Play Rangers
What are Play Rangers?
Play Rangers are experienced playworkers in outdoor spaces. Their goal is to create safe, welcoming and inclusive outdoor spaces for children and families to freely play in open access community play sessions.
Play rangers are DBS checked, first aid trained, knowledgeable on local services and resources.
Play rangers are not a childcare providers, so children are responsible for themselves.
What is open access community play?
Our community play sessions are open access, which means children are free to come and go during the session time. This supports independent play, helps children meet friends, and encourages them to enjoy outdoor play in a flexible way while developing a sense of ownership over their community spaces.
We are not a childcare provider, so children remain responsible for themselves.
Children aged 8 and over can attend alone if their parent/carer is happy for them to play out unsupervised. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
We do not sign children in or out because sessions take place in open public spaces. This is different from childcare settings where children remain until collected. (You may be asked to provide some information; this helps us secure funding and provide an emergency contactjust in case.)
You can find out more about our Term Time Sessions here and our Holiday Sessions here.
How much do the sessions cost?
Sessions are completely FREE
These sessions are funded by various funders such as, Bristol city council, the national lottery, BYCA, your holiday hub.
If you would like to contribute you can donate to the Children’s Scrapstore (https://www.childrensscrapstore.co.uk/donate)
How old does my child need to be?
Sessions are for school-aged children (5–18)
Children aged 8 and over can attend alone if their parent/carer is happy for them to play out unsupervised. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
Young people outside this age range are still welcome if parents/carers feel the session would be beneficial.
why is This Session Beneficial For My Child?
Child-led outdoor play supports important areas of development in a natural and enjoyable way.
Benefits include:
Independence & confidence – children make their own choices and manage their play
Physical development – running, climbing, coordination, dexterity and active outdoor movement
Social skills – making friends, sharing, cooperating with others, managing conflict, and interacting with a diverse range of people
Emotional wellbeing – time outdoors, play and movement support mental health, with trusted adults available for support and advice
Problem-solving & creativity – imaginative play, self-directed activity, and loose parts play that encourages exploration and innovation
Risky play & learning from mistakes – children safely test their limits, take age-appropriate risks, and learn through trial and error with support from Play Rangers
What should young people wear?
Please wear old, weather-appropriate clothing.
Young people may get muddy, wet, or covered in paint during play!
Do I need to bring anything?
Drinking water, handwashing facilities, and healthy snacks are provided at every session (all free of charge).
Families are welcome to bring their own items such as food, toys, bikes, or play equipment. Young people remain responsible for their own belongings.
Please also bring:
Any necessary medication (e.g. inhalers, epi pens)
Sun cream during warmer weather
What Happens in different Weather?
We operate in all weather conditions, with activities and equipment adapted appropriately for the weather each week.
Gazebos are provided for shelter from sun and rain.
Sessions are only cancelled in the event of a red weather warning or if Play Rangers decide it is unsafe to be outside.
More information:
Information on more Holiday Activities.
Information on Play in Bristol.
Information on Play and Playwork careers.