east renfrewshire
Let’s
Play
Let’s Play is a programme developed in response to
comments made by parents from East Renfrewshire’s
‘Parenting Strategy’, coordinated by the Family Centre
Development Manager, Adult Learning and Psychological
Services. The programme was devised in line with
current research and in consultation with parents and
local early years establishments alongside key partners
using the Early Years Collaborative method of testing
in small numbers before launching big. The programme
encourages parents and professionals to take part in an
approach based on learning together, structured around
a balance of theory, discussion and practical fun based
experiences. During the course of delivery key messages around attachment, interacting with children and how this
can shape behaviour and the benefits of play in relation to children meeting their developmental milestones are
promoted and shared.
The success of the first pilot in the community of Neilston has ensured this is now embedded in practice during
every holiday period in Madras Family Centre as well as additional opportunities for parents, children and early
years practitioners learn together through play throughout the school term. Parents and children from Madras
Family Centre expressed that this approach was more like ‘speaking to a group of friends rather than feeling
preached to’ and commented it was ‘a great method of all learning together, while sharing values and gaining a
better understanding of parenting in general in todays world.’
Another successful outcome reflected by parents was that this style of programme provided an opportunity to get
involved in the wider community mainly due to building greater networks linked to the Let’s Play project as well as
parents supporting one another.
Let’s Play is presently being introduced in the Dunterlie community based in Carlibar Family Centre and will
thereafter will broaden out their approach to engaging the community in play opportunities.
The aim is to build and share the knowledge and skills to all parents, partners and communities across East
Renfrewshire to ensure we improve outcomes for children’s quality of life through play.
“Now I know how much kids can develop
through play.”
Parent
“There was a real buzz about the place
after the holidays from parents and staff
wanting to know and do more to share
this experience with all parents and staff.
We have planned to build in play sessions
for parents and children as part of our
routine in the family sessions to ensure all
parents and staff have opportunities to
learn together.”
“The initiatives that came from the Let’s
Play in Madras encouraged a sense of
community, giving the people who matter
the chance to contribute their ideas and
values on play in their neighbourhood.”
Elissa Wilson,
Library Services
Vicky Devlin,
Head Teacher
Madras
“Really enjoyed sharing experiences with
other parents and loved playing with
children getting good and varied ideas.”
Parent