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 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 Currently out of a total of 77 play areas across the borough 35 do not meet the national standards. The Audit Commission report 2004 on Sandwell Cultural Performance Assessment identified an imbalance between the towns on the Best Value Perfomance Indicators (BVPI) on play provision. The Council is committed to addressing this imbalance.

In 2005 the Parks and Countryside Service commissioned consultants to undertake a children’s play impact assessment, and the findings of this assessment have been produced in July 2006. 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.