There are lots of green, open spaces around Bath and north-east Somerset - but until recently many children simply weren't using them.
They were scared of bullying and intimidation, or simply felt uncertain in an outdoors environment. Through consultation over a play review, the early years childcare and play team with Bath and North East Somerset education service concluded that children chose to avoid the parks. Well-intentioned parents added to the problem by keeping children at home, fearing for their safety. It was a vicious circle.
But an innovative scheme that put purple-sweatshirted play rangers into parks in all weathers has led to dozens of children of all ages being able to play socially, learn to deal with conflict, and have fun in the fresh air.
The Community Play Rangers scheme, a winner in Sure Start Partners in Excellence awards last year, hopes its contribution to wider issues of vandalism and community development will persuade local councillors to expand the project.
Sara Willis, early years team leader, says, 'Our consultation indicated a need for something that would address the bullying and intimidation experienced by some young people. They were just not used to using open spaces - and we have lots of open spaces around here. We wanted to use the environment to offer these children what used to be the norm for all youngsters growing up.'
Activity sessions
The EYDCP formed a new Community Play partnership with five local voluntary sector groups, which agreed on principles of existing play policy. Play Rangers were appointed, employed by five local voluntary organisations, including Bath Area Play Project, Bath City Farm, Wansdyke Play Association, Envolve and the Children's Society. With money from the Children's Fund, the Rangers are managed by the Early Years, Childcare and Play Teams through co-ordination by the strategic play officer.
Eight teams of Play Rangers now operate, in groups of two, for 17 hours a week. They visit parks in the areas of greatest social deprivation, at set times to fit round children's school and holiday times.
Parents feel reassured that their children are safe. Children join in games, as well as developing their own risk-assessment ability through activities such as cooking over open fires and stone carving. They try den building in the rain, film-making, pottery, caring for city farm animals, even learning public speaking.
They discuss topics including the importance of eating well, enjoying exercise and participating in the community.They look at issues that affect them - drugs, bullying, racism, mixing with others from different backgrounds, and anger management. One group, for example, designated a peace tree as a place where children sit for some 'time out' if they feel tempers fraying.
Children can use the sessions any way they choose. They may be motivated by the direction activities are taking, then drift off for a few weeks, then return again.
Firm friends
Play Rangers become real friends and confidantes for many of the children.
Such a volume of emotional issues means that now the early years team is looking at ways of offering extra support to the Rangers themselves to help them deal with those issues.
Children, parents and the wider community all report positive outcomes. The Rangers appeal to a wider than expected range of age groups, from children bringing younger siblings to teenage mothers.
Children say they have fun, and feel safe from fights or bullying.
Residents say problems such as vandalism and noise have been reduced.
Parents feel happy that their children are secure, and report improved behaviour. Parents have themselves been drawn into community events including barbeques, jumble sales and outings.
Sara Willis points out that the Children's Play Council's Manifesto for Play is now calling for investment in play provision through, among other things, the development of teams of appropriately trained, child-friendly staff, to work as play rangers in parks and open spaces in every town and city.
In her own area, she says a particular highlight of the ranger sessions is that children who have less success in other areas of their lives can feel they are achieving. For some children, it has produced very real landmarks: one boy, who can neither read nor write, remembers as 'the most important day in my life' the time when he interviewed and helped recruit a new Play Ranger. NW
More information
* Michael Follett, strategic development officer for play, Bath and North East Somerset Council Childcare and Play Team, tel: 01225 395137