Wandsworth Play Pack Project: Delivering the Right to Play

In partnership with the Wandsworth Play Strategy Team, we delivered a Play Pack scheme designed to secure the "best possible start" for children in low-income families by addressing the critical lack of access to play. Funded through the 'Access for All' initiative, this project saw Wandsworth become the first local authority in England to deliver a borough-wide play pack scheme of this scale.

The objective of the scheme was to create a thoughtfully designed Play Pack that promotes play through imaginative thinking, creativity, motor development, and outdoor play. Each pack was designed to be versatile, making it ideal for indoor and outdoor play at home or while travelling. By providing these essential resources, the project directly supported the policy goal of reducing social isolation and reliance on screen time, replacing sedentary habits with active, developmental play.

Our comprehensive scope of work provided a seamless, end-to-end solution, moving from initial concept development to final fulfillment. We collaborated closely with the Council to curate specific items that met strict safety criteria and directly supported the 'Play' mandate, sourcing high-quality, child-safe prototypes for approval. This rigorous process extended to the design of functional, eco-conscious packaging and the coordination of complex manufacturing and assembly logistics. Beyond physical supply, we acted as a strategic partner, providing detailed pricing breakdowns and high-impact marketing visuals to ensure the project was not just delivered, but successfully launched to the community.

The project began with a targeted pilot in a specific cluster of seven primary schools in Battersea to test the most effective methods for distribution. During this phase, 980 Play Packs were sourced and distributed to families eligible for Free School Meals, achieving a 100% distribution rate to the target demographic. These packs were curated with 12 specific activities designed to encourage independent creativity, physical activity, and crucial social development. The pilot delivered exceptional social value, with schools rating the packs 9/10 for their usefulness to pupil premium families and parents awarding an average satisfaction score of 9/10. Beyond logistical success, this stage drove tangible behavioural change, as families reported a measurable reduction in screen time and a significant increase in shared family play.

The success of the pilot established a viable, scalable model, leading toa full-scale rollout that reached thousands of families. We successfully sourced and distributed over 4,000 Play Packs across more than 55 schools, managing every stage of the process with precision. We received overwhelmingly positive feedback from schools, parents, and children borough-wide, both on the quality of the packs and the smoothness of delivery. By bridging the inequality gap through targeted resource delivery, this initiative has supported the well-being of the borough’s most vulnerable children. Through a committed and collaborative approach, the scheme has successfully demonstrated how curated, physical resources can effectively reduce social isolation and encourage movement across the community.