Play Inclusion Support

The Family Play Inclusion Worker, James Beattie, supports families as well as settings, to include disabled and socially excluded children into play.

Working directly with families, James visits families at home to help identify what services will best meet the needs of the family in relation to the child’s play needs. Support includes contact visits where using his playwork knowledge and theory, James uses play to support children’s development and social skills to gain confidence. This service also supports family members to better understand the value of play for children and parents often engage readily in the process.

Play settings are supported through visits as well as direct support for children in the setting where appropriate. Inclusion Action Plans are used where playworkers can identify areas they would like support with to better include children as well as work towards an inclusive ethos for their setting.

Part of the work also involves ensuring that disabled children and their families are involved in the Pathfinder Parks developments across B&NES. Using small groups, visiting groups as well as e-groups, James ensures that disabled children’s views are included in the planning for parks to hopefully mean better access to parks and play spaces which consider the needs of disabled children and their families.

Agencies can refer children and families to the Play Inclusion Support service through use of the Request for Support Form: