A multi-agency report aimed at exploring ways in which we might better cultivate the conditions for children's play within residential streets across North Wales

1. STREETLIFE CONFERENCE
29.01.14: A multi-agency workshop aimed at exploring ways in which we might better cultivate
the conditions for children’s play within residential streets across North Wales.
The event was organised by the Play Officers North Wales group, a network of individuals who are the Play
Sufficiency leads from the 6 Counties, in response to priorities within all of our Play Sufficiency assessment.
The visual minutes maps were created by the Scarlet Design team ‘live’ at the conference and only available in English. If you
require these visual minutes maps in an alternative size, format or recreated in Welsh please contact ohara@scarletdesign.com

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STREETLIFE CONFERENCE
CONTENTS
• Geraint Anwyl, Conference Chair, Introduction.........................................................................................Page 2
• Eleri Thomas, Chief Executive, Office of the Children’s Commissioner
Overview of the Statutory Legislation relating to children’s play and children’s rights.................................. Page 3
• Mike Barclay, Play Development Co-ordinator, Wrexham CBC
The benefits challenges of increasing children young people’s presence in their communities............ Page 3
• Discussion 1: ‘What are the Implications of what you have heard so far on your work?’....................Pages 4 5
• Carys Thomas, Deputy Director, Sustrans
Examples of what has been done elsewhere. Possible models solutions................................................. Page 6
• Marianne Mannello, Assistant Director, Play Wales
Good practice from Wales and beyond......................................................................................................... Page 6
• Discussion 2: Progressing common themes to support North Wales
Local Authorities and key stakeholders in meeting the statutory duty.......................................................... Page 7
• Next Steps – Incorporating the idea of a working group and returning to any unresolved ideas................. Page 7
• Mary Nicholls, Senior Manager, Welsh Government Childcare and Play Policy Unit.......................... Page 8
• Photostory...................................................................................................................................................Page 9
• A selection of comments from the feedback sheets............................................................................. Page 11
• Thanks and references.............................................................................................................................Page 12
• Attendee List.............................................................................................................................................Page 13
• Appendix....................................................................................................................................................Page 15

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STREETLIFE CONFERENCE
INTRODUCTION
It was a pleasure for me to chair this Streetlife conference
which was planned and organised by Play Officers, North
Wales Group - the Play Sufficiency leads for each of the
six local authorities in North Wales. A review of the subject
matter, guest speakers each experts in the field and the wide
range of organisations represented by delegates hinted at the
likelihood of a stimulating day. I was not to be disappointed.
The speakers represented a wealth of experience working with
children and children’s rights and the participation of the Chief
Executive of the Office of the Children’s Commissioner and Senior
Manager of the Welsh Government Childcare and Play Policy Unit
provided valuable strategic support and guidance.
The conference was a response to legislation introduced by the
Welsh Government placing a statutory duty on local authorities to
assess and secure sufficiency of play opportunities for children
living in their areas. This pioneering legislation is aimed not
only at designated play provision but also includes the broader
environmental conditions that support or restrict children’s access
to time, space and permission for play as part of everyday life. In
short, the opportunities for unstructured freestyle play which are
rapidly disappearing from our communities.
The term ‘Statutory Duty’ serves to remind that in this context play
is indeed a serious business.The importance of free-range play
in children’s development cannot be underestimated. It underpins
their sense of community and their learning of social skills within
mixed groups. It encourages fertile imaginations and also provides
long-term health benefits. It can also nurture the sense of
belonging within a safe environment.
I cherish still my childhood memories of adventure, play and
community but as has been highlighted by speakers and
delegates alike, such memories are largely being denied the
children of today.
The challenge to achieving the aim of Welsh Government in this
regard is significant but not insurmountable. This energy charged
conference has identified obstacles as expected, but more
importantly many enablers which can drive forward realistic and
practical solutions. This will require some critical reviews by all
organisations of how they deal with their activities regarding public
spaces and it will also require a coordinated partnership approach.
The desire within the delegates present to progress these matters
was clearly evident.
Public perception is firmly set with disproportionate fears
galvanised by sometimes sensationalist media. This was
discussed at length by many present and is clearly seen as an
inhibitor.
From a personal perspective I was taken aback to learn that our
children are being withdrawn from their streets at an alarming
rate, this when Wales and the UK has seen dramatic falls in the
numbers of people killed and injured and being able to claim some
of the very safest road environs in the world. Surely a glaring
dissonance.
The energy and enthusiasm encountered during this conference
was palpable. Together with Government support and strategic
direction I feel reassured that the best interests of our children can
be satisfied as Wales sets the example for others to follow.
Geraint Anwyl, Conference Chair 11.04.14

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‘What are the implications of what you have heard so far on your work?’ Tablesheets
Larger images of these table-sheets from Discussion 1 are available in the Appendix section of this document, page 15.

