Play

“Play encompasses children’s behaviour which is freely chosen, personally directed and intrinsically motivated. It is performed for no external goal or reward and is a fundamental and integral part of healthy development – not only for individual children, but also for the society in which they live.” – Welsh Government Play Policy (2002)

Play is important in children’s lives, for both its recreational value and for the part that it plays in children’s physical and emotional health and well-being and in their personal development.

Children have a right in law to play and to ensure this is met the council must assess the sufficiency of play opportunities in its area; and must secure sufficient play opportunities for children, so far as reasonably practicable, having regard to its assessment. The overall aim of this it to ensure that there are more children playing more often and that they are given time, space and permission to do so.

What’s On?

MonLife provides free to low cost community play opportunities for children and young people through a mixture of inclusive programmes in partnership with Community and Town Councils, Welsh Government, Welsh Local Government Association as well as wider partner services.

Active Play

Active play sessions are 1 hours and 55 minutes and children aged 5-11 can be left with our trained and experienced playworkers. These sessions run from a variety of locations throughout the authority. They run through the school holidays dependant on funding and are free at the point of access. Children can choose freely from a variety of play resources and will be provided with a snack.

Stay and play

These sessions are 2 hours and are for families to come together to play. Children can choose from a variety of resources and play activities. Funding dependant our stay and play sessions run from a variety of locations throughout the authority. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Food and Fun

Food and Fun is a school-based education programme that provides food and nutrition education, physical activity, enrichment sessions and healthy meals to children during the school summer holidays.

Our activities page is updated regularly with information on what’s coming up and how you can book. Click the following link to see our upcoming play activities.

CLICK HERE

Parks and Recreation

Playing outdoors has many benefits to children and young people’s development and wellbeing. The outdoors provides the perfect environment for them to take risks and allow them to become aware of limits, boundaries and challenges in their play which in turn builds resilience, the skill of risk management and builds confidence. Other benefits include

Increased motor skills and improved muscle strength
Development of communication and social skills
Appreciation for the environment.

Monmouthshire is steeped in beautiful landscape and hidden gems which provide space to play and be active. You can find information on walks and outdoor spaces at (www.visitmonmouthshire.com/things-to-do)

Monmouthshire also has a range of inclusive fixed place spaces such as parks throughout the authority. You can find these via the following button:

CLICK HERE

Play

What’s On?

Active Play

Stay and play

Food and Fun

Parks and Recreation

Play Sufficiency Assessment and reports

The Importance of Play

Playful Childhoods

Parenting. Give it time

Play Streets