Play Strategy Consultation
Date of consultation: Thursday 11th June 2026 to Monday 10th August 2026
Consultation summary
Thank you for taking part in this survey.
Stroud District Council is in the process of writing our Play Strategy.
The purpose of the Play Strategy is to review the current landscape of play across Stroud and to understand the opportunities children and young people have to take part in free play in their day to day lives. We are also looking to identify the barriers to play and want to hear directly from children and young people about their experiences. Once we understand this, we will create a strategy with action points to increase awareness and opportunities of the benefits of play in the district.
What is Play?
Play is a generic term applied to a wide range of activities and behaviours that are satisfying to the child, creative for the child and freely chosen by the child. It has frequently been described as ‘what children and young people do when not being told what to do by adults.’
Play is a fundamental right of every child, yet evidence shows it is declining, with reduced play linked to poorer health and wellbeing. Barriers include safety concerns, accessibility, cost, and limited time. Play is child-led, freely chosen, and intrinsically motivated, taking place whenever opportunities arise. Adults can support environments for play, but it remains voluntary and done for its own sake.
How to comment:
You can print this out and drop it into Reception addressed to community services.
Stroud District Council
Ebley Mill
Ebley Wharf
Stroud
GL5 4UB
Alternatively, you can email your survey to community.services@stroud.gov.uk
If you would like a pre-printed version of this survey, please request a copy at Reception.
The survey takes approximately 10 -20 minutes to complete. All published results are anonymous. Visit www.stroud.gov.uk/privacy to see how we manage personal information.
All questions are optional. You can skip over any questions you do not wish to answer or select the ‘Prefer not to say’ option.
If you have any questions about the survey or consultation at the council more broadly, please email community.services@stroud.gov.uk.