Infrastructure Partnership Working

This was a real opportunity to plan and encourage a meaningful and sustainable partnership approach. The Welsh Assembly Government Beecham Review encourages cross-county working and cross-sector working.

Addressing the WLGA conference in Llandudno, Cllr Derek Vaughan WLGA Leader said: "Every public service provider must change. Everyone must be prepared to get involved in joint working, pooled resources and joint appointments. We need to think as one public service."

The Children Act 2004 imposes a duty on agencies to co-operate in promoting the well-being of children and young people in terms of recreation (which includes play). Play provision is thus included as a specific duty in primary legislation. It is also anticipated that the Government of Wales Bill (that becomes an Act in May 2007) will introduce a statutory duty on local authorities to secure adequate play provision.

But, if there is a duty to co-operate, who should local authorities co-operate with? We know that there are a variety of voluntary play associations scattered across Wales, and also that their viability is often based on project funding - working to meet particular outcomes. This way of working has meant that many have struggled to be equal partners in the planning of play at local level. A strong cross-sector partnership which identifies local priorities is essential to respond to both this funding programme and to implement the national play policy implementation plan at local level.

We supported existing play organisations to identfy the resources needed to increase capacity. Where there was no existing network, Play Wales identified appropriate host organisations to undertake management of the grant until a constituted partnership is established.

Our Development Officers worked with organisations that could or should have an interest in the strategic development of play provision. Our team has considerable expertise in policy development, strategic planning and partnership working in the context of play provision and playwork.

Developing strategic partnerships has undoubtedly had a significant impact on children's play in Wales. We are confident that developing and maintaining this approach will have a long lasting influence on children's play provision, but also better use of existing resources.