Our Team

PLAYWORK PRINCIPLES

• All children need to play; the impulse to play is innate and is a biological, psychological and social necessity, fundamental to their healthy development and well-being.

• Play is a process that is freely chosen, personally directed and intrinsically motivated. That is, children determine and control the content and intent of their play, by following their own instincts, ideas and interests, in their own way for their own reasons.

• The prime focus and essence of playwork is to support and facilitate the play process and this should inform the development of play policy, strategy, training and education.

• For playworkers, the play process takes precedence and playworkers act as advocates for play when engaging with adult led agendas.

• The role of the playworker is to support all children and young people in the creation of a space in which they can play.

• Playworkers choose an intervention style that enables children and young people to extend their play. All playworker intervention must balance risk with the developmental benefit and well-being of children.

The Value of Play

You say that you love your children, 
And are concerned that they learn today,
As am I, that's why I'm providing
A variety of kinds of play.

You are asking what's the value
Of having your children play?
Your daughter's creating a tower,
She may be a builder someday.

You're asking me the value
Of blocks and sand and clay.
Your children are solving problems,
They will use that skill every day.

You're saying that you don't want your son
To play in that sissy way.
He's learning to cuddle a doll,
He may be a father someday.

You're questioning the interest centres, 
They just look like useless play.
Your children are making choices,
They'll be on their own someday.

You're worried your children aren't learning

And later they'll have to pay.
They're learning a pattern for learning,
For they'll be learners always.