Care and support

Playworker/ Playworker Coordinator

Playworkers generally work in after school clubs, holiday playschemes and holiday clubs but they can also work in adventure playgrounds, playcentres/family centres, hospitals or on playbuses. Playworkers provide an informal, friendly and safe environment where children can express themselves and explore. They encourage co-operative play through games, activities such as arts and crafts, or music. They often provide quiet rooms or corners for reading and peaceful activities. Some playworkers need to prepare snacks and drinks, or meals on holiday playschemes. Children regularly need to be collected from schools and taken to the after school clubs.

Good playworkers need to be cheerful, imaginative, friendly, but with an ability to be firm when needed. They need to recognise and understand the needs of children and respond accordingly. A playworker has to be diplomatic and respect the needs of children and their parents.

An example of a playworker

Sharon worked for several years as a youth worker in the evenings so she could care for her family. She later moved into residential social work. Sharon missed contact with children, so with encouragement and support from her family, she returned to college and started her own business, an after school club for 5 – 11 year olds. “I like to think I have provided a small haven for the children, job opportunities for local adults and a choice of care for parents and children. You definitely don’t do it for the money but for the wonderful feeling I get when I walk into the club and see so many happy faces”.

Playwork Co-ordinator manages play and activities, but includes recruitment and supervision of staff, purchasing, budgeting, health and safety, liaising with parents and children, preparing play plans and policies/procedures. Although the co-ordinator is busy with paperwork there are still opportunities to join in with the children.

An example of a playwork Co-ordinator

Bruce worked in banking for several years before he decided to change direction. He had always been involved in the local scout movement, as a scout and then a leader so was looking for something in youth development. He took on the responsibility of organising holiday playschemes for 200+ children, and is now working as a co-ordinator for four out of school clubs. “It’s so rewarding, and good fun”.