Kent Playground

It is widely recognised that the first few years of life are the most critical in having a lasting impact on a child’s ability to learn and succeed in school and life. A child’s learning begins with their family, and the Kent Playground project seeks to inspire those with very young children by immersing them in creative activity that is deeply engaging, transformative and of the highest quality.

As part of the project, Starcatchers is delighted to be delivering consultancy, mentoring and training for Kent County Council that will include Creative Skills programmes, artist-led play sessions exploring schemas and outdoor play, plus facilitation and workshops on engagement signals and how creativity links to child development and positive outcomes.

Playground is led by a team of brilliant artists and musicians, and families with babies up to 24 months can share creative play.They will gain confidence and enthusiasm for continued and sustained creative engagement with their children.

Playground will develop the skills and confidence of artists in Kent to increase creative work with and for very young children and their families. Staff in libraries and Children’s Centres will also develop their experience in this field ensuring creativity is embedded within those services’ future offers for families.

Project Funders

Kent County Council, Reconnect (Kent Children and Young People), Artswork, Arts Council England, University of Kent (Institute of Cultural and Creative Industries).