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STREETLIFE CONFERENCE
Photostory

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STREETLIFE CONFERENCE
Photostory

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STREETLIFE CONFERENCE
A selection of comments from the feedback sheets
“What I found most useful about the event was...”
“Interesting
ideas/views to
promote play
opportunities.”
“Useful that it
was attended by
people from various
organisations.”
“Interesting to get an
insight from different
organisations. Different
perspective for our
organisation.”
“Provided a good
insight into the current
situation / issues of
making areas more
accessible to children for
play. The way ahead.”
“The opportunity
to hear and discuss
various views and
opinions on the
issues of play-related
matters.”
“Learning that
it is very important
issue that needs
addressing ASAP.”
“Information
given about
outdoor play .i.e.
legislation etc.”
“Matters
presented, were
of value to moving
this matter on.”
“Opportunity
to discuss and
suggest ideas
for change.”
“Issue coverage –
use of media and live
graphics. Seminar chair
was excellent.”
“Venue,
refreshments and
organisation –
brilliant.”
“Ability to mix
with other
professionals.”
“Presentation,
legislation. Other
people’s stories of
their childhood ‘play’
memories.”
“Discuss marketing
ideas; meeting
people i.e.
networking.”
“Learn about the
importance of informal
play on streets
and context of this
legislative”
“Brainstorming
ideas, sharing
and the
networking.”
“An update on
what is happening
- the sharing
of ideas.”
“The enthusiasm
and commitment
which was so
evident.”

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STREETLIFE CONFERENCE
Chair
Geraint Anwyl, Conference Chair
Geraint Anwyl retired from the Police Service in 2011 having served in Avon Somerset, London and North Wales,
attaining the rank of Chief Superintendent and also performing the role of Temporary Assistant Chief Constable.
He has performed a variety of roles which have seen him chair numerous strategic groups at national and
international levels. For 10 years he held the ACPO portfolio of National Road Policing Intelligence and represented
the United Kingdom at TISPOL, the European Road Policing Organisation.
Geraint has chaired meetings and conferences across all EU member states and has been heavily involved in
European Casualty Reduction strategy.
He is a fluent Welsh speaker and since retirement has returned to beef and sheep farming. He continues to travel
extensively as a member of vocal group ‘Trio Canig‘.
References
‘Street Play, then and now in Wales’ - Sustrans Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-VuB131sFo
Reference for “legislation introduced by the Welsh Government placing a statutory duty on
local authorities to assess and secure sufficiency of play opportunities for children living in their areas:
http://www.playwales.org.uk/eng/sufficiency
Thanks
The Play Officer North Wales Group would like to thank all the delegates for attending the Street Life Seminar and
for contributing whole heartedly to the days proceedings. We would especially like to thank the speakers for setting
the scene for the day and to Fran O’Hara and Associates for providing excellent facilitation services. For more
information on this event please email: Martin King-Sheard at martinkingsheard@cvsc.org.uk

