Equipment Hire for Exciting Play and Ideas for Activities
During our research we identified that groups wanted to know where to access equipment to encourage exciting play, and equipment that may be too expensive for groups to purchase, store or insure. There are many toy libraries throughout the south east varying in size and membership criteria. Some are only open to parents, others open to agencies working with individual children.
The following contacts are open to members to access equipment free of charge or at very little cost:
National Association of Toy Libraries
The NATL can provide you with links to local toy libraries in your areas. Additionally they run an extended schools service providing free of charge ideas for activities and games that settings can access through the web link, click on the Extended Schools section and they add new games each month.
BERKSHIRE
The Lend & Play Toy Library & Scrapstore
Offering a range of services for its members.
BRIGHTON & HOVE
Brighton Resource Centre
This site has a very broad range of support services - although some of the services are for groups based in Brighton and Hove, the website is accessible to all and is highly recommended.
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
Bucks Play Association
BPA has a range of equipment to loan to members, go their web page and select Boomerang Toy Lending Library.
HAMPSHIRE
Southampton Scrapstore
Provides hire kits.
Beneficials Materials Bank & Craft Centre
One of the largest and most successful scrap stores within the UK, having a membership in excess of 1,200 schools, colleges, community and voluntary groups accessing its extensive range of donated products.
MILTON KEYNES
Milton Keynes Play Association
MKPA has a wide range of hire equipment for fundraising and library loan equipment for children aged 4-14 yrs. The library also holds a range of specialised equipment for children with additional needs. To see the catalogue of equipment available follow the web link and click on Play Services.
OXFORDSHIRE
Oxfordshire Play Association
OPA has a range of Play Boxes which are available for a small hire charge to members. For further details follow the web link and click on Play Resources.
SURREY
Spelthorne Play Resource Centre
A range of resources for arts, craft and play based activities.
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If you know of other organisations that should be on this page, or a link is broken, please email us.