What are Play Rangers?

Play Rangers offer free open access play sessions where children between the ages of 5 – 15 can come and play. Children are encouraged to help plan the sessions and choose the kind of activities that they would like. 
Play activities include arts and crafts, junk modelling, den building, parachute games, ball games, fire building and wide games.
The Play Rangers target their work to meet the Every Child Matters Outcomes framework, e.g. by encouraging healthy lifestyles by exercise, healthy eating, and encouraging them to be involved in their communities. (Please see our QT for more information).The Play Rangers also build relationships with the children and young people, giving the children and young people a friend and role model that they can talk to.

How does the scheme work?

The Play Rangers work in parks and outdoor public spaces in South Gloucestershire. They operate on an 'open access' principle, meaning that children are free to come and go as they please, as no registration is required. By being present in the parks Play Rangers do their utmost to ensure children are kept safe yet at the same time provide opportunities for them to be challenged, take risks and have fun outdoors come rain or shine. However we must emphasise, due to the nature of the environment children are responsible for their own actions. Children who are younger than 5 years of age, must have parental supervision if they wish to join in.    

Where and when do the Play Rangers work?

The Play Rangers work in teams of two in parks and open spaces throughout the whole year. The Play Rangers are managed by Winterbourne based Voluntary Organisation, Childrens Playlink. Mondays and Wednesdays Play Rangers are in Thornbury, Staple Hill and Patchway. Tuesdays and Thursdays Play Rangers are in Filton, Kingswood and Yate. Play Rangers aim to stay in the parks after school (15.15) until 18.00, but reserve the right to end sessions early. For our Super Saturday sessions, please see the menu link on the right hand side of the page.



What qualifications do the Play Rangers have?

All Play Rangers are well trained and to maintain good practice training is updated on a regular basis. The Majority of staff have undertaken Child Protection or Safeguarding Children, Drug Awareness, Inclusion training, Fire Building and have obtained a Paediatric First Aid qualification. Within the team there are BA and BSc (Hons) degrees, qualified Play Workers and qualified Sports Coaches.

Why do you need Play Rangers?

We hope that the consistency of having Play Rangers working in the communities several times a week will have long term benefits. This includes building relationships with the children and young people and becoming known and trusted within the area.  In addition we hope the Play Rangers will give children a voice as well as build confidence and encourage sense of ownership of their parks which may in time help to reduce anti social behaviour. It is also a great opportunity for children to get back outdoors.

How can I find out more?

For information please contact the Play Rangers on 01454 865629 or contact the Play Ranger Manager on 01454 865638. Play Rangers also carry mobile phones to enable parents to contact the Play Rangers during a session.