PLAY POLICY RISK/BENEFIT ANNUAL ASSESSMENT

“How well do the sites provide the play opportunities our Parish Council aims to offer, while managing the risks?”

PLAY AREA :   RECREATION GROUND

ISSUE	COMMENTARY	
Are there regular inspections for litter hazards?	Yes; Litter picker employed twice a week	
Are there regular inspections for wear & tear or damage?	Yes; Inspections every week, any points arising are actioned	
Has there been an annual safety inspection by accredited supplier?	Huck Tek are currently carrying out the removal of all the old play equipment and installing the exciting new play space.  A post installation inspection will take place on conclusion of the works and prior to opening to the public.	
Is the site well used?	The Recreation Ground itself is always in use.  Historically the playground was well utilised and it is anticipated that use will increase with the introduction of the new equipment, and rise again once the adjacent ball court and skate park are installed.	
Is the site safe and accessible?	Yes; Easy access in centre of village, flat entrances.  New concrete footpath partially installed, which will enable wheelchair access from the car park to the play space.  Path will be completed with the installation of the skate park.	
Is there car parking nearby, with appropriate surface and flat access?	Yes, Memorial Hall car park.  Tarmac.  Some dedicated disabled bays.  Flat access from car park to site, partially grassed and partially paved.  Parking provision is being extended via a new, adjacent car park being installed by Nicholas King Homes (eta 2020/21).	
Are there areas for young people to play and socialise?	Yes; the new space will house a wide variety of play equipment for all ages, benches and picnic tables.  The wide recreation ground also houses benches, open space and cricket practice nets.	
Does the site promote the inclusion and access for disadvantaged and disabled children?	Prior to commissioning the new play space, the parish council consulted with families of disabled children in the community to determine the features that would most enhance their child’s use of the play space and their ability to integrate and socialise with able bodied friends and family.  The site development has been assessed against the RoSPA Access Audit and Disability Act requirements.   

Play England urge developers to “imagine a play space where disabled and non-disabled children play together” and we have strived to achieve this within our plan which fully endorses the values and principals of inclusive play.   It also recognises that accessible play space is not just about getting the right fixed equipment, but also the design of the space and how it enables people to use it.

The design is formulated on an inclusive basis, allowing able and disabled bodied children to play and socialise together.  A wide range of DDA compliant equipment has been incorporated into the design, predominantly located close to the central hard surfaced picnic area for easy access.   This includes equipment to cover a wide range of play experiences such as rocking, sliding, bouncing, swinging and spinning.  
 
Children are also stimulated through colour, movement, tactile elements and varying levels of challenge.   When assessing against this criteria, RoSPA say “Good to see the play equipment is obviously suitable for children with “special needs” and that it can be played with (and enjoyed) by all children without any stigma or embarrassment.”

DDA compliant benches with backs and arms have been incorporated into the design, as has firm surfacing and obvious access points/routes.

Bi-annual disability consultation with residents	
Does the cost/availability of transport provide a barrier to access?	No	
Do the recreational opportunities reflect the needs and interests of the community?	The parish council purchased the plot of Leisure Land from Pitstone Parish Charity in 2019/20, which has enabled the leisure development at this site and secured its future use for leisure and recreation.  The council continues to work on the upgrade of this location from a LEAP (Local Equipped Area of Play) to a NEAP (Neighbourhood Equipped Area of Play).  The first element of this project is the installation of the replacement play space, currently under construction.

Children need to experience risk, challenge and excitement in their play so that they can “stretch and challenge themselves in every way” (Play England).   To achieve this aim, a range of equipment to reflect all sizes, abilities and functions has been provided.  Play experiences include role play, spinning, sliding, climbing, bouncing, rocking, gliding, balance, traversing, crawling and natural play.  Challenging, stimulating and fun items of equipment have been included to appeal to older children for which the previous playground offered no facilities at all.   The height (Cheops pyramid is 5.6m tall), speed (zip wire) and movement (climbing whirl) of some of this equipment, combined with its location on site, will allow users to play high alongside the tree canopies, experience new sensations and push their abilities in order to grow in confidence.  The RoSPA evaluation reported “Good to see such a wide range of equipment, play values and play challenges for all ages and abilities. The new play space certainly has the “WOW” factor.”

The Play England principle asks developers to “imagine a play space where children of all ages play together”, where the boundaries are set by the users themselves rather than being imposed upon.   The new design is a fully integrated area that will aid the child’s progression, confidence building and motor skill development rather than restricting the play experience dependant on age or ability.  RoSPA comments in relation to this matter are “Excellent. Good to see.”  A central picnic area with hard surface has been provided, along with other seating/picnic facilities to provide social areas for parents and carers to meet whilst their children play freely and safely.  RoSPA concur saying “Excellent idea to provide a focal point and good seating area.”  This area will be illuminated at the request of Thames Valley Police.

A family inclusive multi-use games area for basketball, football and with activity panels will be installed by Nicholas King Homes in 2020/21.

The parish council will shortly commence procurement of a concrete wheeled sport park, which will be located between the ball court and play space.

Outdoor exercise equipment/trim trail will also be considered once the three major areas are installed. 

The wider recreation ground includes a senior football pitch and cricket pitch, where the council works with the associated sports clubs to ensure the grounds meet their requirements.
  	
Is the value to the community of this space maximised?	The current space is very tightly constrained with; children’s play, areas to socialise, informal sports areas, organised football and cricket training/matches.

The purchase of the additional land has enabled the replacement play space and will also enable the skate park.   By working with Nicholas King Homes, we have been able to secure replacement car parking and the installation of the ball court.
	
Are there any procurement requirements for this site?	Play space currently under installation.   Multi use ball court to be installed by Nicholas King Homes.  

