Working (and playing!) together to set and measure

outcomesGo Play

Rachel Cowper – Inspiring ScotlandRachel@inspiringscotland.org.uk

Steven Marwick – Evaluation Support ScotlandSteven@evaluationsupportscotland.org.uk

1. Set outcomes

Scotland should be healthier, wealthier,

greener, meaner and sexier

2. Consult on how to deliver

What is he talking about?

Listen to my idea! We’re doing

this alreadyListen to my idea!

3. Agree a delivery plan

Sexier Scotland Strategy

4. Look for evidence

I’m not so sure!

Looks good to me! Where does

this lead?

Evaluate your plan

Wealthier 10%Healthier 5%Greener 7.5%Meaner 8%Sexier 43%

What’s wrong with this?...• Right outcomes – wrong problem

• Ignoring the voice of the people with the answers

• Doesn’t tell us what works for whom in what circumstances

Feel the need for images or something interesting on the screen when we talk through the case studies – what does anyone else think?

Developing the framework• Worked with a portfolio of play projects

– Small group work– Workshops– Portfolio event– Surveyed electronically– Compared outcomes and indicators from charities

with the model • Got feedback from others• Used existing literature reviews to identify evidence

for the need and outcomes

What are the barriers / causes that mean play does not happen?

What are the effects of these barriers?

Outcomes for families

Outcomes from any form of play

Outcomes for children, families and communitiesReduce barriers to playing freely

Activities and outcomes for people who influence a specific context

Outcomes for communities

Benefits for societyLinks to National Outcomes

Children claim their right to play

Key partnersPlanners and

designersHousing providers

Police

More play

Better play Increased recognition of skills sets

and attitudes to

support play

Policies and funding climate

recognise value of

and support play

ConferencesTalks

Influencing conversations

Action research and joint projects

Articles / media work

Guidance and advice

Increased awareness

of the benefits of free and

outdoor play

Influencers Policy makers

Funders Teacher trainers

Professional bodies / Support agencies

The publicThe media

Facilitate playPlay rangersPlay sessions

Children

Increased activity levels

More opportunities to interact with

others

Increased resilience

Stronger connections

between people in the community

Improved physical health

Increased ability to be part of a social

group

Increased confidence and

self esteem

Reduced family stress

Improved family relationships

Greater appreciation of

space and place

We live longer, healthier lives

Our young people are successful

learners, confident individuals,

effective contributors and

responsible citizens

We value and enjoy our built and

natural environment and

protect it and enhance it for

future generations

Strong, resilient and supportive communities,

where people take responsbility for their own actions

and how they affect others

Our children have the best start in life and

are ready to succeed

We have improved the

life chances for children, young

people and families at risk

Family Parents

GrandparentOther

guardians

Those working with

children – teachers, play and early year

workers, out of school

clubs, childminders,

youth workers,

social work, health

providers

Adults in the community

Improved space and places to

play

Family play sessions

EncouragementModelling play

Promotion, Resources and ideas, egs of good practice (though 1:1,

websites, newsletters and

articles)Training

Networking events

Conferences

Increased skills and knowledge

support play and overcome barriers

(learn how to play)

Increased confidence to

allow children to play freely

Inspired to change practice

and provision

Make better use of natural and other places in the communityPlay anywhere!

Consult or involve in design or running of

play spaces/ projects

Greater acceptance of

and attitudes to children playing

outside

Children

Increased voice and ownership

Projects to improve play

spaces

Local authority

Schools, out of school

clubs

Increased awareness of the benefits of

free and outdoor play

Activities and outcomes for people who influence the general context

Diverted from anti social behaviour

Increased organisational

capacity

Children’s lives are enriched

Improved skills in risk assessment

Increased creativity and

problem solving

Improved image of young people

Outcomes from play chosen

Improved Language and communication

skills

Greater appreciation of nature and the environment

What next?

• Play projects are evaluating … and learning … and improving

• Inspiring Scotland and SG using pack to help improve understanding of play

• Sharing with others – Scottish Government, Inspiring Scotland and ESS on dissemination roadshow

• National event 8 December

Lessons

• Pack is the starting point for evaluation and “domain for debate”

• Can build outcomes from the bottom up• Can get broad agreement if you bring

people with you • Need to have many interests involved• Became aware of unexpected

outcomes (not in a box)

More information and the pack

www.inspiringscotland.org.uk

www.evaluationsupportscotland.org.uk