In my view, play is essential for a good childhood. The benefits of play for children from nought to 15 need to be recognised.
First, play helps children develop physical skills and keep fit. A recent study by London University found that for most children, play gave them more exercise in a week than PE lessons. And for young children, everything from holding a string to balancing on one foot is most easily learned through play.
Second, play teaches children about the world. They also learn how to take risks - which are worthwhile and which foolish.
Third, play gives children an opportunity to make friends and learn social skills, so they can co-operate and learn how to be flexible and sympathetic.
Fourth, play sets the imagination free: when the cardboard box is a boat or the stick a sword. It also gives children the chance to experiment with different roles and see how they enjoy different possibilities.
Fifth, play is fun!
I agree with Adrian Voce, head of the Children's Play Council, that play should be 'spontaneous and natural'. So why do playwork skills matter?
Nowadays children are supervised more - at after school clubs or in extended schools - and it's important that the people with them don't turn these periods into over-formal learning sessions or homework clubs. Also, adults need to ensure there is an appropriate level of risk and excitement - parents want their children to be safe, but children don't want to be bored. Additionally, good playworkers can give children the opportunity for a variety of experiences and help them extend their play.
There is a shortage of trained playworkers in Britain, so if you are interested, contact Skills Active by email viaplaywork@ skillsactive.com.
