The Wakefield Play Rangers is a mobile play project which offers open access play in a rural setting. The project has been used as a model of good practice on a national level.
This play provision is an example of:
Description
The Wakefield Play Rangers use a large van to transport various pieces of play equipment to public open spaces where children can play. These open spaces are decided upon though consultation with local children, community members, development workers and councillors. The project has the flexibility to move to areas where maximum numbers of children can benefit and children in the most deprived areas of Hemsworth are generally targeted.
Details
The Wakefield Play Rangers have established a reputation of good practice through their work to offer children new and exciting play opportunities, and have had many visitors who have used their practices for setting up their own play rangers service. The providers try to cater for a range of abilities, although they currently do not have any disabled children attending the sessions.
Children and community involvement
The children direct the sessions and playworkers try to bring the children's ideas to life. The providers work with local community groups and encourage parents to get involved by staying to help out with the running of the provision.
Staff, policies and funding
Wakefield Play Rangers are currently recruiting a new team. They did have three permanent members of staff, plus holiday cover. All have an NVQ level 3 and some have a degree in playwork.
The provision is a charity, funded by the Big Lottery Fund (last 4 years BIG and the next 3 years BIG from the council). The provision is under constant evaluation through questionnaires and informal chats with children and members of the community. The play rangers also use PQASSO to quality assurance the service.
Further information
Throughout holiday periods the service delivers morning and afternoon sessions on different parks from Monday to Friday. During term time the service provides after school sessions on weekdays. Over 30 children attend the sessions and they are all free of charge.
Contact
Wilma Horobin
Website: www.wakefieldplayforum.co.uk/
Email: wilma@wakefieldplayforum.co.uk
Tel: 0197 767 7596
Page updated August 2008
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