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INVITATION TO PLAY SUPPORTED BY NEW PLAY ACTIVITY BOARDS IN LISCARD CENTRAL PARK
Exciting interactive play activity boards to encourage little ones to develop speech , physical and social skills has been unveiled in Liscard Central Park .
It is supported by access to an app to enable all parents and carers to benefit from guidance around early language development .
Each activity board features the wonderful ‘ Play Pack ’ characters ; Freddie Fox , Hana Hedgehog and Olly Owl , who share play ideas or ‘ invitations ’ with families to try in the park and ideas to carry on at home . They also include key information for the adults , sharing why each activity is important and how it helps their children to learn and develop .
‘ Invitation to Play ’, is a joint venture between Wirral Council ’ s Early Years Quality Improvement team and Hungry Little Minds , which aims to create resources in the community to prompt ‘ learning through play ’. The project will be delivered in three phases across the borough .
This is phase one with plans to roll out boards and activities across the Wirral via local parks . This has been developed , in consultation with local families .
Anne Parker , Local Director at Foundation Years Trust , said : “ We are proud to be supporting this project by donating a portion of the Hungry Little Minds funding for Wirral . This is a great fit with the campaign because it ’ s about providing opportunities for children and their parents ’ to play and interact together .
“ This is how parents can support the building of their child ’ s brain and ensure they have the skills they will need for life .
“ While the last year or so has seen much disruption to our children ’ s every day lives , we want our young people to have the
opportunity to repeat these experiences and practice their skills , to strengthen these pathways and connections .
“ This project is an opportunity for little ones to build skills and gain confidence , in a pressure-free environment , while enjoying some fresh air too !”
Part funded by Children ’ s Centre advisory boards across Wirral and Hungry Little Minds , this collaborative , community-based project pledges to inspire families and boost child development .
The project is aimed at younger children but is also suitable for the whole family .
Dr Mukharjee , Chair of Wallasey Advisory board , said : “ As we move closer to ‘ normality ’ after lockdown , it ’ s crucial that we encourage young people in Wirral to get back out there playing creatively .
“ Families will get ideas on how to use everyday opportunities , like going to the shops and playing make-believe games , as part of an effort to improve the early literacy and language skills in the years before children start school .
“ At this stage of the project we are encouraging parents and children to communicate , have fun and build on positive relationships through playing and exploring .”
Started in August 2021 , plans for the next phase include involving families in development by encouraging them to share their ideas and feedback . This will help to inform future locations and content of the activity boards .
You can visit the boards , meet the Play Pack and discover new ways to play in Liscard Central Park .
20 wirrallife . com