The Parish Council is to procure a skate/wheeled sport park to be located between the ball court and play space.

Further site development to be determined once these 3 major installations are complete.

I&PUCC wish to work with the parish council to replace the existing single cricket practice net which has fallen into disrepair, with a new double lane net which would be open to the community.

Has there been any improvement to the site during the year?	See above re installation of new play space.  New equipment will include:
Viking Swing, Climbing Whirl, Cableway, Fortuna Play Course, DDA Wide Embankment Slide, DDA Sunken Trampoline, DDA Buggy Springer, DDA Bike Springer, Toddler Swings, Nest Carousel, Birds Nest Tree, DDA Cantilever Swing, Cheops Maxi Pyramid with Slide and Junior Swings.
	
Any areas identified for improvement?	See above redevelopment plans	
Insurance	The zip wire and high climbing cheops pyramid result in additional insurance requirements for the parish council.	

PLAY POLICY RISK/BENEFIT ANNUAL ASSESSMENT

“How well do the sites provide the play opportunities our Parish Council aims to offer, while managing the risks?”

PLAY AREA :   WINDSOR ROAD

ISSUE	COMMENTARY	
Are there regular inspections for litter hazards?	Yes; Litter picker employed weekly	
Are there regular inspections for wear & tear or damage?	Yes; Inspections every week, any points arising will be actioned	
Has there been an annual safety inspection by accredited supplier?	Yes, by Wicksteed.	
Is the site well used?	Yes; often occupied, especially by younger children	
Is the site safe and accessible?	Yes; Easy pedestrian access in centre of Castlemead estate, flat entrances, good visibility and overlooked by residential properties. Interior mainly hard surfaces – soft play or macadam – allowing easy access between equipment.    Grassed area at side.	
Is there car parking nearby, with appropriate surface and flat access?	On road parking only, with tarmac footpaths to play space.  Dedicated cycle path and two footpaths.  Designed for use by local residents who tend to walk, scoot, cycle etc to the park.	
Are there areas for young people to play and socialise?	Yes; Play equipment, benches and picnic tables plus grass area.  Neighbouring grass site for informal sports etc.	
Does the site promote the inclusion and access for disadvantaged and disabled children?	•	 Features multi-purpose equipment with slide, springers and cradle seat swings that can be enjoyed by majority of children.   
•	Site fully accessible.
•	Bi-annual disability consultation with residents	
Does the cost/availability of transport provide a barrier to access?	No	
Do the recreational opportunities reflect the needs and interests of the community?	Yes.  NB This is a small local area of play predominantly designed for use by young children resident in the Castlemead estate.  There is a limited amount of equipment (focusing mainly on swinging, sliding and rocking) and therefore limited stretch of experience, but equipment choice offers different experiences to the other Castlemead play area in Hever Close.	
Is the value to the community of this space maximised?	Yes.  Given the size of the area the space includes children’s play, informal/natural play on hill area, areas to socialise and informal sports areas	
Are there any procurement requirements for this site?	No.	
Has there been any improvement to the site during the year?	One pedestrian gate replaced. 	
Any areas identified for improvement?	Not at present	

PLAY POLICY RISK/BENEFIT ANNUAL ASSESSMENT

“How well do the sites provide the play opportunities our Parish Council aims to offer, while managing the risks?”

PLAY AREA :   HEVER CLOSE

ISSUE	COMMENTARY	
Are there regular inspections for litter hazards?	Yes; Litter picker employed	
Are there regular inspections for wear & tear or damage?	Yes; Inspections every week, any points arising will be actioned	
Has there been an annual safety inspection by accredited supplier?	Yes, by Wicksteed	
Is the site well used?	Yes; often occupied, but less well known than other sites and predominantly used by children from Castlemead due to location	
Is the site safe and accessible?	Yes; Situated at end of Castlemead estate, flat entrances, good visibility and overlooked by residential properties.   Interior entirely hard surfaces between equipment – soft play or macadam – allowing easy access between equipment.    Benches have high backs.  Grassed kick about area at side with open access park goal (NB this part of the site is only accessible via the grassy bank)	
Is there car parking nearby, with appropriate surface and flat access?	On road parking only, with tarmac footpaths to play space.   Designed for use by local residents who tend to walk, scoot, cycle etc to the park.	
Are there areas for young people to play and socialise?	Yes; Play equipment and benches.  Neighbouring grass site for informal sports etc.  Neighbouring woodland walk & woodland for natural play opportunities.	
Does the site promote the inclusion and access for disadvantaged and disabled children?	•	 Features multi-purpose equipment with roundabout and springers that can be enjoyed by majority of children.   
•	The enclosed area of the site is fully accessible.
•	Bi-annual disability consultation with residents 	
Does the cost/availability of transport provide a barrier to access?	No	
Do the recreational opportunities reflect the needs and interests of the community?	Yes; NB This is a small local area of play predominantly designed for use by young children resident in the Castlemead estate.  There is a limited amount of equipment and therefore limited stretch of experience, but equipment choice offers different experiences to the other Castlemead play area in Windsor Road (focusing mainly on climbing, balancing and rotating).	
Is the value to the community of this space maximised?	Yes; children’s play, informal/natural play, areas to socialise and informal sports areas	
Are there any procurement requirements for this site?	No	
Has there been any improvement to the site during the year?	No.	
Any areas identified for improvement?	AVDC/TW no longer plan to install improved path to secondary gate off woodland walk as part of transfer of Phase III open space as DDA compliant as is.	

This risk/benefit assessment of the three play spaces managed by the parish council was undertaken and approved at the following meeting:

Signed : .........................................................................................         Date: ............................................................             Minute Ref: ...........................................................

With the following amendments required: