Play is an essential part of every child's life and vital to a child's development. Play is a general term applied to a wide range of activities and behaviours that are satisfying to the child, creative for the child and freely chosen by the child. It may be painting a picture, making friends, learning something new, reading a book or creating a fantasy world. Children can play on their own or with others, their play may be boisterous and energetic, quiet and contemplative, light-hearted or serious.
Play is an important part of a child's physical, intellectual, social and emotional development. Through play, children can experiment and learn about themselves, socialise and mix with others and develop into healthy rounded individuals.
With the borough's growing number of children, play opportunities such as these are seen as an investment for the future.
What Makes a Good Playworker?
A Playworker is someone who works with children to help them get the maximum benefit from all their play activities. A Playworker's aims are to provide children with challenging yet safe play opportunities and support them through their play experiences.
Important aspects of a Playworker's job are:
Providing a wide range of opportunities for children to play in their own way
Building relationships with children, their parents and carers
Enhancing children's play with sensitive and positive involvement in their activities
Promoting fair and caring behaviour and managing difficult behaviour
Encouraging choice and self-confidence
Team work
Ensuring a safe environment
A good, well motivated Playworker will involve children in the planning and shaping of the play setting and what goes on in it.
A Playworker is:
an enabler - helping children to find out, learn and discover more about themselves and the surrounding world. They provide a variety of materials for the children to choose and devise their own activities. They make suggestions for play activities but leave the final choice to the children themselves.
a mediator - making sure that all children can play as they want without bullying or making others feel stupid. They mat step in to prevent toys or games getting broken and to support children in helping them resolve arguments and disputes between themselves.
a friend - encouraging children to mix together and encouraging play activities that explore relationships and help children to make friends. Making sure that all children have the opportunity to play together regardless of ethnic origin, class, sex, age or disability, showing care for children and being a good listener are all part of a Playworkers role.
a team member - working effectively as part of a team with other members of staff to plan activities, share out general duties fairly, to build up good relationships and communicate effectively
Why Choose Playwork?
Working with children is a rewarding and enjoyable occupation and provides unique job opportunities. Many new play and childcare jobs are being created both locally and nationally. Playwork is ideal for people who want to work with children in settings such as After School Clubs and Holiday Playschemes, or for people who need an understanding of children for related jobs in nurseries, teaching, psychology, social work etc.
Playwork is a profession in itself. Facilitating children to play freely to aid the development into a well rounded individual.
What Skills and Qualities Does a Playworker Require?
Important qualities a Playleader should possess include:
A strong interest in working with children between the ages of 4 and 14 years of age;
An interest in understanding the importance of play for children;
Ideas for art & craft, sport and group activities;
Ability to create a safe, fun and enjoyable environment for children;
Ability to relate and work well with children;
Ability to work well as part of a team.
A good Playworker will be motivated, enthusiastic and have imaginative ideas for new activities and games.
