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Play Service

General Statement:

Portsmouth City Council recognise that children have the right to be heard and should be heard through a variety of means. We aim, through our structure of play provision, to ensure that all children's views are respected and listened to. We also recognise the significance and value of play and the absence of play opportunities in the general environment. We are committed to ensuring that children have access to rich, stimulating environments free from unacceptable levels of risk, thereby offering them the opportunity to explore,through their freely chosen play,both themselves and the world.

There are many values to the lives of children taking part in some kind of play provision. Portsmouth City Council recognise that the following forms an integral part of this development.

• Allows children to test boundaries
• Allows children to engage with their peers
• Allows children to be creative
• Allows them to develop there interests and abilities
• Allows children to be listened to and respected

Portsmouth City Council recognise that there is significant opportunity to contribute towards the achievement of "The Portsmouth 8". This strategy aims to have all agencies working together with children and young people within the city to work towards these aims. These principles were decided after consultation with children and young people. They expressed a wish to grow up...

1. Having the right to an active say in any development
2. Healthy
3. Emotionally secure and confident
4. Having succeeded as far as they can at school
5. Having facilities and opportunities to play safely
6. Having stayed out of trouble
7. Living in a safer place
8. Having the opportunities to succeed in achieving their dreams

Portsmouth City Council offers a variety of play opportunities throughout the city for both residents and non residents.These are in the form of Open Access and Day Care Playschemes, Out of School Club, Adventure Playgrounds. We also run various Play Projects throughout the city ( see current projects).

Out of School Clubs

These run on an open access basis and are not designed as childcare provision.

Adventure Playgrounds

There are five of these across the city they are based on an open access basis and are fully staffed all year round. These playgrounds offer a range of activities and adventure play.

Holiday Provision

These run during the Easter and Summer Holidays, offering Leisure and recreational activities in both a Day Care setting and Open Access setting.

Current Projects

In addition to our main play provision we also offer a variety of play/leisure development projects in certain areas of the city.

Contact Details:

Phone:  City Helpdesk 023 92834155 or 023 92834884

E-mail:  cityhelpdesk@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Play Service Manager is Joan Fisher

All contact details can be obtained via City Helpdesk.

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