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Play development service

We're always looking for new, motivated and enthusiastic people to join our play work team.

For further information, or to become a volunteer, please email volunteering@gateshead.gov.uk

Play is an essential part of childhood and a way for children to learn about the world. It is fundamental to their health, wellbeing and development.

Our aim is for all children and young people to be able to enjoy safe and exciting play opportunities close to where they live.

We can do this by working in conjunction with the play work values and assumptions. This way we are able to embrace and encourage the countless benefits of play in childhood.

The play development service offers a range of play activities in the five neighbourhood areas of Gateshead. We're also involved in many programs supporting Positive Activities for Young People. 

This includes delivering weekly play sessions in schools and community venues. These run at term time, lunchtime and after school. Alongside half-term holiday schemes and Brighten the Day holiday and food programmes.

We aim to provide young people with opportunities to access a wide range of activities such as:

  • arts
  • crafts
  • drama
  • cookery
  • sport
  • games

Throughout the sessions, play workers provide encouragement, motivation and enthusiasm. As well as supervision and behaviour management strategies, to enable young people to take part in play activities.