Projects
| Fit for Play Quality Award | Reclaiming PlaySpace | Extended Schools Team |
| Play Quest Programme | School Age Childcare Team | Quality Assurance Scheme |
PlayBoard are constantly involved with the creation and implementation of exciting new initiatives and projects. Some are a necessary reaction to fresh statistics which highlight new areas of concern such as 'obesity in children'.
Others support many vital areas of essential development. For this reason please visit this page often as we're regularly adding to our list of projects.
Remember they are all aimed at the common goal - 'Changing the child's world through play'.
Positive PlayGrounds
Positive PlayGrounds - a school based training programme has been assisting schools across Northern Ireland to re-examine their approach to their playground and to value it as an important space within the school estate.
Through the programme schools are developing strategies for encouraging physical and social development amongst children during playtime. For many children and young people, the school playground is the only space that represents an opportunity for them to engage in physically challenging outdoor play. Yet most school playgrounds are little more than flat uninspiring pieces of tarmac with no equipments or resources.
The training programme is aimed at the adults working in the school playground and is further enhanced by the development of children and young people's consultation and participatory methods (2 x 1hr sessions). The programme which can be run over one full day or over 4 x 2hr sessions includes exploring the importance of Play in the school environment, identifying the role of the adult in the playground, loose parts and imaginative prop ideas for the playground, wet playtimes, playground buddies/squads, playground needs assessment, behaviour management, action planning and way forward. Also included is a fun practical session where traditional and parachute games are played.
Feedback from participants involved in the Positive PlayGrounds training include:
- “I’ve loved learning games and I look forward to playing them with the children.” (PlayGround Supervisor)
- “I now enjoy my job, the children are more positive in the playground which makes my task easier!” (PlayGround Supervisor)
- “The fact that schools can implement changes without having to spend lots of money is a godsend. The ideas I’ve learnt on this course have been excellent.” (Deputy Head)
Schools who wish to find out more should contact Angela Stallard at PlayBoard. For a copy of Positive PlayGrounds Evaluation Report March 2008
Click Here To Download a copy of the Positive PlayGrounds Evaluation Report, March 2008
Fit for Play Quality Award
The Fit for Play Quality Award is causing a stir of excitement within the Playwork sector. The Fit for Play Award can be obtained once a project is deemed "Fit for Play"
The award has been designed to help tackle the obesity crisis which is affecting the children in today's society. PlayBoard believes that by giving children opportunities to enjoy physical and outdoor play we are helping to prevent heart disease and health related problems in later life.
The programme which integrates physical activity and nutrition fully supports and promotes the development of healthy lifestyles amongst our children.
In order to achieve an award play projects must complete three modules - Out 2 Play, Top Play/Active Clubs and Food 4 Play.
Fit for Play Training and Development Officers are available to assist groups who wish to obtain this award.
Important information for all groups that have signed up for the Fit for Play Quality Award. Below you will find a list from A-N, each one has a link to the necessary paperwork to work your way through the Fit for Play Award process. If you have any difficulties contact your Fit for Play Training and Development Officer
| Click on the Image opposite to access the Fit for Play Evaluation Report |  |
Reclaiming PlaySpace
Project Update: The ‘Reclaiming Playspace’ Project is now up and running with the 1st Mobile Community Play Ranger Team helping to ‘reclaim’ the parks and open spaces for play. Three communities in North Belfast each receive 2 sessions per week from the Reclaiming Playspace Team.
The project has been designed to create safe, quality, outdoor play experiences for children/young people aged 6-12years living in some of the most deprived communities in Northern Ireland.
The initiative has been heralded is an innovative outdoor play service. The purpose is to bring play back to the community. To provide positive, outdoor play experiences using a variety of traditional and innovative fun activities that help to improve the health and well being of children and young people.
The project is based on the concept of mobile play. Using a van, staffed by a small team of play rangers, furnished with an array of play equipment; children and young people are offered the opportunity to engage in activities that increase participation and provide avenues to experience fun and enjoyment in a safe environment. Children and young people are encouraged to take ownership of their local community spaces and parks.
In order to develop and expand the mobile play concept a community based training and development package has been created. Through the training, community leaders, older youth, parents etc; are given the opportunity to actively assist with the delivery of Reclaiming Playspace sessions. They receive the skills and knowledge needed to help supervise and direct sessions. In turn enabling them to establish localised outdoor play projects in their area, that they can take ownership of in the absence of the Reclaiming Playspace team.
