1:08pm Thursday 12th August 2010
By Michael Pickard
Parent volunteers could be recruited to help run two adventure playgrounds in Watford, following a review of play services across the town.
Watford Borough Council launched the independent review, conducted by the Play Doctors, earlier this year as part of its service improvement programme.
And it found some parents wanted to be allowed onto the playgrounds, in Harwoods Road and The Harebreaks, to look after their children.
The council caused controversy last year when letters were sent to parents informing them they would no longer be allowed to stay on site while their children were supervised by trained staff.
However, under recommendations listed in the review report, Play Doctors suggest some parents should be allowed to become volunteers, but only if they complete CRB checks and receive 'Safeguarding' training.
Alongside the adventure playgrounds, the council's play service also includes a holiday play scheme, play rangers for children aged five to 15, and junior clubs for five to 11-year-olds.
About 1,300 people – parents and children - were consulted during the review, as well as staff.
And it found 83 per cent felt the play service was “good”, 23 per cent of parents said their children enjoyed the activities (74 per cent did not know), and 36 per cent of respondents felt inclusion was “good or very good” (52 per cent did not know).
Parents rated the junior clubs as the least important service, which has seen numbers fall as costs to provide the service have risen.
The play schemes were considered to be "too expensive", while consultees also said they were poorly organised and “lacked excitement and imagination”.
The adventure playgrounds were considered the most important play service provided by the council. Children said they enjoyed the activities on offer and felt safe.
The play ranger service, provided as part of a three-year scheme funded by the Big Lottery, was also a hit with parents and children who attended sessions.
During the consultation, a number of “quick wins” were identified as ways to improve services in the short term.
These included hiring a fourth play ranger, new facilities and activities at the two adventure playgrounds, and helping children organise a half-term seaside outing during June. A second trip is planned for the autumn.
In their conclusion, the Play Doctors found that children want “fun, exciting activities”, a comment supported by parents who would also like specific activities put on during school holidays.
They added: “Watford Borough Council Play Service has a range of good practice that can be built upon and improved to create the fun, exciting play opportunities for all the family.”
Watford Mayor Dorothy Thornhill said: “It’s important that we provide the right play opportunities for our younger residents.”
The Mayor and the council's Cabinet will discuss the review's recommendations later this year.
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