Nursery World - Heart of the matter

How to inspire children while allowing them freedom is the essential role of the playworker, says Gail Bushell Those of you who have been involved with playwork for a number of years will be aware of the debates that exist in defining play and therefore the role of the playworker. In developing out-of-school care for children aged four up to 16 years old it is important to recognise that play is a fundamental process in all children's lives - and it is the role of playworkers to facilitate and engage children in this process.

Those of you who have been involved with playwork for a number of years will be aware of the debates that exist in defining play and therefore the role of the playworker. In developing out-of-school care for children aged four up to 16 years old it is important to recognise that play is a fundamental process in all children's lives - and it is the role of playworkers to facilitate and engage children in this process.

As a playworker it is vital that you have an understanding of the play needs of children. Many school-aged children spend a large amount of time in out-of-school care and those adults developing and providing it are responsible for making sure that children get the time for a variety of play opportunities.

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