Playwork

Useful organisations operating in the playwork sector.

4Children

4Children is the national charity for children and young people, 0–19. 4Children works with Government, local authorities, primary care trusts, children’s service providers, and children and parents to ensure joined up support for all children and young people in their local community. As a membership organisation 4Children supports and represents a national network of children’s service providers including Children’s Centres, out of school clubs, holiday playschemes, extended schools and youth centres. To find out more, call the Information Helpline on 020 7512 2100 or visit our website

Equipe

Equipe aims to bring childcare, playwork and social enterprise together to provide better services for communities by strengthening the childcare/playwork sector’s ability to provide a comprehensive, high quality service that meets the needs of the community, and improves the quality of the sector’s jobs.

Playwork trainers

Currently focusing on the South East, this ESF funded website is full of useful information for playwork trainers. The site is updates every week and there are opportunities to add your ideas, opinions and suggestions.

Children's Play Council

The Children's Play Council aims to raise awareness of the importance of play in children's lives and the need for all children to have access to better play opportunities and play services. CPC publish 'Best Play', which can also be downloaded from their website.

The Children's Play Information Service

The Children’s Play Information Service (CPIS) website has lots to offer, from play conferences and events to downloadable factsheets and student reading lists.

Fair Play

An organisation focussing on children's rights in a variety of contexts, including playwork.

National Association of Toy & Leisure Libraries

Toy libraries provide access to good quality toys and play activities in a friendly, supportive environment. Leisure libraries support the lifelong learning of adults with special needs, offering leisure facilities and loan of equipment. Parents and carers can contact NATLL to find out about their nearest toy or leisure library, or to receive details of publications, training, and how to set up a toy or leisure library.

Kidsactive

Kidsactive provide play and recreation for disabled children and their families, as well as promoting inclusive play.

PLAYLINK

PLAYLINK supports local play service providers across the country, promoting and disseminating the values and playwork practice learnt in the free play environment of adventure playgrounds.

Fields in Trust

Formerly the National Playing Fields Association, Fields in Trust has specific responsibility for acquiring, protecting and improving playing fields, playgrounds and playspace where they are most needed, and for those who need them most - in particular, children of all ages and people with disabilities.