Guidance for organising play streets in covid times

We are hearing from parents and residents around the UK, asking how to get play streets as a way to bring their street community back together. Below are some tips for running a playing out session with COVID in mind.

Our main page with guidance for running a play street is here.

You can download here a template risk assessment for organising a play street with covid 19.

Collective responsibility and social distancing

We always encourage neighbours to take collective responsibility for the safety and smooth running of play street sessions and this is even more important now.

Remind people the day before that if anyone has covid-19 symptoms, they must not attend the play street.

See here for ideas for physically-distanced street play and games we’ve gathered so far from our network.

Consultation and inclusion

You might have increased connection on your street since the lockdown – so use those WhatsApp or Facebook groups to get a discussion going! You could send them our short film here and see if there’s interest. To discuss further, you could suggest an online meeting (zoom is free for 40mins). But don’t forget that not everyone will be online, so leafletting and / or careful door knocking (stepping back to socially distance) is still important.  Watch our 3min film for more general info and guidance on talking to your neighbours.

Older or vulnerable people who are shielding in particular must be considered carefully, play streets should bring the community together. Ask those on your street who may need additional measures if they want to engage from their doorstep, at a safe distance. Luckily because it is an organised session at a specific time, they can avoid it if that’s the most comfortable option for them.

Residents only

As always with a play street, only publicise the play street on your own street, no further, to keep the numbers down.

Hygiene

You may wish to have hand sanitiser available on the street so people can easily wash hands after touching cones and signs.

Further guidance

We have a specific risk assessment for running a play street with covid 19, you can download it here.

Our friends at London Play have written an excellent in-depth risk-benefit guidance document for residents considering play streets, which you can download here.

We also have two great stories from residents who have run a play street safely at this time, Lucy in Peckham and Fern in Streatham, take a look to see how they did. You can also join our Facebook Group for advice and support from other parents and residents.