How Re:Play came about
In 2004, plans were put into action by the then independent Playwork South East with funding from FutureBuilders, to find out what was needed in the region around support for play. The research resulted in In to Play, a draft Regional Strategy for Playwork in the South East, which highlighted a model in which organisations that are involved in supporting play and playwork can work together to provide a more strategic and cohesive service representing the whole region. By developing a partnership with SERPA, the existing south east regional play association, Playwork South East started the project that was to result in the formation of Re:Play.
In 2005 a new regional play association steering group was established – a strong group of individuals and organisations with a wealth of experience and knowledge. With GO-SE funding, consultants were brought in to determine the individual views of people around the structure of the regional play association, culminating in the report The Case for Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Play Hubs.
By 2006 some radical changes had taken place – Play England had come into existence, and Playwork South East was now part of SkillsActive. Play England's aim was for all children and young people in England to have regular access and opportunity to free, inclusive, local play provision and play space. They worked with local authorities and regional partners to provide advice and support to promote good practice, and worked to ensure that the importance of play is recognised by policy makers, planners and the public.
Re:Play’s vision fitted well with SkillsActive’s UK Strategy for playwork training and qualifications, as well as Play England’s remit to establish play partnerships which support play. So with funding both from SkillsActive and Play England, and following a survey of needs across the sector in the south east, Re:Play commissioned a directory of services which is available through the website.
Re:Play continues to work with SkillsActive and Play England where possible as well as other national and regional play organisations, and is establishing a series of play networking events around the region with support from local councils and voluntary groups.
2016
In 2005 a new regional play association steering group was established – a strong group of individuals and organisations with a wealth of experience and knowledge. With GO-SE funding, consultants were brought in to determine the individual views of people around the structure of the regional play association, culminating in the report The Case for Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Play Hubs.
By 2006 some radical changes had taken place – Play England had come into existence, and Playwork South East was now part of SkillsActive. Play England's aim was for all children and young people in England to have regular access and opportunity to free, inclusive, local play provision and play space. They worked with local authorities and regional partners to provide advice and support to promote good practice, and worked to ensure that the importance of play is recognised by policy makers, planners and the public.
Re:Play’s vision fitted well with SkillsActive’s UK Strategy for playwork training and qualifications, as well as Play England’s remit to establish play partnerships which support play. So with funding both from SkillsActive and Play England, and following a survey of needs across the sector in the south east, Re:Play commissioned a directory of services which is available through the website.
Re:Play continues to work with SkillsActive and Play England where possible as well as other national and regional play organisations, and is establishing a series of play networking events around the region with support from local councils and voluntary groups.
2016