Playrangers

Playrangers is an exciting project which encourages children to play outdoors. Free sessions are held after school in six locations around Guildford. All children are welcome to join.

The Playrangers are qualified and experienced play workers. They run play sessions based on using the natural environment as well as child-led play.

They are a great way for children and young people to:

• get outside
• be active
• make new friends 
• learn new skills

We aim sessions at 8 to 12 year olds, but under-8s are welcome if accompanied by an adult.

Playranger Sessions

The Playrangers team are back with their first session on Monday 9^th September at Pirbright. These sessions will run weekly until Wednesday 13^th November, with a break during the October half term.

Playranger sessions run during term-time every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Sessions run from 3.30pm until 5.30pm. Children can drop in or out at any time.

Sessions will alternate between the following weeks:

Week 1

• Monday: next to Pirbright Village Hall, Pirbright, GU24 0JE 
• Tuesday: Hornhatch Green, Chilworth, Guildford, GU4 8AX 
• Wednesday: Park Barn Drive, Park Barn, Guildford, GU2 8EU 

Week 2

• Monday: Bushy Hill Park, Bushy Hill Drive, Guildford, GU4 7HG 
• Tuesday: Ash Recreation Ground, Ash, GU12 5DP
• Wednesday: Bellfields Green, Bellfields, Guildford, GU1 1JT

Information for parents and carers

The Playranger Project is an open access service. This means children are free to come and go as they please. This is not a childcare service. Children under 8 are welcome but must have parental supervision throughout the session. Please read our  information for parents (PDF) [458KB]  for more information. All parents with children will be welcome to join in at sessions.

Children will need to wear something appropriate for the weather and expect to get dirty. Playing outside is fun and messy and is likely to lead to grass and mud coming home on children's clothing.

Playrangers believe that children can play in all weathers. Activities are adapted to ensure the children have fun. They will deliver sessions in all weathers, but children must have appropriate clothing.  

In hot weather your children need:

• sun hats
• sun cream
• plenty to drink

In cold weather, especially in the evenings, they need:

• coats
• gloves
• scarves
• hats

We need all parents to complete a registration form (PDF) [241KB]  on their first visit to a session.

After you register, each child will only need to provide their name and age for each session. Parents and carers with children attending must provide contact and emergency details.

Benefits of play

Playrangers help children to:

• assess risk
• learn how to keep themselves and others safe
• build social interaction skills
• share food and equipment
• develop fine motor skills
• improve hand/eye co-ordination
• boost team working and communication
• learn new skills to improve self-esteem
• take part in activities they wouldn't be able to

Fun ideas from the Playrangers

Watch our video for fun and creative ideas to keep children and young people entertained.

Book Playrangers for your event

Our Playrangers team has a wealth of experience in supporting children. We have limited capacity to deliver extra sessions at your event. We'll prioritise community focused events in our targeted areas.

Activities offered by the team include:

• smoothie bike
• marshmallow toasting on the fire bowl
• face painting
• den building
• sumo suits
• arts and crafts
• steel pan drums
• obstacle course
• tarpaulin slip and slide
• whittling

Making an enquiry

If you are making an enquiry, we need to know the:

• date and location of your event
• length of time the team will be required at the event
• target group for the event
• expected turnout of the event
• activity choice

For more information, call 01483 444150 or email us at community.wellbeing@guildford.gov.uk