Discovering Playwork: Developing a Knowledge Base for the Playwork Profession.

Authors

  • Peter King
  • Shelly Newstead Common Threads Playwork

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22024/UniKent/03/ajpp.1245

Abstract

Background: This study formed part of the International Playwork Census. It provides important data about how playworkers and non-playworkers who use a playwork approach in their work with children were first introduced to playwork and the playwork literature they had read.

Method: The data was collected through an online survey the International Playwork Census (IPC) and focuses on two qualitative open-ended questions on how people first heard of playwork and what playwork literature they accessed.

Results: How people first heard of playwork was analysed using thematic analysis and three themes were constructed from three sources: provision (being employed); education (studying a playwork course) or promotion (attending a conference).  When asked what playwork-related literature participants had accessed, non-playworkers were more likely to access and read published playwork books than playworkers.

Conclusions: This difference raises several important questions about the future development of the playwork profession, particularly in the area of sector-specific knowledge development. 

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Published

2024-08-24

How to Cite

King, P., & Newstead, S. (2024). Discovering Playwork: Developing a Knowledge Base for the Playwork Profession . Advanced Journal of Professional Practice, 5(1), 12–24. https://doi.org/10.22024/UniKent/03/ajpp.1245

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Articles