Training/Playwork
Playwork
Playwork is an approach to working with children that aims to support and facilitate the play process. They 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 play, they are trained to judge when or whether to intervene.
Playworkers operate under the ethos of the Playwork Principles. These should inform playwork practice and underpin playwork education and training.
Play Wales developed some videos during the coronavirus pandemic which are bite-size introductions to aspects of playwork and include links to further resources. The aim of the videos is to support playwork learners and anyone who works with children who wants to understand more about using a playwork approach.
The videos, which are available on the ‘Play Wales – Playwork’ channel on YouTube, explore:
- Playwork Principles 1 and 2
- Risk-benefit assessment
- The theory of loose parts
- The Playwork Curriculum
Training
To meet the play needs of all children in Wales and all those who work where children play, there are a range of qualifications that respond to the changing nature of the sector. Click the links below to find courses suitable to your current experiences/qualifications.
This short guide is for playworkers, employers and managers. It gives an overview of what playwork qualifications are available in Wales and what the legal requirements are for playworkers and managers.
Play Wales Training 
Children in Wales Training 
Learning Through Landscapes Training 
Early Years Wales Training