Make your street a play street!
Most of the information in this page is taken from the Playing Out website and their Playing Out Manual.
What is a ‘play street’?
A play street, also known as ‘playing out’ is a short, resident-led road closure to simply allow children to play out freely on their own street, and for neighbours to meet. Check out the video to find out more.
How to start your own play street
Before you start
- Put the idea out to some neighbours to get a sense of how people feel
- Consider if your street is suitable, e.g. not a bus route
Step 1: Talk to your neighbours
Set up an informal meeting to share the idea and discuss questions and concerns. If there is enough interest:
- Set dates and times (road closure applications take 4-6 weeks)
- Agree on roles: organisers, stewards, helpers
Step 2: Get permissions and support
Getting permission: You need to get a license from the council to close the streets. The council will need at least 6 weeks to issue the license, but the more time they have, the better, so please email them as soon as you start thinking about applying for a play street license. Email the council on highways@sheffield.gov.uk.
Getting Support: The more supporters and helpers, the easier it will be for the organisers. If neighbours have concerns, hear them out and try to find compromises.
Risk assessment, insurance and liability: A risk assessment is worth doing before the first event and just involves listing any potential risks (e.g. cars leaving the street without warning) and deciding what you can do to reduce that risk. A template risk assessment can be found here
Most streets don’t get insurance out, and most councils don’t insist on it. More information can be found here: Legislation and liability for play streets – Playing Out
Borrowing the kit from Sheffield Play Partnership means we can share equipment between streets and gives safe and easily accessible storage.
Step 3: Tell everybody and get ready
1 week before the play street: Deliver flyers to residents with event details (you can use this flyer template). Ask residents to hang posters in support (and here’s a poster template)
Signs and Cones: We have a set of signs that can be borrowed for your play street pilot. Please contact the Sheffield Play Partnership to borrow these.
Toys, games and equipment. It is a good idea to bring along some things for children to play with: chalk, long skipping ropes, paddling pools, bikes, scooters, stilts, hoops, bubbles and more. You can also agree with your neighbours what not to bring (e.g. hard cricket balls!).
Signs, cones, chalk, and vests available to borrow – get in touch to borrow them.
Step 4: Play out!
15 Minutes before: Brief the stewards using the information here and take a look at the ‘How to Steward’ video here.
Closing the road: Make sure you have a clear signal for when the street is fully closed and safe for play e.g. three blows on a whistle. There needs to be 2 stewards at each end of the road closure. The stewards should not leave their posts except to walk cars in and out.
Dealing with cars: Stewards need to be friendly and clear, directing cars to alternative routes. If a car needs access, signal to all children that car is coming. One steward escorts them in, one steward replaces the barrier.
Difficult drivers: Remain calm and polite. Remind them of the legal status of the closure and the fact that it is temporary. If a driver becomes confrontational, your co-steward should quietly alert the organiser and any nearby parents to ensure children’s safety. The stewards’ briefing will have the contact number for the council that you can offer if a driver wants to talk to an official.
Clearing up and re-opening the road: Begin to clear up the toys (and children!) about 10 minutes before the road is due to be re-opened. Remind everyone that the street is about to re-open, and cars will be coming through at speed again.