and often you hear children talking to each other about their experiences and get comfort in that. Play helps to relieve stress and gives respite to families, who maybe struggling.
Steps to get it done:
- Improvements to playground completed
- Play worker recruited
- Series of mini launch events
- 100th child attends
