Playwell, play for all

Playing in York Road, summer 2014

When 'playing out' was first talked about in Birmingham it was no surprise pioneers in inclusive play 'Parks for play' supported the initiative.  They sent teams of playworkers to streets to ensure inclusive play for all.

Through groups like Playwell, they continue their commitment to inclusive play, offering summer holiday play sessions running from 1st to 12th August at Uffculme school. These play sessions prioritize access for new children with any additional needs/ disabilities that live locally ( kings Heath/ Moseley) to ensure that ALL children can enjoy play opportunities on the doorstep in their community.


Parks for Play were awarded Community Champion Gold Award by Kings Heath BID (Business improvement District) for their contribution to services for children and their work on equalities. In addition to all their free inclusive playschemes in local parks Playwell became the first specialist afterschool care in the country so that local parents with disabled children can to go to work. There is NO other afterschool childcare at any special schools whilst employment and childcare remain key government concerns, this group of people continue to be denied access to work.

'Disabled children and their families face the poverty of forced unemployment, social exclusion and immense pressures.Playwell also offers families emergency respite for parents dealing with crisis or other ongoing family commitments.

It gives children with additional needs the opportunity to socialise with peers in their community developing in creative ways that can only be facilitated through play.' 

Amanda Bradley, Chair Parks for Play 

Playwell customised afterschool play care currently runs daily from 3pm to 6pm and Playspring customised afterschool play sessions runs from 3- 4.30pm. Both services are run by Parks for Play from the Uffculme School site on Queensbridge Road, B13 8QB opposite Queensbridge School. Families can book children into free trial sessions across the rest of this summer term and we will be taking bookings for summer holiday playscheme. The evening is an informal event to allow families to meet the Parks for Play service manager, the team of qualified play workers and see the premises.

For families with children with any additional needs please come to a parent open evening on Friday 8th July between 6pm and 7pm at Uffculme school

Parks for Play are also running a Play Day Bonanza on Sunday 24th July between 1pm and 4pm at All Saints Centre, Kings Heath village Square open to all local children and families .


Equal Access to Work [Short Version] from Axe Films on Vimeo.