The Play Awards

The Play Awards

The Trustees recognised that there was very little public awareness of those providing the most exciting and stimulating play provision and experiences for children. Thus the Nancy Ovens Awards were launched in 2004 which recognised and encouraged contributions made by individuals, community groups, local authorities and others to the provision of good quality play experiences in outdoor settings.

In 2011 the eighth annual Nancy Ovens Awards for Play continue to recognise and celebrate outdoor play experiences for children which make the child’s right to play a reality.

2011 Award Categories:

1. Best Play Experience

2. Best Space for Play

Key to judging the awards for play and provision of exciting play opportunities that Nancy championed are the following criteria:

Involvement by Children/Young People:

Local communities need to be able to articulate their aspirations, needs and priorities. Children and young people must be actively involved as partners with adults in the design of their play experience. Their ongoing involvement in the management of the play space must be evidenced.

The Physical Environment:

The physical environment should be recognisable as a space to play and invite children to explore and gain new and different experiences.

The Play Experience:

Children and young people should have freedom to play and develop a positive sense of self.

Access to the Play Space:

Every child irrespective of gender, background, cultural or racial origin, or ability should have access to the play space and the opportunity to be involved in the decision making process in the design and delivery of the project.

Importantly, the Trustees involve children in the final decisions about who should receive the play awards.