The programme is a Youth Music initiative devised and delivered by 4Children (formerly called Kids' Club Network).

Come and Play works with local authority early years and childcare services, leading community music organisations and local authority music services to develop innovative music-making programmes for children in after school clubs and holiday playschemes. It offers children access to music-making in a fun and informal environment, and the chance to learn new skills at their own pace.

Come and Play reaches children, including those living in disadvantaged areas, who often have had little access to music making and involves them physically, emotionally and creatively. Children learn about rhythm, sound, tempo, styles, instruments and music from different cultures through vibrant workshops, led by experienced musicians. They also develop their social and communication skills.
 
Come and Play develops sustainable networks of music activity on local and national levels, uniting the out of school and community music sectors. Come and Play also provides training for play workers and musical leaders to ensure quality music provision in out of school clubs in the future. The Come and Play Music Making Resource Pack has been produced to support this work.
 
The programme has been implemented in 29 areas since March 2003:

· Birmingham
· Bradford
· Cornwall
· Doncaster
· Dorset
· Essex
· Hampshire
· Herefordshire
· Kirklees
· Leeds
· Lincolnshire
· Liverpool
· London Borough of Hackney
· London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham
· London Borough of Harrow
· London Borough of Southwark
· London Borough of Sutton
· London Borough of Wandsworth
· Manchester
· Norfolk
· North East Lincolnshire
· Northumberland
· Plymouth
· Redcar and Cleveland
· Rochdale
· Salford
· Sheffield
· West Sussex
· Worcestershire
 
During 2005 Come and Play will be extended to a further 18 areas, reaching 11,000 children in all.

4Children is the national charity dedicated to creating opportunities and building futures for children. A child centred and family focused organisation dedicated to the care, education and personal development of children, 4Children aspires to ensure that all children, young people and families have access to a creative, safe and child focused environment, and activities. 

For further information contact:
Come and Play
4Children
City Reach
5 Greenwich View Place
London
E14 9NN
T: 020 7512 2112
E: comeandplay@4Children.org.uk
W: www.4Children.org.uk