School Play Streets

The Idea

School play streets are an adaptation of the play street model; short temporary road closures outside a school gate at the start and end of the school day, with volunteer stewards looking after the closure points. School Play Streets enable children to play in the street more safely and make space for adults to socialise. These are community-led, last no more than 3 hours but can take place regularly throughout the year.

Some reasons to do school play streets:

1. Removing cars creates space for play before or after school
2. Vastly improved air quality outside the school gate
3. Encourages active travel to school – walking, scooting, cycling 4.Brings the whole school community together in an informal way, enables school staff to improve relationships with parents and children
4. A more relaxed and enjoyable start and end to the school day for everyone
5. Increased safety for everyone
6. School play streets can introduce the idea and build support for permanent school streets (timed closures everyday)

Find out lots more info about School Play streets here: https://playingout.net/what-can-i-do/in-your-neighbourhood/school-streets/school-play-streets/

What you can do

As part of the Community Play Challenge in London, supported by Real Play Coalition, you can apply for a small amount of funding to cover any costs associated with starting School Play Streets near your school. Play Streets is a low cost programme and you can get started with little or no funding but this funding will allow you to purchase any equipment you might need.