The Three Models of Playwork: A Critique of Current Playwork Theory that informs Playwork National Occupational Standards and Professional Practice.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22024/UniKent/03/ajpp.1433Abstract
Backgound: Playwork knowledge and understanding, as represented within the current Playwork National Occupational Standards (NOS) and within the eight Playwork Principles, are supported by the ‘three models of playwork’. These are (1) Evolutionary Playwork developed by Bob Hughes, (2) Compound Flexibility developed by Fraser Brown, and (3) Psycholudics proposed by Gordon Sturrock and Perry Else. The current Playwork NOS is under review, and this will include potential revision of the knowledge and understanding playworkers are required to know and have whilst being educated, trained, or in their practice. However, the empirical evidence to support each playwork theory is lacking, and this has implications for how playwork is implemented in professional practice.
Method: This paper is theory-based and offers a critique of the ‘three models of playwork’, an exercise that has not been undertaken before, and considers whether they are playwork theories, or conglomerates of other play theories.
Results: The critique questions how the lack of empirical evidence supports the current playwork theories of Evolutionary Playwork and Compound Flexibility. However, the theory of Psycholudics, more specifically of the Play Cycle, does have more merit to be considered as a theory to support professional playwork practice.
Conclusions: The conclusion from the critique has implications for what is evidence-based to support and develop the revision of the Playwork NOS.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Pete King
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