NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Back to results
Peer reviewed Peer reviewed
Direct linkDirect link
ERIC Number: EJ1463694
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1357-5279
EISSN: EISSN-1476-489X
Available Date: 0000-00-00
A Comparison of Playworkers and Non-Playworkers Who Use a Playwork Approach
Child Care in Practice, v31 n1 p152-168 2025
The International Playwork Census (IPC) was undertaken to compare demographic data from both playworkers and non-playworkers who use a playwork approach in their work. Data were collected from 273 responses in nineteen different countries reflecting the growth of playwork from its United Kingdom beginnings. Results showed the combined playwork (102 responses) and non-playwork (171 responses) workforce is female, white with no registered disability with an average age of 44.8 years. There were also significant differences between job roles in relation to sector employed, playwork training and play qualifications undertaken. There were differences between playworkers and non-playworkers. Playworkers were significantly found to work in management or practice within the Third (Voluntary) sector and have playwork qualifications. Non-playworkers were significantly employed in the statutory sector, work at the board level and have no playwork qualification. Up-to-date demographic data are important to develop the professionalisation of playwork. This study provides a current profile of professionals working with children in a play context who see themselves as belonging to the playwork field. It provides a unique insight into two different sectors within the playwork field: adults who describe themselves as "playworkers" and adults who describe their practice as "a playwork approach".
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Department for Education and Childhood Studies, Swansea University, Swansea, UK; 2Common Threads, Norfolk, UK