Reflective Playwork

In a world where we are ever seeking to protect our children and to encourage their educational progress, it is often overlooked that the need for play is as important as the need for food and sleep. Drawing on playwork methodology, theory and practice, this extensively revised new edition of Reflective Playwork recognises that play is a need for all, and seeks to encourage the provision of time and space for all children to freely enjoy its benefits. Encouraging a greater understanding of play from a child’s perspective and ways in which any adult can support and enhance play, it covers: playwork principles, the playwork approach, reflective practice and values, play theory, the child and their welfare and spaces for play.

This edition has a greater focus on putting playwork theory into practice to address the needs of all those who work with children and play. Using more stories and case studies from real life situations and a wider range of settings including schools, children’s centres, voluntary organisations and play therapy, Jacky Kilvington and Ali Wood help readers identify how to use the playwork approach and engage in reflective practice whoever and wherever they are.

New and updated for this edition:

- Key questions, reflection opportunities and further reading suggestions have been updated to include the latest research, terminology and current concerns for children and young people;
- an updated glossary highlighting key playwork terminology;
- a new chapter on playable spaces;
- a new chapter on applying the playwork approach in other professions in the children’s and continuing professional development;
- a wider look at play and playwork across the Western world;
- a renewed focus on showing links between playwork practice and other types of practice.

Written in an accessible style, Reflective Playwork is approachable for foundation and undergraduate level students and above as well as practitioners.