Abstract

This session will explore ways to make our clubs a better and more playful environment for children. We will have examples of basic theories around play, the playwork approach and how to extend children’s play. We would also like to hear from you what are the barriers you experience in your setting, to provide a play space for children and what you need to know about children’s play.

How This Connects to the Sustainability Theme

The session will explore how to make settings more environmentally friendly, more financially sustainable and how to involve the local communities in the play provision.

Biography

Helen Stephenson is a trustee of the Playwork Foundation and their aim is to promote playwork and its guiding principles. She graduated from Gloucestershire University in 2017 with a post graduate certificate in Professional Studies in Children's Play but have worked in the childcare and playwork sector for 20+ years as an Early years and Childcare Advisor for Devon County Council. Helen is passionate about children's right to play and will be an advocate for them whenever she is delivering or writing training for the playwork sector. Together with other trustee's, she was involved in the writing and delivering of the HAF training, which was accredited by Play England and rolled out in 2021.