Strategies and policies

Play in Plymouth: The play policy and strategy

The nature of play provision in local authorities has radically changed over recent years, prompted by developments including the post-Woolf litigation reforms and the recommended new European Standards introduced in 1999. These in turn have led to a number of different responses ranging from the widespread closure of play facilities by some authorities, to enormous investment of capital funds by others in order to comply with recommendations and requirements.

At the same time, the national children's play lobby has played a key role in bringing the sector together, raising awareness of the value of play in children's lives and the need for universal provision. Landmarks have included the publication of Best Play which sets out recognised outcomes for play provision, the Play Review 2004, chaired by Frank Dobson MP, 'Getting Serious about Play' and announcement of the BIG Lottery Fund’s £155 million children’s play initiative based on the outcomes of this Review.

Plymouth now has a landmark of its own with the creation and publication of its Play Policy and Strategy:

Play in Plymouth: The play policy and strategy [1.58MB]

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Do you use childcare in Plymouth?

Under the Childcare Act 2006 local authorities take on a new duty from April 2008 to ensure, so far as is reasonably possible, that the provision of childcare is sufficient to meet the requirements of parents in their area in order to enable them to work or undertake education or training leading to work.

We have carried out an audit, known as a childcare sufficiency assessment, of where the childcare is situated. This included pre-schools, day nurseries, before and after school clubs, holiday clubs and holiday activities for children aged 0 to 16 years. We also included some information about after school activity clubs that are offered on a regular basis.

If you would like a full copy of the assessment please contact us.

2011 to 2014

Childcare sufficiency assessment summary report [440KB]

2008 to 2011

Childcare sufficiency assessment summary report [220KB]

Childcare sufficiency assessment full report [608KB]

Other documents

Ten year strategy (the Governments vision) [497KB]

Ten year strategy leaflet [349KB]

Next steps, building on the ten year strategy [2MB]

Plymouth early years strategy 2008 to 2011 [4MB]

Plymouth children and young people's trust plan 2008 to 2011 [2MB]

Plymouth children and young people's trust plan refresh 2009 [3MB]