Issue - meetings

This report presents a refresh of York’s Policy for Play.  The report:

• Provides details of significant progress made since the last policy in 2007
• Highlights the key changes in the 2010 policy
• Seeks approval from the Executive Member for the 2010 Taking Play Forward policy.

RESOLVED:(i)         That the 2010 Taking Play Forward policy and Action

                                    Plan be approved.

(ii)That progress on the implementation of the Action Plan be reported to the Executive Member on an annual basis.

REASON:      To progress the development of play in the city for the benefit of children and young people.

The Executive Member received a report that presented a refresh of York’s Policy for Play 2010-2013.  The report provided details of significant progress made since the last policy in 2007, highlighted the key changes in the 2010 policy and sought approval from the Executive Member for the updated Taking Play Forward policy. 

Officers reported that the updated policy reflected a number of local and national drivers and had sought to capture the views of play sector groups, parents and children.  It was intended that a web-based version would also be made available. 

The Executive Member stated that she welcomed the clear targets that were detailed in the Action Plan and asked how progress on their implementation would be monitored.  Officers stated that progress against the targets would be recorded on the YorOK website. 

The Executive Member stated that she was pleased to note that the policy also celebrated the achievements that had made in providing the best possible play opportunities.  The funding that had been invested in play, including staff training, would have long-term benefits. 

Officers reported that notification had been received from Government Office, in relation to the Playbuilder initiative, that there would be a 70% reallocation of funding, which equated to £371k.

The Executive Member expressed her appreciation of the work that the Head of Play and Young People’s Cultural Entitlement and the play team had carried out.  She also wished to record her congratulations to Street Sport York, a Play Team project, which had been nationally recognised by reaching the final stage of the 2008 National Lottery Good Causes Awards.

RESOLVED:(i)         That the 2010 Taking Play Forward policy and Action

                                    Plan be approved.

(ii)That progress on the implementation of the Action Plan be reported to the Executive Member on an annual basis.

REASON:      To progress the development of play in the city for the benefit of children and young people.