Katie Goodbun has evaluated The Playground Project, a community-based initiative that aimed to bring the arts and creative play to very young children across Kent. the project aimed to empower the creativity of very young children and their families, as well as develop artists’ skills in working with the youngest members of the community, equipping them with specialist skills and understanding of early childhood development. Katie Goodbun was responsible for the evaluation of the project which has since been awarded the status of a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) and therefore has arts council funding to continue for a further three years.
‘There is quite a buzz about Playground within arts and early years circles!’
What does the evidence say about Playground?
Overall, the evidence from the Playground Evaluation clearly demonstrates that it successfully built on the pilot project, achieved its initial aims and had a positive impact on all groups involved. The feedback from parents and carers was hugely positive and underlines both the need and desire for a project such as Playground to continue in Kent. Not only was it well received but it empowered and inspired parents/carers to engage in more creative play at home, and these increased interactions with parents and carers will support babies’ cognitive, social, physical and emotional development, as well helping to establish a secure attachment in those critical 1001 first days of a baby’s life. The project has also helped to establish a relationship between Playground and the library service and enabled the development of a skilled multi-disciplinary group of artists in Kent who are confident at, and keen to work, with very young children.
What are the next steps?
‘Our ambition for Playground is to be brave, daring, and different, empowering the creativity of all young children and their families in Kent and beyond, and to position Kent as a recognised pioneer and leader in Early Years Learning and Education.’ Goodbun told us ‘Based on the conclusions of this evaluation we recognise the need to develop Playground further in order to realise our ambitions and meet the need of families in Kent. In May 2022 Kent Libraries secured project funding from Arts Council England to build on the work detailed in this report until the end of March 2023.’
This next phase will focus on working with partners in Libraries and Children’s Centres in priority areas in Kent to deepen our engagement and start to explore the development of work with children aged 2-5 years and young children with complex needs.
Watch the documentary about the project here.
To read the full report click here: Playground Report.