News

Play strategies vie for 155m funding

Local authorities across England are being encouraged to review and develop play strategies in consultation with local stakeholders in order to secure their share of the Big Lottery Fund's (BLF) 155m grant for the children's play initiative that will be launched in March. Chief executives in England's 150 local councils received a letter from the BLF last month detailing their grant allocations. They have until 13 January to register their interest in the programme.

Chief executives in England's 150 local councils received a letter from the BLF last month detailing their grant allocations. They have until 13 January to register their interest in the programme.

The funding, 124m of which is dedicated to developing and improving local play provision while 31m will be used to fund a regional support and development infrastructure, has been calculated according to the child population and deprivation in the area.

Local authorities will be expected to consult with local stakeholders, including the voluntary and community sector, to draw up a local play strategy around the local play partnership. The Children's Play Council has been awarded a 150,000 grant from the BLF to develop draft guidance for local authority areas in drawing up play strategies (News, 22 September). This will be published in time for the launch of the programme.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion

  • Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here