Play Sufficiency in Sandwell 

In January 2024 Sandwell MBC Play service decided to undertake a piece of research into whether Sandwell children had enough time, space and permission for play. This piece of research is called a ‘Play Sufficiency Assessment’, or PSA for short.

What is Play sufficiency?

Play sufficiency is about making sure children have enough time, space, and permission to play as an essential part of their everyday lives.

Play sufficiency involves researching the extent and quality of children’s opportunities for play. This research helps us understand the variety of issues that influence whether children get enough play.

Why conduct a Play sufficiency Assessment in Sandwell?

Sufficient opportunities for play are key to children’s enjoyment of the cities, towns, and communities they live in. Through playing children actively influence their physical health and mental well-being, holistic development, and enjoyment of life. Improving parental confidence in allowing children out to play improves children’s ability to freely navigate their communities and access the time, space and playmates needed for quality play experiences.

What are we doing?

We are gathering data via online surveys and face-to-face workshops to find out what children think about the state of play in Sandwell. We are also listening to children’s opinions on their own lived experiences of playing, to see if there are any common factors that influence whether those experiences are good or bad. The opinions of children will be given at least equal weight to that of adults so that evidence-based actions plans can be developed in the future.

Where are we now?

We are about to enter the third and final phase of the research where we will examine the data we have collected so far. This data will help the Council develop plans that support the good things children experience about their play and improve things which are not good. Once we have all the information, we will share what we have found out.

Look out for our next update in December!