An Evaluation of the Barnardos Ballybeg Playground Service

Abstract

Case study research was the chosen methodology for this evaluation, the hallmark of which is that it uses ‘multiple sources of evidence’ to explore the phenomenon of interest. One of the main objectives of the evaluation was to explore children’s experiences of their involvement in the service, what it means to them and how it has impacted on their lives thus the voice of the child was a key aspect of this evaluation. Drawing from the ‘multiple sources of evidence’ gathered for this evaluation the findings indicate that the Barnardos Ballybeg Playground service has an exceptionally positive impact on the lives of the children who use it. This is evidenced by the overwhelmingly positive accounts expressed by the children, parents, Barnardos staff, volunteers and stakeholders who participated in the evaluation.