The project is helping to ‘bring back the basics’ of play, no elaborate toys or equipment are used, just good old fashioned play that once was a daily part of every child’s life. Rope swings, den building, camp fires and much, much more are the order of the day, the type of play that every child loves and every child can participate in.
For further information contact PlayBoard by email or phone
Extended Schools Team
PlayBoard's Extended Schools Team can offer a one stop shop, and work with you to address your individual needs, such as staffing/recruitment and issues around suitable premises, sustainability, developing quality standards and assisting with financial and legal responsibilities.
PlayBoard has had many years experience in advising schools on Play Development, Play in School Strategies and the advantages of Play Development in School Playgrounds (Positive PlayGrounds). Recently through its 'Out of School Hours Learning Project' PlayBoard has encouraged and enabled partnerships to develop between primary schools and local play providers thus allowing children the opportunities to learn through play in fun environments. PlayBoard is looking forward to working with schools, play providers and policy makers in sharing our expertise through developing and implementing services.
For More Information contact PlayBoard
Play Quest Programme
The Play Quest Programme is one of PlayBoard's new projects. We have a new Play Quest Team made up of a project manager and 4 Playrangers who will promote fun and creative play opportunities for children. The programme will be delivered to a variety of settings who work with 0 - 10 year olds and will support staff, parents and children to participate in innovative approaches of implementing appropriate play experiences and environments.
The Play Quest programme is part of the Big Deal which is a new £4 million programme for 0-25 year olds funded through the Big Lottery Fund. Other partners include: Youthnet (Lead partner) and Northern Ireland Youth Forum and the Education and Library Boards. Children and young people will be fully supported and involved in the programmes decision-making and have a real say in how the work is carried out.
The Big Deal will also run a complementary £1 million small grants programme with the aim of increasing the participation of children and young people and improving their health and well being, increasing their achievement and learning, and where possible enhancing their wider family and community support for them. Individuals or informal groups of children and young people aged 0 - 25 years can apply for a grant between £500 and £2,500 to support their interests or projects.
The Play Quest Team will research existing good practice regarding the participation of 0 - 10 year olds and work with organisations in Northern Ireland to embed the principles and values of effective participation. We will support groups and organisations to explore ways to include children who would not traditionally participate. This exciting programme will inform the development of a participation strategy for children and those working with them in Northern Ireland.
If you would be interested in taking part in the Play Quest Programme or find out further information about the small grants please contact the Play Quest Team by emailing Roisin McCooey PlayQuest Regional Manager or visit the website www.thebigdealni.com
School Age Childcare Team
Following an extensive lobbying campaign for sustainability funding PlayBoard were delighted when the Secretary of State Sir Peter Hain, announced a priority funding package for children and young people. PlayBoard on behalf of DHSS&PS Family Policy Unit are distributing and managing this funding through its School Age Childcare Team.
The newly established School Age Childcare Team has a number of key functions in supporting the sector. Including
- Acting as an IFB on behalf of DHSS&PS
- Carrying out Financial and Monitoring checks.
- Supporting the 58 projects receiving funding to achieve conditions and targets through the coordination and delivery of a range of activities and training, including Quality Assurance Award.
- Providing a support service to funded projects.
- Establishing a Working Group which will explore the long term future of the sector
- Fostering relationships with the Extended Schools Initiative
The team looks forward to working with you all once more over the next two years.
Cluster Group Information Sheet and Cluster Timetable for May 08
Quality Assurance Scheme "Pathways to Excellence"
School age childcare and Play projects in both community voluntary and private settings across Northern Ireland have been successfully achieving PlayBoard’s Quality Assurance scheme Pathways to Excellence. Over 56 Projects to date have been certificated by PlayBoard as offering Quality Play and care facilities.
For further information email or phone PlayBoard
What is ‘Pathways to Excellence’?
‘Pathways to Excellence’ is a quality assurance self-evaluation scheme. Developed specifically for play projects, the aim of the scheme is to assist projects to assess development areas and define and implement quality standards in all aspects of their play service. As the leading agency for children’s play, PlayBoard has an excellent QA scheme in place for the childcare and play sector and have established systems for ensuring continued best practice and standardisation. The QA team is highly qualified to ensure that current legislation is adhered to.
PlayBoard’s Quality Assurance Scheme (QAS) ‘Pathways to Excellence’ aims to create and maintain an infrastructure of quality childcare and play services that ensure the holistic, healthy development of children. It incorporates a number of different quality processes namely quality assurance, quality control, quality management, quality enhancement and quality audit. PlayBoard’s Quality Assurance (QA) scheme is based on the Playwork Principles, assumptions and values.
to find out more on our mentoring programme