Making Play
We believe that by learning through play all children can learn essential skills that will help them throughout their entire life.
About MKPA
Milton Keynes Play Association (MKPA) is a charity launched in 1971 to provide play opportunities for children. As the infrastructure of the new town of Milton Keynes was being developed it became clear that the new housing estates being developed had limited facilities for children’s play. Our founders were a group of determined parents from an estate who came together to organise play activities for their own children and others. This initiative grew and eventually became Milton Keynes Play Association.
Being child-centred
Valuing the quality of life that children can create for themselves
Providing advocacy
Advocating for self-directed play and learning
Innovative
Being prepared to embrace new play practice and promote leading edge ideas
Enabling change
Effecting change to other people’s practice through our own
50 years on, MKPA has grown and evolved into a charity which continues to provide play to children in the area along with hire of play equipment, a scrap store, craft shop, training for teachers, carers and parents. We work with partners who share our values and are committed to providing high-quality play opportunities to children and families across Milton Keynes and surrounding areas.
Our Team
Our small but dedicated team deliver expert play and resource services, offering our expertise to members and the local community. We are a growing and sustainable organisation.
Nic Todd
General Manager
Corinne Walpole
Training Co-ordinator
April Scott
Play Services Manager
Lisa Harrington
Scrapstore
Wendy Keech
Shop & Admin
Emily Andrew-Barrett
Shop & Admin
Sarah Keen
Finance Coordinator
Clive Keech
Finance Manager
Vince Horne
Warehouse & Logistics Coordinator
Get Involved
We love volunteers! Each and every one makes a real difference to us by providing their time and skills. They each have their own reasons for working with us, including feeling useful, working in a team, gaining new skills and supporting the work we do.
Interested in getting involved? We have many opportunities for new volunteers to use and gain skills, whether this is in admin, finance, warehouse or retail in our Scrapstore. You can find out more about volunteering below:
Governance
The association is governed though the Constitution and Memorandum and Articles of Association. We are also a company limited by guarantee available to see on our website. Governance is provided through our Board of Trustees who give their time freely. Trustees are provided with a full induction including roles and responsibilities, training and support. All Trustees are provided with guidance from the Charity Commission on their role and on public benefit.
Caroline Godfrey
Acting Chair
Marie Jay
Jonathan Elvin
Kenny Wilson
Costa Stathis
Lucinda Mobaraki
Raj Bariah
Sara Groocock
Tracie Bailey
MKPA Governing Documents
MKPA was registered as a company limited by guarantee in 1995, the original governing documents were amended in 2000 replacing the original 1995 documents.
Our Constitution
We are in the process of updating our constitution which has not been reviewed and updated since 2006.
Governing Documents & Annual Reports