Childhood, play and the Playwork Principles

Author: Play Wales
Date: January 2021

This guide is aimed at those who work in settings where children play.

It looks at:

• some of the theories that influence the ways adults understand children
• the role of play in childhood
• the ethics of working in settings where children play.

It explores ideas and theories of child development and childhood and the role of playwork in settings where children play.

We worked with Ludicology to produce this series of playwork guides.

Further reading 

This is the first guide in a series of four. Find out more about the other guides in the series:

• Volume 2 – Practising playwork
• Volume 3 – Developing and managing a playwork project
• Volume 4 – Managing playworkers and working with other adults