Agenda item

Context:

To consider a future delivery model for staffed play provision; to consider the Play Sufficiency Action Plan for 15/16 and to inform members of the proposed timetable for the review of the Play Sufficiency Assessment.

Key Issues:

The LSB commissioned a review of current managed play provision (the summer play scheme) based on concerns that the current provision is unsustainable on several grounds.

The review report by Torfaen Play Service, considered the potential benefits and risks associated with the current and alternative delivery models and the potential to deliver jointly on all or some aspects of the scheme.  The current model of providing closed access play is regulated childcare an as such subject to CSSIW inspection and legislative restrictions. 

The authority is unusual in continuing to provide a closed access scheme.  In light of the current delivery challenges, the future legislative changes and the equality challenge the review proposes a shift to community based “open access” play provision utilising a model successfully deployed in other authorities and potentially allowing wider geographical provision across the County.

Option 4 of the report, was the most balanced and provides leisure centre provision then community based play scheme with volunteers, which provides equal access across the authority.

Member scrutiny:

·         Further information and evidence was requested in relation to how childcare would be addressed, if the play provision was open access.  A member recognised that there would be limited support for working parents if the model was not operated as a play scheme.  In response, we were advised that there would be opportunity for children to play and take part in physical activity.

·         The committee were informed that closed and open access play were operated differently, sessions within open access were shorter and not regulated by CSSIW.  Closed access sessions included more staff facilitation and support.

·         We were reminded that the purpose of the report was to look at alternative options, as current models were not sustainable and funding was not available.  Positive responses had been received within towns and further discussions would be held regarding support from town and community councils.

Play sufficiency audit

Officers confirmed that the first play sufficiency audit was carried out 3 years ago.  Welsh Government required play as statutory responsibility for local authorities, however, it was recognised that there was no funding for this responsibility.

The committee were informed that the Council did not have dedicated staff and responsibilities were shared to a number of existing staff, along with normal duties. 

The authority would have difficulty in producing a play sufficiency audit, as sufficiency was not clearly defined in any legislation.  The work was ongoing and a report would be presented to Cabinet in early 2016.

Recommendations:

1.    To receive and scrutinise the future delivery model for staffed play provision and the Play Sufficiency Action Plan for 15/16 prior to its consideration by cabinet.

2.    To note the proposed timetable for the review of the Play Sufficiency Assessment and the intention to report the draft results of the Play Sufficiency Assessment and Action Plan for 16/17 to a future meeting of this committee.