Playwork

Playwork is a profession.  Playworkers train to do their job.

Play is fundamental to children's health and well-being.  In today's Wales there are fewer and fewer opportunities to play independently of adults ( see a definition of play).  

We need to create opportunities and places where children and young people can play freely and with confidence.  Places where they can encounter a wide range of opportunities and possibilities - where the adults involved understand the nature and importance of all aspects of children's play and work to support it.  Find out more about places where playworkers practice.

A common misconception is that playworkers play with children.   In reality playworkers enable children to extend their own play and they protect and enhance the play space so that it is a rich play environment. 

Playworkers ensure that the play space is inclusive - supporting all children to make the most of the opportunities available in their own way.

Playworkers see children and young people as competent individuals.  They understand the need for children to encounter and create uncertainty and challenge as part of their play.  Playworkers neither direct nor organise the play,  they are trained to judge when or whether to intervene.

Playworkers operate under the ethos of the Playwork Principles.  The Playwork Principles help in explaining the role of the playworker.

Download summary of People make Play (Play England report based on Demos research into the impact of staffed play provision)