Sandwell Council has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award in recognition of its work to improve children's opportunities to play across the borough.
The council has been named as a finalist in the Sector Category of the inaugural Play England Awards, which celebrate organisations making an outstanding contribution to children's play.
The shortlist recognises Sandwell's pioneering work on its Play Sufficiency Assessment and borough-wide Play Sufficiency Framework, which form part of the council's wider Child Friendly Sandwell approach, putting children's voices at the heart of decision-making and helping shape services, neighbourhoods and public spaces.
The assessment engaged more than 2,200 children, parents, carers, practitioners and partners and has led to a three-year action plan to improve opportunities for play across the borough. Children highlighted barriers including traffic, safety concerns and access to quality places to play, helping shape future investment and improvements.
Sandwell has developed actions including support for Play Streets, more play-friendly neighbourhood design and a stronger focus on children's rights in policy and planning decisions.
The shortlisting also reflects Sandwell's wider commitment to creating opportunities for children and families to play, socialise and be active through initiatives including Go Play Sandwell and the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. Earlier this year, 100s of children and families attended the Festival of Free Play and the free Sandwell Summer Festival and National Play Day celebrations, showcasing the borough's commitment to providing accessible play opportunities for all.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Ray Nock, said:
"We are delighted to be shortlisted for this national award. This recognition reflects the voices of thousands of children and young people across Sandwell who have helped shape our Child Friendly Sandwell approach and our ambition to make the borough a better place to grow up.
"Play is fundamental to healthy childhoods, helping children build lifelong friendships, confidence and wellbeing. Through our Play Sufficiency Assessment, Go Play Sandwell, our Holiday Activities and Food programme, and events such as National Play Day and the Sandwell Summer Festival, we are creating more opportunities for children and families to play, be active and thrive.
"Being shortlisted by Play England is recognition of our commitment to putting children's experiences at the heart of decision-making so every child has the chance to enjoy a happy, healthy childhood."
Award winners will be announced by Play England at a ceremony tomorrow evening (Thursday 8 November 2026).
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Notes to editors
- Sandwell Council has been shortlisted in the Sector Category of the inaugural Play England Awards.
- Through Go Play Sandwell, children aged 6-12 can access free, inclusive play sessions and events throughout the year in parks, community venues, libraries and other spaces across the borough.
- The council's nomination highlighted its Play Sufficiency Assessment, which engaged more than 2,180 children and young people, alongside parents, carers and professionals.
- The Play Sufficiency Action Plan includes measures to improve access to play opportunities, support child-friendly neighbourhoods and reduce barriers to children's play.
- The work supports Sandwell's Child Friendly Sandwell approach, helping ensure children's rights and voices influence decisions affecting the places where they live, learn and play.
The Holiday Activities and Food Programme provides eligible children and young people with access to free holiday activities, healthy meals and enriching experiences during school holidays.