A UK housebuilding company has been looking to a new ‘Junior Head of Play’ – with only applications from children being accepted.
Far from being just a bit of fun, this initiative from Redrow Homes is all about harnessing the creativity of young people in designing their own futures.
Imagination can ‘come to life’ for children when designing their dream play area, says Redrow, and so it cast its net far and wide across the UK to find the idea candidate, aged between 7 and 14, to give their input.
And for the winning candidate? Well it might not be a six figure salary but for the next Junior Head of Play there will be a prize of £500 worth of vouchers for retailer Argos, which can be used towards play equipment.
From rock-climbing walls, to tree ziplines, sand pits to stepping-stones, the company sought inspiration on any creative, play ideas. The only qualifications necessary were a passion for play and a desire ‘to encourage fun amongst their friends, neighbours and community’.
‘Use elements and inspiration for future play designs’
Redrow is now sifting through the applications – the applications deadline was 30 June – and it says that whoever becomes their new ‘play expert’ will advise on their favourite play areas and equipment, delivering guidance directly from those who use open spaces. It will also help inform the company’s approach to community, belonging and placemaking ‘for years to come’.
The successful candidate will help make a film about their design, which will be shared on Redrow’s social medial channels. Longer-term, says the company, it will be looking to ‘take elements and inspiration for future play designs’.
