Task 3.9 – Resource 51

Task 1 * Explain the innate drive for children and young people to play.
The Playwork Principles (2006) state “All children and young people need to play. The impulse to play is innate”.

“Play is a process that is freely chosen, personally directed and intrinsically motivated. Children and young people determine and control the content and intent of their play by following their instincts, ideas and interests in their own way and for their own reasons. The child chooses when and how to play and this is seen as a biological drive, essential to health and well-being.”

This means that play is seen as a natural instinct for a child and is their way of understanding the world around them. Play is something
It is easier for tasks to be accomplished quickly and more efficiently if everyone works well as a team. It also allows consistency for the children and young people and sets a positive role model and good example to them as it shows them how they too can work together as a team. Every individual is different and has various qualities to contribute to the team, each member can benefit something from another member of the team. It is important that praise is given to other staff members who have done a good job as this will help to build the teams morale and make each play worker feel respected and a valid member of the team. Working as a team creates a pleasant play space environment for staff, children and their families.

* Explain the role of play workers acting as advocates for play.
The playworkers core function is to create an environment which will stimulate children and young people’s play and maximise their opportunities for a wide range of play experiences all the while ensuring that we are safeguarding the children. Advocating for play means understanding and allowing play to be child centred and personally directed by the children, allowing them to play with what they want and in the way that they want.