Torfaen Play Service provides various opportunities for children and young people of all ages and abilities through the medium of play. The service delivers play opportunities 7 days a week to meet the needs of communities across Torfaen. With over 100 different play-related projects each year, our work is governed through the council's Play Sufficiency Action Plan which feeds back to the Welsh Government on an annual basis.
We are a team of 19 workers during term time supported by sessional workers and volunteers. Within the summer, the team increases to over 400 workers and volunteers to enable us to provide a wide range of summer play opportunities.
Currently, there are five themes of work delivered by the Play Service:
Play and Inclusion
- Additional Support for Children and Young People with Disabilities and Behavioural Needs aged 5 – 11 Years
- Additional Support for Children with Complex Needs and Profound Disabilities aged 12 – 17 Years
- Weekly and Holiday Support for Care Experienced Children and Young People
- Weekly and Holiday Support for Young Carers
- Weekend and Holiday Play and Respite Sessions
- Weekly Play and Inclusion Club
- Play Assessment Centre
- Sensory Room Hire
Play in the Community
- Weekly Family Play Sessions
- Weekly Community Play Clubs
- Monthly Dad and Me Forum
- Lego Club
- Pop up and Play Sessions
- Play and Transition Clubs
- Community Events
- Safer Routes to Play – Skootfit and Bikes Sessions
- Toy Lending Library
- Consultation and Participation Projects
Play in Schools
- Play and Wellbeing Sessions
- Inclusive Play in Schools Support
- Play and Breakaway Sessions
- Wrap Around and Play Sessions
- Play on the Playground
- Early Bird Breakfast Play Sessions
- After School Clubs
- LEGO Build to Express
- Interactive Discos
Holiday Play Provisions
- Half Term and Summer Playschemes 5- 11 years
- Food and Fun Camps 5- 11 years
- Half Term and Summer Play and Activity Camps 8 – 11 years
- Half Term and Summer Play and Wellbeing Camps 5- 11 years
- Half Term and Summer Play and Respite 5 – 17 years
- Play in the Park Sessions (Seasonal)
- Play and Transition Camps – 8 – 13 years
Volunteering and Training
- Volunteering Project –16+
- Play Helper Project – 14 - 15 years (limited Spaces)
- Work Based Placements through ITEC and ACT
- Work Experience through schools
- College and University placements
- Play Awareness Training for Schools and Community Groups