Play is a magical experience for children. Being a professional in play is challenging but rewarding role. This is a 9 hour course delving into the meaning of play. It encourages participants to really think about why children play, what is the benefits of play and what can be achieved through play. This course provides an excellent insight into the child's mind at play. We incorporate UNCRC (Article 31) and explore the educationalist and the biological approach to play. Play is a very unique place where children should determine how it evolves with limited and knowledgeable intervention from adults. This course provides an insightful journey in which the participant will learn a great deal about the playing child. The key learning of this course will provide the play professional with essential skills and approaches that can then be transferred to practice and help children achieve the best possible outcomes. This course is an excellent introduction to the fascinating world of play but it would also be extremely beneficial as an annual refresher on this topic.

In 2020 Dr Pete King and Gordon Sturrock published a new book called The Play Cycle. Their work and thinking has informed the playwork sector for decays. It is difficult to apprehend that their review of the play cycle was the first review in 23 years. This course is excellent for all levels of professional from the playwork sector. In it we explore hierarchy of intervention styles which have been renamed. We reflect upon Psycholudics and the many aspect to this. We then compare the new play cycle and the reduction in stages. We look at Play Scotland and their findings on COVID and Play Scotland's Play Strategy. We encourage participants to review their organisations play policy to ensure its currency and relevance in light of the new play cycle publication. We do not yet fully understand the impact of COVID-19 on children and their families and their wellbeing. It is unclear how COVID-19 and its social, cultural, political and economic consequences will continue to affect children and young people, families and organisations over the next few years. Play Scotland Play Strategy Review Play in Covid 2021 - PDF (playscotland.org)

This is an excellent follow up to play as a professional. We re-cap on the playwork principles, UNCRC (Article 31) and the general comment. We explore the decline in children's play, play deprivation and it's impact on children's development. Brain development and how play has a positive impact on this. We explore the origins of play and we compare how children prefer to play in more sedentary screen based way. This leads us to some theories on play and opens discussion on the relevance of theory to better understand practice. We also review Scotland's and Glasgow's play policies, links to curriculum for excellence, GIRFEC and wellbeing indicators. Play can be used in many ways to support the developing child. It helps build many life skills like problem solving, negotiation, compromising, sharing, resilience, confidence and self regulation. To gain the most from this course it is highly recommended that participants attend play as a professional before doing this course.

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