Playsafe Competition

What is it?

Playsafe is a fun competition run by Trading Standards in association with the British Toy and Hobby Association.  Ensuring toys are safe is an important part of our work and the competition helps to highlight the features necessary for a child's toy.

 

What does it involve?

The challenge is for young people in two age groups (6 - 11 and 12 - 17 years old) to design a toy suitable for children aged three to seven. As well as drawing their designs, they have to provide detailed notes explaining how the toy is to be used, the safety features and the play and child development benefits. They must also show whether the toy is for indoor or outdoor use and if it is suitable for children with special needs.

The winners are announced at the Trading Standards Annual Conference in June.  Prizes are awarded, and the best young designers in each category receive a £50 book token, and their school is awarded a £100 book token.  One overall winner will receive an additional £1,000 worth of IT equipment of their choice for their school.

 

The 2008 competition

Children from 8 Kent primary schools took part in the competition and 20 entries from the original 133 were chosen to go on to the national final.

The budding Kent designers were invited to a photocall where KCC Member Elizabeth Tweed and Roland Earl, Director General of The British Toy & Hobby Association presented certificates and prizes to the finalists. All the entrants received a certificate of achievement.

The national final was held at the Trading Standards Institute Annual Conference in Bournemouth in June. Kent pupils Rachael Bates & Iona Eagles from Allington Primary School, won the runner up prize in the 6-11 age group for their design "Alice in Wonderland Croquet".

Rachel & Iona (centre) and their classmates with their designs and far right Sandra Cook, Kent Trading Standards Consumer Education Project Officer.

 

More Information

Kent schools that are interested in entering the competition and would like more information can contact Sandra Cook on 01233 652271.