How it all began.....
I started my career in the children's workforce back in 2004, an eager sixth form student at the start of my journey to become a primary school teacher. In preparation for this I decided that some practical experience with children was a good place to start. I became involved with a local out-of-school scheme working with children aged 4 to 12 years old. I quickly became engrossed and was provided with my work badge, and career long dedication. I was duly entitled 'Playworker'.
I quickly realised that 'this is me' and a Playworker I was. After deciding to put university on-hold while I pursued something I thoroughly enjoyed, two years had passed but an opportunity had arisen! 'Out-of-School Coordinator'. At 18 years old this was a daunting proposition but one in which I never hesitated upon and have loved every minute of it!
A parent asked “when are you going to get a proper job?” this made me think, I entered the room to find ‘absolute mayhem’- faces, hands, arms, legs and feet covered in paint, a group of boys hysterically laughing as they danced around in girls clothes, and my desk, redesigned into a “secret steath ship”……… In all seriousness who would want a “proper job?”
I pursued this venture for a further 7 years and in this time graduated from Leeds Metropolitan University with First-Class Honours after studying a BA in Playwork under Professor Fraser Brown.
Everything I had learnt in the practical field was now supported with an academic and theoretical underpinning which has helped me develop into a well-rounded, reflective Playworker.
In 2010 I was given the opportunity to playwork in Romania with a community of Roma-Gypsy children, working with Aid for Romanian Children. These children are some of the most deprived and impoverished children in Europe. For me, this experience was life changing, and a fundamental necessity for both my career development and also for me as a human being (Romania blog to follow!)
Having gained all this knowledge and experience in the Playwork field it enabled me, in my position of 'Coordinator' to create a rich play environment, in-keeping with the Playwork Principles and controversially differing in what society would expect from a child-care establishment. Our centre is well recognised as a centre for playwork excellence, something we are all proud of!
In more recent times I hold the title of Children's Centre Manager, working under the Sure Start agenda. I have been in this role for just over a year. I have steered it through some tough times, battled with Ofsted and currently driving it through a district wide restructure, which, more than likely will result in my redundancy. I have enjoyed the challenge (and the salary) but ultimately I know where my passion lies, in Playwork and to be honest, I cant wait to get back to it!
I am a director for Pop-Up Adventure Play, an organisation which promotes the child's right to play and the importance of Playwork on an international scale - In early 2014 I was able to support their USA Tour, presenting to audiences in San Diego and Seattle. I hope to become more involved with this fantastic organisation during 2015 and beyond!
Watch this space.......
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