This one-day workshop is presented in a participative format with exercises and opportunities for discussion in both large and small groups. By drawing on your own and others shared experiences, participants will develop a broader understanding of the issues and indicators of the impact of different family lifestyles on children and as they grow and develop.

Play can often have a different meaning and priority within the wide range of play and childcare services that are on offer to children in Scotland. For some it may be used as a vehicle for promoting children’s learning. For others the therapeutic value of play may be of more of a priority.

During this workshop we will explore and analyse the meaning of play for children and young people and critically analyse the extent to which play should be structured or promoted by an adult led agenda. By examining our innate need to play we will identify the key principles and frameworks, which are required for the promotion of the play process. We will look at the criteria for the development of the play environment and the role of the worker in supporting children’s play. Finally we will look at practical ways of implementing a purposeful play policy in a wide range of play and childcare settings.