Playwork
Play is a crucial part of a child's life. It provides the stage on which children act out their fears and joys, learn to develop socially and emotionally, and explore and expand their physical abilities.
Playworkers support this process for school-age children by providing a safe atmosphere and the right resources that enable children to engage each other and develop within. This covers a wide range of play behaviours, in settings that include:
- after-school clubs
- holiday play schemes
- adventure playgrounds
- parks
- play buses
- breakfast clubs
The existence of staffed play provision can reassure parents that their child is safe, while allowing children to absorb themselves in undisturbed play and to undertake challenges not otherwise available to them.
Playwork contains a high proportion of volunteers and part-time workers, and brings its own unique skills and training needs. The National Skills Academy provides a one-stop shop for employers and playworkers by bringing together quality-assured training providers and funders who can give support for training delivery.
In the foreseeable future, the National Skills Academy will offer playworkers easy access to information on a range of training opportunities, news and events in the sector, and useful guidance on qualifications and careers. In the meantime, please contact the SkillsActive playwork team.