Agenda item

Councillor Catrin M.S. Davies (Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Customer Services) presented the Ceredigion Play Sufficiency Assessment (PSA) 2025 including the proposed priorities for the Ceredigion Play Action Plan 2025-28. The Welsh Government (WG) recognised its aim of creating a play-friendly Wales and to provide excellent opportunities for children to play.

Under section 11(1) of the Children’s and Families Wales Measure 2010 there was an obligation on each County Council regarding play opportunities. Since 2013 and every 3 years since, each local authority had to complete a PSA. This was the 5th PSA carried out by Ceredigion County Council. The duty consisted of two elements; firstly, an assessment of local play sufficiency; and secondly, an action plan to secure sufficient play opportunities so far as reasonably practicable. An assessment toolkit was provided by WG to support the process which was split into 4 themes (Population; Places Where Children Play; Supervised Provision and Policy Synergy, Engagement, Advocacy and Information).

Councillor Catrin M.S. Davies provided an overview of the consultation process and findings. To increase awareness of the important contribution play could make to everyday life in Ceredigion, an Ambition for Play supported by Strategic Objectives had been created and would act as a framework for all organisations within the county that contributed to the Play agenda. The ambition, objectives and the proposed action plan for the Ceredigion Play Action Plan 2025-28 were outlined. Once endorsed, the PSA, Summary Report and Play Action Plan would be submitted to WG and there was a requirement for all documents to be published on the Council’s website. Annual Progress for the Play Action Plan would be submitted to WG for the duration of the Plan.

Members were provided with the opportunity to ask questions which were answered by Officers present and Councillor Catrin M.S. Davies. The main points raised were as follows:

·       It was noted that replacing and installing play equipment was expensive, especially specialised accessible equipment.

·       Concerns were raised that it was no longer possible for Town and Community Councils to apply for the Ceredigion Community Grant Scheme following a decision by Cabinet in 2024.

·       The Welsh language was important to the service and most staff were bilingual. Work was ongoing with the Welsh Language Service to develop the Welsh language in traditional schoolyard games.

·       Concerns were raised that although housing developers at times committed to include play areas as part of their plans, this was often not carried out. It was noted that the Council had agreed to a platinum level of enforcement service at the 25-26 budget-setting process.

·       If Town and Community Councils held responsibility for play areas in their ward, they were responsible for ensuring the equipment was inspected regularly.

·       The importance of learning how to swim was vital; it was noted that provision was in place for all primary schools in Ceredigion to access swimming lessons. In addition, around 600 children accessed swimming lessons in the local authority’s swimming pools.

·       It was clarified that free transport was available to several free events arranged by the service such as the Summer of Fun events.

·       The single-gender events targeted girls as there was a decline in the number of girls who participated in sports.

·       The team had held activities in many towns and villages across Ceredigion, with efforts to link with deprived areas. Members were encouraged to contact the team if they wished to hold play activities in their communities, or at events held locally.

Councillor Catrin M.S. Davies extended her thanks to all Town and Community Councils that held responsibility for play areas.

It was AGREED to accept the report and recommend to Cabinet:

1.     To consider and endorse the Ceredigion Play Sufficiency Assessment 2025.

2.     To adopt the Ambition and Objectives for Play in Ceredigion and the proposed Ceredigion Play Action Plan 2025-28, subject to:

·     the review of the Ceredigion Community Grant Scheme, to include, that Town and Community Councils could apply for grants for play equipment only.