Youth@Play
The pilot Youth@Play programme clearly identified the need for playwork training, and its potential impact in raising the play offer in the participating youth settings. Youth work qualifications have typically focused on the 13+ age group so this programme sets out to enhance opportunities to develop additional knowledge towards a better understanding of playwork and play-based approaches. The Education Authority (EA) are investing in this programme, recognising that focused playwork training and support will help meet the needs of the growing number of younger members attending youth settings.
Following the success of the Youth@Play pilot, this current delivery funded by EA, will run from May 2022 to March 2023. Full and part-time workers and volunteers in both the statutory and voluntary sector across all council areas in Northern Ireland will have the opportunity to be involved.
The Youth@Play team in PlayBoard have developed, tested, and will deliver the OCN NI endorsed Playwork in a Youth Work Setting to youth workers across the youth sector – at Level 2 for part-time workers and volunteers, and at Level 3 for full-time staff.
The training will give youth workers the capacity to better meet the play needs of members – particularly the younger ones.
If you would like further information on the programme download the flyer
Or contact the Youth@Play team on 028 9080 3380 or email peter.mccartney@playboard.co.uk, Aisling.Hosick-Flynn@playboard.co.uk or maeve.mclaughlin@playboard.co.uk
Outcomes
Understanding
Better understanding of play and increased recognition of its importance in the youth setting
Delivery
Embedding playwork approaches to enhance delivery of the youthwork curriculum
Environment
Enriched play environment and improved play offer for the children and young people attending the youth setting
Enjoyment
Increased enjoyment and opportunities for children and young people to interact
Relationships
Enhanced relationships between youth workers and children and young people.
Training – Playwork In A Youth Work Setting
Engaging With Children And Young People
Play is essential for children and young people’s physical health and mental well-being, and for their all-round development.
70% of youth setting attendees are aged up to 13 years*. The Youth@Play project is built on the recognition that play is the most effective way of engaging with these younger members in youth settings.
Project participants will gain a better understanding of play and play-based approaches and explore practical ways to make play happen in their setting. Our focused training programme will enable youth workers to better meet the play needs of the growing number of younger members attending youth settings.
Youth settings offer a great opportunity for young people to have their play needs met. Young people need to play and youth workers can play a big part in making that happen!
* A Statistical and Geographic Report of the EA Registered Youth Service, 2018.
Project Reach
OCN NI Level 1
OCN NI Level 1 playwork training to 85 senior members within youth work settings
OCN NI Level 2
OCN NI Level 2 playwork training to over 55 volunteer and part-time youth work staff
OCN NI Level 3
OCN NI Level 3 playwork training to 45 youth work staff
Play Training
Play training to 98 youth workers, supporting play-based delivery over the summer months
Play Audits
Play audits in 32 youth work settings, providing guidance on the enhancement of settings to better support play-based approaches