Play Strategy

Introduction

Vision

Westminster aspires to ensure that all children fulfil their healthy development and maximising their learning potential through play with access to a range of quality services, which are age, and developmentally appropriate, safe and sensitive to their needs.

Social inclusion is at the heart of the Play Strategy linked to the social inclusion agenda as set out in the City Council's Civic Renewal Plan, the Children and Young People's Strategic Plan, the Local Preventative Strategy and the Government's Green Paper, 'Every Child Matters'.

The Strategy builds on the shared objectives of the Children and Young People's Strategic Partnership that all children should:

• enjoy the best possible health
• live in a safe, stable, caring family and community
• have access to leisure and cultural facilities
• enjoy freedom from poverty
• achieve their full potential in learning and other areas of their lives
• grow up to be responsible, active members of the community.

Quality play opportunities can support children's learning, raise achievement, reduce anti-social behaviour and compensate for poverty. This is especially important in Westminster where many children are living in socially and economically disadvantaged areas. Four wards are in the 20% most disadvantaged in England with pockets of disadvantage across Westminster.

Preventative services are being developed to tackle child poverty through the three local Sure Start programmes, five proposed Children's Centre Networks, the Extended Schools Initiative, the Children's Fund programme and the Local Preventative Strategy. Play has an important role in all of these.

Further information

Please click on the link below to download the entire Play Strategy:

• Westminster Play Strategy (304KB)

Westminster's Play Strategy has been reviewed and updated to reflect our achievements since 2005. It is now aligned with the priorities with the Children and Young People's Refreshed Plan and the Change for Children government agenda to promote delivery of the Every Child Matters outcomes for all children.

• Revised Play Strategy 2007-2010

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