Questions and Answers

Child's Play programme Questions and Answers can be found on the BIG Lottery website 

Additional questions were asked at a seminar on 9 October 2008.  Here are those questions and answers.

1, Given the revenue infrastructure from Round One and other sources, why can applicants NOT submit capital only applications?

The Child's Play programme is a strategic programme that aims to make a significant impact on children's play in Wales.  

As part of the programme development BIG Lottery Fund (BIG) undertook considerable consultation with a diverse range of stakeholders.  This included the Welsh Assembly Government, Local Government, Pre-School Playgroups Association, Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin, Play Officers Network, Funky Dragon and CYPPs.  It was concluded that there was a gap in provision and significant expectation concerning children's play. 

The revenue provided at stage two for play projects is to develop play initiatives further than just creating the play environment. By funding the revenue aspect i.e. staffing, activity and material costs etc we are also improving the opportunity for project sustainability. This consultation also concluded that the best option for Round Two play projects was either revenue only or a combination of revenue and capital funding.  Based on these findings our programme aims (as listed on page 4 of the guidance notes) to develop staffed open access play opportunities. 

The combined total of the capital and revenue funding you request must not be more than £1 million and we will normally only fund up to £250,000 of the total capital required to deliver a project.

The Child's Play guidance notes can be found on the BIG Lottery Fund website.

2, Given that the funding will only be for four years, what consideration will be given to sustainability in the bid evaluation process?

BIG is committed to issues regarding sustainability.  These formed part of the consultation informing the programme lead and us to conclude that play provision that is provided by the voluntary sector in a community setting with residents input is sustainable in the long term.

Potential applicants should expect to be able to demonstrate that they have considered sustainability issues in the development of strategic play projects. 

There is a specific question (3.4 Sustainable Development) in the application form and help is provided on pages 27-28 of the guidance notes that may assist you.  As stated in our guidance notes on page 8, revenue only projects may run up to four years, but projects that include a significant capital element may run up to six years to allow time to develop the capital aspects at the beginning of the project.

3, If the fund is to provide play spaces for all children, is there potential to upgrade existing provision to meet Disability Discrimination Act requirements?

BIG is committed to issues regarding inclusion.  However, as stated in our programme guidance notes (page 9) we will not fund projects purely associated with increasing disability access, but if your project includes these costs as a small part of a wider project, these costs will be considered.  In addition the information provided at the programme launch in November 2006 confirmed that Child's Play, like many of our programmes, will not fund wholesale upgrades to existing provision.  We will consider funding new provision that is inclusive from the outset.

4, What potential is there to focus on providing better access to existing provision, e.g. safe routes to play?

The full process for developing projects for Round Two is explained on the Play Wales website and within the programme guidance notes.

In summary, the audit that is currently being undertaken across the region will identify gaps in provision. The next stage will be to agree priorities for investment at a local level and develop projects to fill those gaps through Round Two of the programme. If safe routes to play are identified as a priority in a particular area and support through other funding streams is not available it might contribute to a strategic play project, if it could demonstrate that it will meet the outcomes of the programme.

5, Is there any potential for the fund to match additional monies

BIG can fund all or some of your project costs, but we encourage you to get some of your funding from other sources if you can.  We recognise that additional financial resources can contribute to better provision for children's play and are keen to see that applicants have explored a variety of funding streams to enhance and sustain potential projects.

6, Local Authorities within a geographical area may have different needs and may therefore want to prepare separate bids.  Should each complete a separate bid or should they be combined to avoid competition?

BIG expect to receive applications that can demonstrate that they are informed and evidenced by the local audits currently being undertaken within the ten infrastructure project areas.  These audits should identify the areas of priority need and inform the project proposal and application submitted.  Applications should also compliment existing strategies and the Children and Young People's Plans (CYPP) of the local authorities that the project covers.  However, whilst support from respective Children and Young People's Boards is useful, it is not mandatory.

Wherever possible partnership working and collaboration should be encouraged.  Projects are advised that BIG anticipates that this will be a competitive programme.