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ATTENDEE LIST (1)
Name Post Association
Brian Williams Community Safety Team Manager, North Wales Fire Rescue
Gareth Osmond Jones Road Safety Manager, North Wales Police
Cllr Richard Dew Highways Portfolio Holder, Anglesey County Council
Chris Swash Senior Play Worker, Flintshire County Council
Mo Duffy Senior Play Worker, Flintshire County Council
PCSO Natalie Tookey PCSO Anglesey
PCSO Ian Hughes PCSO Anglesey
Cllr Dave Mackie Councillor, Flintshire County Council
Julie Birchall Road Safety, Conwy County Council
Peter Barton-Price Conwy County Council
Lyn Davies Open Spaces Manager, Conwy County Council
Matt Stowe Environmental Development Officer, Cartrefi Conwy
Roy Hinchcliffe Senior Assistant Engineer (Traffic), Anglesey County Council
Ceri Williams Road Safety Officer, Anglesey County Council
Gill Stevens Communications, Wrexham County Council
Rich Sumner Planning, Wrexham County Council
Katy Owen Community Safety Health and Well Being, Wrexham County Council
Sian Mererid Roberts Swyddog Chwarae Teuluoedd yn Gyntaf, Gwynedd County Council
Celfyn Evans Rheolwr Partneriaeth Gwasanaeth Tan, Gwynedd Anglesey
Eleri Thomas Chief Executive officer, Children’s Commisioner in Wales
Carys Thomas Sustrans Deputy Director, Sustrans
Luned Evans One Voice Wales Officer, One Voice Wales
Marianne Mannello Assistant Director: Policy, Support and Advocacy, Play Wales
Dafydd Myrddin Rheolwr Dewis Chwarae, Dewis Chwarae
Andrew Harradine Urban Villages Cluster Manager, Wrexham County Council
Deborah Williams Health and Wellbeing Development Officer, Wrexham County Council
Gill Grainger Community Diversity Manager, Wrexham County Council
Cynghorydd Paul Thomas Aelod Cabinet Cyngor Gwynedd, Cyngor Gwynedd
Jonathan Miller Health Wellbeing Manager, Wrexham County Council
Lara Griffiths Planning, Denbighshire County Council
Angela Loftus Planning, Denbighshire County Council
Liz Grieve Partnerships and Communities Team Manager, Denbighshire County Council
Simon Billington Countywide Maintenance Functions, Denbighshire County Council

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ATTENDEE LIST (2)
Name Post Association
Keira Hooson Gweithiwr Chwarae Meirionydd, Gwynedd County Council
Steve Carroll Community Safety, North Wales Police
Delyth Jones Swyddog Marchnata ac Ymgysylltiad Cymunedol/Marketing Community Engagement Officer, North Wales Police
Ann Roberts Flintshire Young Peoples Partnership Co-ordinator and Head of Youth Service, Flintshire County Council
Emma Murphy Flintshire Children’s and Young People’s - Involvement and Information Officer, Flintshire County Council
Janet Roberts Flintshire Play Development Officer, Flintshire County Council
Sue Williams Flintshire Play Project Lead Inclusion, Flintshire County Council
Suzanne Pearce Denblighshire Play Officer, Denbighshire County Council
Martin King-Sheard Conwy Principal Play Officer, Conwy County Council
Mike Barclay Wrexham Play Officer, Wrexham County Council
Siwan Owens Swyddog Datblygu Chwarae Môn / Anglesey Play Development Officer, Anglesey County Council
Gwydion Ilan ap Wynn Swyddog Chwarae Gwynedd Play Officer, Gwynedd County Council
Gareth Parry Rheolwr Cyflawni Iechyd, Gofal a Lles - Health, Care and Well-being Delivery Manager, Partneriaeth Gwynedd a
Mon / Anglesey and Gwynedd Partnership
Bethan Williams Swyddog Prosiect Plant a Phobl Ifanc / Children and Young People Project Officer, Partneriaeth Gwynedd a Môn /
Anglesey and Gwynedd Partnership
Iwan Prys-Jones Taith Executive Officer Taith
Cllr Mike Priestley Portfollio Holder for Highways and Transport / Chairman of Taith, Conwy County Council / Taith
Tracey Evans Integrated Children’s Service and Family Information Service, Denbighshire County Council
Gareth Roberts Uwch Swyddog Rheolaeth Datblygu, Trafnidiaeth a Gofal Stryd, Gwynedd County Council
Alan Bevan Cydlynydd Ymddygiad Gwrthgymdeithasol / Anti Social Behaviour Co-ordinator, Partneriaeth Gwynedd a Môn /
Anglesey and Gwynedd Partnership
Richard Roberts Flintshire Play Design Office, Flintshire County Council
Celia Meredith Senior Health and Safety Adviser and Trainer, Flintshire County Council
Trevor Jones Policy and Performance Support Officer, Flintshire county Council
Ste James Planning Officer, Flintshire County Council
Rhian Roberts Lead officer for Strategic Leisure, Denbighshire County Council
Delyth Jones Public Health Wales, Denbighshire County Council
Vicky Allen Children and Family Services, Denbighshire County Council
Barbara Milne Corporate Communications, Flintshire County Council
James Wood Children and Family Services, Denbighshire County Council
Isobel Bourke-Bennett Children and Family Services, Denbighshire County Council
Robin Sandham Conwy Planning Officer, Conwy County Council

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APPENDIX
Discussion 1 Tablesheets:
‘What the implications on what you have heard so far on your work?’
- Larger images of these table-sheets shown on page 5.
- These are photos are available at larger size if you require them.
- The tablesheets are shown in the language which participants chose to record their comments.

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