Play Builder and Pathfinder Authorities


In the national Play Strategy (2008), DCSF announced the creation of a programme to enhance and create more quality play spaces across England. It was announced that by April 2009, all top tier local authorities across England would receive funding to develop play spaces that are inclusive, of high play value, bespoke to meet individual community's needs, a combination of natural and fixed play experiences and with a high level of community and child engagement throughout the whole development process.
 
The funding that top tier local authorities have received was split into two groups. Play builder authorities (122 authorities in total across England) will receive approximately £1million to develop 22 new or enhanced play areas. Play pathfinder authorities (30 in total) will receive approximately £2million to develop 28 play areas and an adventure play space. The full list of which authorities received which funding can be found on the DCSF website.
 
The funding was announced in two different 'waves'. The first round of funding was given to some authorities in July 2008 who will have until March 31st 2011 to develop their play spaces. The second round of funding was provided in April 2009 to all other local authorities who will also have until March 31st 2011 to develop all of their play spaces.
 
The play builder and pathfinder authorities are being supported and monitored by Play England who have contracted the work of KIDS NDD to support and challenge local authorities in terms of the inclusion aspect of this programme. To find out more about the play builder and pathfinder programme please speak to KIDS or visit the Play England website. Please go to the Advice and Support section of this website to find out how KIDS is supporting play builder and pathfinder authorities.