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‘Locked into Play’ – DVD and teaching materials
Young People in Focus has been commissioned by the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) to produce a DVD and accompanying teaching materials for a session on Play, aimed at young parents in custody.
This project forms part of a wider NCB project called ‘Locked into Play’ which focuses on improving play opportunities for young parents in custody and their children. Many young people in custody come from disadvantaged backgrounds and may not have had positive experiences of play. It is hoped that this project will raise awareness of the benefits of play for their babies/children, and also show young parents how to play with their children, which in turn will help develop and strengthen the bond between them.
The DVD and supporting teaching materials will be used with small groups of young parents in custody, most likely as part of a parenting course. Whilst aimed at young parents in custody the focus will be on raising awareness of the issues and developing skills which can be used when released from custody.
The DVD and supporting teaching materials will explore what play is and why it is important for babies and young children. Through film and group activities different types of play, age appropriate activities and games, and how to play with babies and young children will be explored. The format and content of the DVD and supporting materials has been developed in consultation with young parents and expectant parents, and staff in several YOIs. A panel of play ‘experts’ will also be consulted on a draft of the DVD and supporting materials.
This 15 minute DVD and 2 hour teaching session will be made available to all YOIs in England. The filming and DVD will be produced by Prisons Video Trust.
The project started in April 2009 and will be completed in December 2009.
October 2009