The Children's Outdoor Play Strategy identifies the National and European Standards relating to play area provision. These standards guide the refurbishment and new development requirements.

The Sandwell Play Strategy 2007 provides the overarching framework for children's play provision. In November 2008 the Council was awarded Pathfinder Status by The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) with an award of £2.7 million grant towards outdoor play provision at 28 sites up to March 2011.

A project team has been established to deliver this programme within the grant conditions set by DCSF

The Sandwell code for formal play provision provides the basis for the locations of the outdoor play provision. Namely that priority will be given to providing: -

• At least one Locally Equipped Area of Play (LEAP) in each neighbourhood
• At least one Neighbourhood Equipped Area for Play (NEAP) in each ward
• At least one Strategic Equipped Area for Play (SEAP) in each town

Formal provision means formally designated playing space for children. It consists of outdoor equipped playgrounds and kick about areas for children and young people. Play provision wherever possible is complemented by further provision such as youth shelters, multi sports areas and skateboard facilities for young people aged 11 to 16 years.

The Council is committed to providing the appropriate quality and quantity of play facilities and in particular formal play provision. There is currently an imbalance between the towns on play provision and the Council is committed to addressing this imbalance. National Indicator NI199 is a new indicator for measuring Children and Young Peoples satisfaction with play provision.

The Parks and Countryside Service commissioned consultants to undertake a children’s play impact assessment, and the findings of this assessment have been published. The Parks and Countryside Service commissions an annual out door play area inspection undertaken by independent inspectors that provides information on safety equipment condition and access information concerning less able users.