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A Serious Business: Harlow Children at Play

1966 , Harlow (Essex)

Cat no. 213036

Documentary about the play schemes facilitated by the Harlow Urban District Council.

Documentary made by the Harlow Cine Club outlining the importance of play in the lives of children and the play schemes facilitated by the Harlow Urban District Council. An introductory voiceover asserts that play is an essential part of child development - serving as a means to develop skills, explore the environment and imitate grown ups - and highlights the need for adequate play facilities amongst the compact living spaces of Harlow. The town council meets this need for play facilities by providing forty-six different playgrounds with a variety of equipment, and by running a successful play scheme on the town's thirteen major playing fields. The play scheme employs up to four Play Leaders on each field, who facilitate games, athletics and gymnastics, and encourage the children to try something new such as drama or golf. More relaxing activities are also depicted, including playing board games, drawing and painting and pottery. The scheme also supports a cycling mileage competition and a schedule of activities during the summer holidays which includes trips to the seaside, weekly film shows, carnivals and displays. The highlight of the play scheme for most children, however, is the weekly day camp, where they pitch tents and cook their own food on a large open fire in the town park.

Keywords

Childcare; Education; Local government; Play

  • Maker : Dr. Edmund Gray

  • Sponsor : Harlow Urban District Council

  • Production company : Harlow Cine Club

Manifestations

A Serious Business: Harlow Children at Play

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