Notes and Actions from Meeting 23rd March 2017
Welcome and apologies:
Present: Sandra Harrington (chair), Ailsa Villegas, Corrina Shearer, Dan Jenkins, Gillian Newman, Ian Kyle, Katy Kitchingham, Laura Donald, Lia Hunter (teleconference)Le-anne Fraser
Apologies: Calum MacLennan, Debbie Sutton, Emma Tayler, Hugh Gardiner, Kayrin Murray, Stephanie Bruce
Discussed / Decisions / Actions / Who
Note of last meeting
‘Let’s go on a wee adventure’- information for parents on days out within an hour of Inverness. Copies will be provided free to families who would benefit.
Gordon Cook Foundation – offer of £20k for a project with a Health remit /
- Dan will co-ordinate distribution of leaflets if those who have direct contact with families let him know where to send them to so that they can be distributed. Dan to inform group who this information has already gone out to.
- Now we are post play event, ideas for storing and distributing materials to schools or clubs who may want to borrow it. Ailsa put in a bid
AV
Play Event 2017 /
- All those present agreed that it was a successful day and good feedback on activities.
- A few teachers have expressed an interest interested in borrowing the play event materials and Gillian organised for it to be delivered to Central Primary in the first instance.
- General sense that marketing could have been better and shared more widely on Social media
- Courier was there taking photos; need to check if anything published. Our press team were given a press release.
- No one noted any member presence on the day
- Storage for play materials and legacy discussed at length, at moment Central PS have it on loan and the Gaelic PS would like to borrow it next.
- Possibly extend the items we have and provide play kits to schools or groups.
- Therefore, temporary home with schools. Suggestion that schools feedback on what was used and any suggestions for further equipment. Development of a play pack and guidance was discussed.
- Other groups have been in touch regarding the event, looking for Play Highland to deliver something similar. However, clarified that we don’t deliver events for others but happy to support and promote through social media.
GN
LH/KK
Steve Holmes contacted the group – looking at Pupil Equity Fund to create mentors in P6/7 to help with play within schools from Nursery upward. /
- Steve to be invited to next meeting in June
Highland Council Community Guidance for Developing Inspiring and Sustainable Community Spaces for Play /
- Sections 7.1, 8.1 and 9.1. 11.1 should also contain community services contacts. This is to be written by Andy Summers Head of environmental and amenity services and forwarded to the group. Discuss at next meeting in June 2017
- Section 10.5. This should state: See Play Highland website funding resources page.Local offices can offer advice and guidance to draw in funding.
SH
School Grounds Risk Benefit Assessment (standing item) /
- Lia had discussed open access to school grounds with a possible test school, but they were not really enthusiastic about it. Lia also spoke with the Area Manager and QIM.
- Lia also spoke to Orkney council and gave feedback. 3 key people were involved in the open access, collaborative approach. It was linked into their play agenda, funding played a part in its success. (See info sent.) The local authority is responsible for risk assessments and maintaining weekly checks of the grounds. Orkney school grounds are open and shared responsibility between the schools and community services. Most of their schools are Community schools and have an ethos of open access to grounds.
- Difficult in Highland to find a test school to trial the approach. Ullapool seemed keen on the notion, but needs a joint approach to take this forward.
- Number of schools that don’t do LETS in Highland, possibly target them.
- General feeling that this was beyond the remit of this group alone who have tried to drive this forward. Suggestion that the group approach the chairs of the CPPs to re-emphasise the PLAY strategy and the need for an open access approach.
- Letter to be drafted to do this, Gillian agreed to start this and others contribute.
Play Highland Website, social media and newsletter update /
- Updates from Laura, more sign-ups for newsletter. Site seems to be making a positive impact.
- Lia will put link on the Early Years Education Support Officers (EYESO) new blog site and newsletter.
- Ailsa will ensure GLOW and Council Council Website information is updated and link put in
- FHC4 link to play website
LH
AV
IK
Play Award 2017 /
- Ailsa distributed bids prior to the meeting and these were scored by members of the group.
- Winner – Roots & Shoots – B&S
- Winner to be contacted by phone and rest emailed.
- Photo opportunity and invite to ECAS meeting Aug/Sept.
- Discussed offering runner up prizes as high quality of entrants and agreed.
- Runner up prizes to Stramash and Kincraig under 5’s.
IK
AOB
Agenda item for June /
- Lia stepping aside and Jennie Drummond to take her place on the group
- Invite Steve Holmes
- Develop actions to challenge gender stereotyping and disability in play
Next meetings:
15th June 2-4pm. Possibly on the beach Rosemarkie.
7th September 2-4pm. Care & Learning Meeting Room
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