Laura Barraclough

Interview

What are your main responsibilities?

I run two morning play sessions a week, where individuals, child minders and other childcare providers can bring children along. I run an after-school session on Wednesday afternoons so over fives are able to access the facilities. When I first started all the toys for the scheme had already been purchased and it was my responsibility to set up a catalogue system and play sessions.

I go out to various groups and run play sessions for a whole range of ages, from 0 to 16. The sessions allow the children to pick what they want to do and choose the games and equipment they want to play with. Non-structured play is very important to a child’s development; freedom gives children the opportunity to explore play for themselves.

It is my responsibility to organise the national play day for Wakefield. I’m also a member of the playwork regional committee and the Wakefield district play forum. I’m a trustee for the play facility in Wakefield prison which allows children the opportunity to use a play area whilst their mothers are visiting their partners. 

Do you work alone or in a team?

One of my colleagues, a childcare development officer, has a playwork degree and I often work with her on various projects. We will shortly be writing a play strategy for Wakefield. My full team includes; children’s information service, training, childcare development and children’s centres.

What would a typical day contain for you?

I usually start around 9am. The morning sessions begin at 9.30am so I will set up the toy library ready for when the groups arrive. Work in the office involves things like organising the play day and doing work for the play forum. I might then go out to run an afternoon session. After that I’ll either finish for the day, or go to an evening meeting.

How many members of the public do you meet on a day-to-day basis?

I meet up to ten members of the public a day, but it can be a lot more. We had 800 children and 400 adults at the last play day.

Why did you choose a career in playwork?

 What is your educational and working background?

My mum was a playworker so it’s always something I’ve taken an interest in. When I was 16 I started helping her at holiday and after-school playschemes. I studied A level dance and theatre and a BTEC in performing arts. I then went to the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts to study performing arts in the community. However, after three months, I decided that it wasn’t for me so I moved back home. I then took an NVQ Level 3 in playwork and managed to get a job straight away. I spent 12 months working in an out-of-school-club as a playworker, and then moved to an out-of-school/holiday club to work as a play leader.

My next role was as a key worker in a scheme run as a pilot by Bradford Council. Social services referred children aged around 8-15 to us who were ‘at risk’ or ‘hard to reach’, and we provided them with positive play opportunities. That was a very challenging job and very rewarding, and as the programme was a success it was extended.

I’ve been in my current position for two and a half years, and it’s flown by! I didn’t know much about toy libraries when I started working here but I knew I wanted to continue in playwork.

What do you enjoy most and least about your job?

Being with the children. I also love organising events, in another life I would love to be an events organiser. The office work can be a little boring but it has to be done.

What skills are important in your job?

The ability to be flexible and the ability to communicate on all levels, from young children up to managers at the council.

What training have you received whilst in your job?

I have taken a City and Guilds award in adult training so I can pass on playwork skills. All playworkers need to have up-to-date first aid and I also did lifting and handling as some of the equipment we work with is quite large and heavy.

What are your career aspirations?

My job will hopefully evolve into developing the play strategy and whilst I will still oversee the toy library, I would have to delegate the responsibility to someone else. I would be interested in training playworkers. I would also like to be an events organiser one day!

What do your friends and family think about what you do?

My husband though it was it’s an easy life – playing all day long! He has been to the adventure playground where I volunteer, and it’s near an estate where a lot of the children have various issues and problems. He told me; ‘I don’t know how you do it!’ It really opened it up to him what it was all about.

What is the best way to get into the playwork industry?

Get experience, whether it’s voluntary or paid. Also do Take Five for Play (an introduction into playwork course) to find out more about playwork. If you manage to get a job your employer will often support you through your qualifications. Take a Level 2 or Level 3 S/NVQ in playwork, or even the playwork degree! Qualifications and experience are both important. You have to be a playworker because you love it, not because of the money. Running play sessions and big events like the play day gives me a real buzz!

 

     

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