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 is a finalist in the Sector Category of the inaugural Play England Awards, which celebrate organisations making an outstanding contribution to children's play.
What the shortlisting recognises
The shortlist recognises Sandwell's work on its Play Sufficiency Assessment and borough-wide Play Sufficiency Framework, which form part of the council's Child Friendly Sandwell approach. This approach puts children's voices at the heart of decision-making and helps shape services, neighbourhoods and public spaces.
The assessment engaged more than 2,200 children, parents, carers, practitioners and partners. It has led to a three-year action plan to improve opportunities for play across the borough.
Children who took part highlighted barriers to play including traffic, safety concerns and access to quality places to play. These findings have helped shape future investment and improvements.
Council initiatives
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 the council'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, hundreds of children and families attended the Festival of Free Play, the free Sandwell Summer Festival and National Play Day celebrations.
Council response
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 on Thursday 8 November 2026.