Stevenage children matter

Stevenage children were an important item on the Executive Council’s agenda in December as they confirmed their commitment to facilitating every child’s right to play.

We know that good quality play opportunities are vital to the healthy development of children. Through play they develop their social, physical, intellectual, creative and emotional skills. It is the natural medium for exploring and understanding the world around them and their own inner world.

A recent town wide survey confirmed that this is an important issue for the town. 41% of residents said that facilities for young people were a high priority for them.

A Play Policy has been developed for Stevenage following consultation with children, parents, carers, voluntary organisations, a number of borough council services and Hertfordshire County Council. We recognise that all these people have an impact on and are affected by a child’s play opportunities and therefore the Stevenage Play Policy is owned by the people of Stevenage.

The Play Policy confirms that Stevenage is committed to:

• All children’s right to play
• Understanding and promoting the benefits of play
• Ensuring that all children have access to play opportunities
• Ensuring that the creation and design of play spaces are relevant to children’s play needs
• Providing good quality play opportunities
• Working in partnership
• Engaging with those affected by play or providing for play

The council will take the lead in ensuring the Policy commitments are met through their Stevenage Play Strategy and five-year Action Plan.

We have also appointed Councillor Simon Speller as Play Champion, who will be responsible for making sure the rights and needs of children are considered in all decisions made by the council.

Now that the Stevenage Play Policy has been approved, we are expecting some exciting developments for the town. The council will officially launch the Stevenage Play Strategy and Action Plan in the New Year and will be recruiting a Play Action Network and Play Council with representatives from all sectors of the community.

Executive Councillor for Community and Culture Sue Myson said:

 “As a community leader we are committed to ensuring that all children in Stevenage have equal access to good quality play opportunities. We want to encourage more participation and involvement from local communities and will continue to consult with all those who provide for and are affected by play.”

Councillor Simon Speller said:

“Play is a basic right for all children and vital to their healthy development. As adults we have a duty to ensure that children growing up in Stevenage have access to the best possible play opportunities. I am delighted to be taking on the role of Play Champion and I look forward to seeing the Play Strategy put into action during my Mayoral year next year.”

For further information about the Stevenage Play Strategy and Action Plan please contact Graeme Buck on 01438 242247.

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For press enquiries contact Joanna Roskilly, Corporate Communications on 01438 242300.

For further comment contact Executive Councillor for Community and Culture Sue Myson on 01438 721895.

For political comment:

Labour Bruce Jackson 01438 350323

Liberal Democrat Robin Parker 01438 724746

Conservative Graham Clark 01438 360538