Resources and Training - Resources Library & Online Resources

Resources and Play Library

What is a resource and play library?
This library is like any other; a facility where you can borrow items. The only difference is that here, as well as books, you may also borrow toys and play resources.

How does it work?
The resource library is held offsite by the Play Association. Items are borrowed in two week blocks and are picked up and returned to our offices by prior arrangement. There are also a small number of books that are reference only and can be consulted and photocopied at our office.

How do I join?
Any member of the Play Association is automatically a member of the resource library. If you aren't a member of the Play Association, then you can join for free! Look at our membership page or contact Rachel on 02077 363699 or rachel@playassociationhf.org.uk

Is there a catalogue available?
There are two catalogues. One is a full colour catalogue listing all the toys and play resources available to borrow, and the other is a book catalogue listing all the books and reports. The catalogues are available to download from here (books) or here (toys).

Will I have to pay?
There is no charge to use the library. We do suggest a donation of £10-20 (depending on how many resources you borrow) to assist with the upkeep of the play library. There are a couple of items that have small deposits due to their popularity and/or cost. You will be informed if any of the items you would like to borrow have a deposit at the time you arrange to borrow something.

How do I borrow something?
Download the order request form from our website here, complete it and send it back to us. Alternatively, if you are in a hurry and want to know straight away if something is available, then you can contact us at 02077 363699.

Are there any conditions?
Yes there are. They are listed below, and can also be found on the order booking form.

  • All items will be ready at 2pm on the start date and all items are due back at noon on the due date. Equipment must be collected and returned by prior arrangement
  • PAHF will confirm availability of requested items as soon as possible
  • A small deposit may be required for the loan of some of the larger, more expensive items
  • Members must return all equipment in good and clean order and inform PAHF of any damage/breakage/loss that has occurred whilst items were in their possession.
  • Some equipment is accompanied by instructions for safe use. These must be read and followed by all users. PAHF accepts no responsibility for any accidents that may occur when resources are used.
  • PAHF reserve the right to seek recompense for any cleaning or repair costs incurred by the hirer and the right to cancel any loan equipment arrangement

Any other questions?
If you have any other questions please contact Rachel, the Deputy Director on 02077 363699 or rachel@playassociationhf.org.uk

ONLINE RESOURCES LIBRARY

Please see below their are various documents and information sheets gathered from a range of agencies on differing subjects.

All downloadable documents on this site are either in Word format or PDF. You will need Adobe Acrobat or Microsoft Word in order to open these. To download Adobe Reader click here

This area is currently under development and we hope to soon have more sample policies and procedures relevant to play and children's projects that can be downloaded. Watch this space!

Funding

Children's Play Information Service - Funding Fact Sheet

Playful Ideas - Children's Play Funding Stream

Play Policy

Play in Co-ordinated Children's services - Briefing by the Children's Play Council

Every Child Matters - Change for Children

Getting Serious about Play - DCMS

Children's Rights

United Nations Convention Rights of the Child - Child friendly version

Overview of the Rights of the Child

Play Strategy

New Charter for Children's Play - Children's Play Council

Getting Serious About Play - Children's Play Council - Review of Play Provision - DCMS 2004

Planning for Play - Big Lottery Guidance

Play Strategy - Mayor's Guidance

Play Principles - Hammersmith and Fulham

Recommendations - Hammersmith and Fulham Play Strategy

Hammersmith and Fulham Play Strategy

Play Information

Best Play - Children's Play Council

The values and principles of Best Play - Children's Play Council

Children's Play Information Service - What is Play Fact Sheet

Play Theory

Summary of Play Types - Play Link

Play Principles - Skills Active 2005

London Play has further Suggested Resources you can purchase click here. Some of these items are available within our Office Resources Library.

It is also worth visiting Play Wales for further downloads around Play.

Also see Useful Links for further useful websites.