Play Streets: At a glance checklist

First steps

  • Visit our webpage, read the toolkit and visit playingout.net for ideas and inspiration.
  • Talk to neighbours and residents about the idea to see if they would be interested.
  • Find out who would be willing to be helpers or stewards.
  • Set a date.

At least 4 weeks before your first play street session

Once you have submitted your application it will be reviewed, processed and added to our systems. Unless there is a problem with your form or a reason that the council won’t be able to give you permission to close your road, you are unlikely to hear any more from us until around 4 to 7 days before your planned session.

  • Keep neighbours and residents informed.
  • Check that your volunteers and stewards are still ok to help.
  • Complete a risk assessment - use the Risk Assessment template (Word)

About a week before

  • 4 to 7 days before your session, the road closures team will be in touch with you to arrange delivery of your road closed signs and cones. They process a high number of queries and applications so unless there is a problem they will not be in touch with you before this time.
  • Think about any other items that you want to have on the day, such as chalk, skipping ropes, whistles, first aid kit.
  • Remind people (including your stewards and helpers) that the session will be going ahead.
  • Review your risk assessment (Word) and share it with stewards and helpers.

On the day

  • Review the risk assessment (Word) and walk the street again to check that nothing has changed.
  • Verbally brief the stewards and helpers. Remind them of the risk assessment and steward briefing note (PDF)
  • Put the portable road closed signs out at the agreed time.
  • Enjoy the Play Street session, talk to neighbours, have fun and make memories.
  • Support neighbours and residents to enter and leave by car if they need to.
  • Clear up and re- open the street at the agreed time. Make sure everyone is aware that the street is fully re-open to traffic and that the Play Street session has finished.

In the week or so following your event

  • Celebrate the achievement with your neighbours, children, helpers, volunteers and stewards.
  • Think about planning your next session!