Torfaen Play Service

Torfaen Play Service provides various opportunities for children and young people of all ages and abilities through the medium of play. The service delivers play opportunities 7 days a week to meet the needs of communities across Torfaen. With over 100 different play-related projects each year, our work is governed through the council's Play Sufficiency Action Plan which feeds back to the Welsh Government on an annual basis.

We are a team of 19 workers during term time supported by sessional workers and volunteers. Within the summer, the team increases to over 400 workers and volunteers to enable us to provide a wide range of summer play opportunities.

Currently, there are five themes of work delivered by the Play Service: 

Play and Inclusion  

• Additional Support for Children and Young People with Disabilities and Behavioural Needs aged 5 – 11 Years
• Additional Support for Children with Complex Needs and Profound Disabilities aged 12 – 17 Years
• Weekly and Holiday Support for Care Experienced Children and Young People
• Weekly and Holiday Support for Young Carers
• Weekend and Holiday Play and Respite Sessions
• Weekly Play and Inclusion Club
• Play Assessment Centre
• Sensory Room Hire (Coming Soon)

Play in the Community

• Weekly Family Play Sessions
• Weekly Community Play Clubs
• Monthly Dad and Me Forum
• Football and Fun Club (Seasonal)
• Lego Club
• Pop up and Play Sessions
• Play and Transition Clubs
• Community Events
• Safer Routes to Play – Skootfit and Bikes Sessions
• Toy Lending Library
• Consultation and Participation Projects

Play in Schools

• Play and Wellbeing Sessions
• Inclusive Play in Schools Support
• Play and Breakaway Sessions
• Wrap Around and Play Sessions
• Play on the Playground
• Early Bird Breakfast Play Sessions
• After School Clubs
• LEGO Build to Express
• Interactive Discos

Holiday Play Provisions

• Half Term and Summer Playschemes 5- 11 years
• Food and Fun Camps 5- 11 years
• Half Term and Summer Play and Activity Camps 8 – 11 years
• Half Term and Summer Play and Wellbeing Camps 5- 11 years
• Half Term and Summer Play and Respite 5 – 17 years
• Play in the Park Sessions (Seasonal)
• Play and Transition Camps – 8 – 13 years

Volunteering and Training

• Volunteering Project –16+
• Play Helper Project – 14 - 15 years (limited Spaces)
• Work Based Placements through ITEC and ACT
• Work Experience through schools
• College and University placements
• Play Awareness Training for Schools and Community Groups