Playwork
Encyclopedia
Playwork is the work of creating and maintaining spaces for children to play.
The theory and practice of playwork recognises that children's play
must be 'Freely chosen, personally driven and intrinsically motivated.' Children's playing must not be 'Adulterated' (corrupted
) by any adult or external agendas.
It is the job of a playworker to ensure that the broadest possible range of Play Types is available to children, to observe, reflect and analyse the playing that is happening and select a mode of intervention or make a change to the playspace if needed.
The profession has its roots in the early Adventure Playground movement and can now be studied to degree and masters levels.
Playwork should not be confused with Childcare, Childcare is entirely structured play.
Being qualified in Playwork can lead to a wide range of jobs, including working for Early Years, Sure Start, Out of School Clubs, Youth Clubs and other community groups.
than workers at Forest schools
.
The theory and practice of playwork recognises that children's play
Play (activity)
Play is a term employed in ethology and psychology to describe to a range of voluntary, intrinsically motivated activities normally associated with pleasure and enjoyment...
must be 'Freely chosen, personally driven and intrinsically motivated.' Children's playing must not be 'Adulterated' (corrupted
Temptation
A temptation is an act that looks appealing to an individual. It is usually used to describe acts with negative connotations and as such, tends to lead a person to regret such actions, for various reasons: legal, social, psychological , health, economic, etc...
) by any adult or external agendas.
It is the job of a playworker to ensure that the broadest possible range of Play Types is available to children, to observe, reflect and analyse the playing that is happening and select a mode of intervention or make a change to the playspace if needed.
The profession has its roots in the early Adventure Playground movement and can now be studied to degree and masters levels.
Playwork should not be confused with Childcare, Childcare is entirely structured play.
Being qualified in Playwork can lead to a wide range of jobs, including working for Early Years, Sure Start, Out of School Clubs, Youth Clubs and other community groups.
Play rangers
A play ranger is a local government employee who visits parks and outdoor spaces, providing equipment and some guidance to help children enjoy their public spaces more. They have been described as a combination of a park ranger and a playworker. They share some skills and goals in common with staff of a Forest kindergarten, but are more focused on playPlay (activity)
Play is a term employed in ethology and psychology to describe to a range of voluntary, intrinsically motivated activities normally associated with pleasure and enjoyment...
than workers at Forest schools
Forest Schools
Forest schools are a type of outdoor education in which children visit forests/woodlands, learning personal, social and technical skills...
.