Creative workshop introduces Year 7 students to the world of Play Work

Year 7 students from Oasis Brightstowe had the opportunity to explore the role of a Play Worker with the Children’s Scrapstore in an interactive, creative and reflective workshop.

The workshop started with a reflection task where students were encouraged to discuss their favourite play memory, this was scaffolded with questions to help direct their conversations. Throughout this task students were practising their reflection skills, an important skill that will support them through school and in their post-16 choices. The teacher commented that ‘having time to plan and reflect’ was one of the most useful parts of the session.

Next, students designed their own play spaces, encouraging them to think creatively and use their imagination. They then heard from Scrapstore staff about the role of a Play Worker and were challenged to revisit their designs from a Play Worker’s perspective.

Students considered how to make their spaces more welcoming, safe and engaging, thinking about health and safety, how to attract young people to the space, and how to create a fun and inclusive environment. Through this activity, they gained an insight into the key considerations Play Workers make when planning and facilitating play opportunities for children and young people.

In the final activity of the workshop students experienced a session designed by the Play Workers. They practised their teamwork, communication and resilience skills as they worked, to a time limit, to move balls across the room with a selected item of ‘scrap’ (cardboard tubes, plastic pots, helmets etc!). The students enjoyed this session with one commenting ‘I really loved doing this and would love to do this job someday’.

Thank you to the students for engaging so well with the activities and a big thank you to the Children’s Scrapstore volunteers for designing and delivering a fun and interactive workshop.