The South Gloucester Play Rangers is based in the suburbs in six different areas within South Gloucestershire. It aims to create a safe place for children to play freely, and encourage children to take ownership of their local park or open space.
The South Gloucester Play Rangers provide open access play opportunities for children aged 5 – 15 (under fives must be accompanied by an adult). Various activities are provided for the children, both free play and a choice of more structured play. The Play Rangers strive to provide beneficial, encouraging, challenging play. The South Gloucester Play Rangers wish for children to make the most of the space in their local area and take pride in it, which the they hope will lead to a reduction in anti social behaviour. Activities include planting, den building, fire building.
The workers believe they are perceived as positive role models through play and many of children go to them with personal issues, which they try and help the children resolve. Some children with disabilities such as autism, and some children that have mobility problems also attend, offering them play opportunities they may not otherwise have.
They believe the service can help children to progress, for example, one child with mobility problems can now climb to the top of the climbing frame, which he was not able to do before he attended the sessions. The play rangers have helped build his confidence and mobility and provide opportunities for positive risk taking in relation to play. They encourage children and young people to take ownership of their local park or open spaces, to make their voice heard and in time change the setting.
Staff will listen to what the children want to do; if the children ask for something they will try to accommodate their request. The play rangers consult with children with regards to what they would like to do and try and provide variation in terms of activities. They want to know parent views to make improvements to the service. They are part of the community attending several community meetings making sure the voice of play is heard. Locations where the rangers operate were chosen through consulting with different organisations and individuals to establish the best park or open space in those areas.
The workers’ qualifications include play qualifications, youth work, sport and various others. The project is run by Children's PLAYLINK, a voluntary organisation. They employ a manager, three senior play rangers, three seasonal play rangers and a consultation and support play ranger. For the first year the project was funded by a variety of sources, however some future funding is unclear. The team have submitted a number of funding applications and are waiting to hear if they have been successful. They are positive funding will come through.
The service is free of charge and the children do not need to book places. As the scheme is open access they are free to come and go as they please. Some children come for while, go home and have tea and they come back again. The service runs after school to 6pm all year round regardless of weather conditions. Each area has approximate 10 – 15 children who attend regularly, but the numbers vary depending on the location, weather and other activities within area.
Emma Bevan (Play Ranger Manager)
Children's Playlink
Fromeside Youth Centre
Watleys end Road
Winterbourne
South Glostershire BS36 1QG
Tel: 0145 486 5638
Email: emma@child-playlink.demon.co.uk
http://www.playrangers.org
Page updated August 2008
Play England is part of NCB and is supported by the Big Lottery Fund
