Training

"The right to play is a child's first claim on the community. Play is nature's training for life. No community can infringe that right without doing deep and enduring harm to the minds and bodies of it's citizens."

David Lloyd George.


Children own Play: it is a complex process through which they learn about themselves, other people and the world in which they live.

A Playworker is an adult who facilitates a child's Play by providing an appropriate physical and psychological environment. As Play is complex and child-led, the role of the Playworker is also complex and requires a high level of skill and sensitivity.

Playwork Training should provide Playworkers with opportunities to discuss and explore the complexities of their work. A Playworker who has had such opportunities will be able to make a thoughtful and reasoned approach to her/his work. The opportunities for discussion must be ongoing and may give rise to Playworkers talking about their own attitudes, experiences, values and judgments. Playwork Training should therefore take place in an emotionally safe and supportive atmosphere and be facilitated by a skilled and emphatic trainer. Playwork Training should also look at Play and Playwork theory as well as reflective practice.

Aims of HPA Training Unit

To assist the Play Sector through Playwork and management Training, professional development and service quality improvement from foundation level to advanced level courses.

Provision

A programme of practical and theoretical courses for those employed to work with children and young people (5-15). Workplaces vary from Adventure Playgrounds, Playcentres, After School Clubs and similar Organisation's. All qualification courses meet the National Standards for Playwork, and all short courses aim to support and underpin to the standard for qualifications in Playwork.

The qualification's that we run are;

  • A Foundation course to Playwork course consisting of 13 weeks of training (one day per week) with a 30-50 hour placement on an Adventure Playground for anyone over 18 that is interested in playwork.
  • We have also tailor made a PAYP funded Foundation to Playwork and Introduction to Playwork course programme for 16-19 year olds, with current funding to run throughout 2009-2011. Each course consists of group training and a work placement on an adventure playground, once completed young people have a number of future possibilities including further training and employment opportunities. Many previous students have gone on to complete their Level 2 in Playwork, or become part of Hackney's play workforce.
  • The CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Playwork is for those working with children in a variety of play settings. All attending must have at least 50 hours of previous playwork experience.
  • The CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Playwork is for senior playworkers managing a playsite, or for those wanting to progress after achieving a Level 2 qualification.
  • Special interest and specific Playwork courses run from time to time, alongside seminars and workshops to inform, campaign and change.
     

HPA's short course programme includes the following:

  • Child Protection
  • First Aid
  • Health & Safety
  • The Playwork Principles
  • Play Values
  • The Meaning of Play
  • Play Types
  • Food Hygiene
  • The Role of the Playworker
  • Manual Handling
  • Quality Play Practice
  • Fire Risk Assessment
  • Play Theories

Please see our events diary for information on current listings.

We aim to provide all courses for free, or when necessary for a small charge. Current funding for training is received by Hackney Council, Team Hackney & The Learning Trust.

Methodology

The design and execution of all courses involves three differing areas of learning, competence, professional development and skills development.


To provide a training atmosphere that is relaxed, encourages debate, works with Equal Opportunities guidelines, seeks to achieve high standards and has local and national significance.


For more information please contact Rowan on 020 7729 4664 or email rowan.carnihan@hackneyplay.org