also consider the extent to which shelter from the weather will be required and, for all types of provision, we need to be able to provide first aid in the event of an accident and have a procedure in place should emergency services be required.
inclusive playwork practice than explained here, this guide is primarily concerned with what needs to be in place to make our provision accessible to as many different children as possible. This includes developing physical environments, staffing structures, policies and procedures appropriate to the work.
Thinking about diversity and inclusion
The Social Model of Disability There are many ways children may be disabled from accessing our play provision and there is much to be learnt from the Disability Rights movement, which identifies some useful models for understanding the challenges and informing change. The Social Model of Disability recognises people with impairments as being disabled by a society in which they do not have access to the same rights as other people. This model argues that our society needs to make changes to accommodate people with impairments. Investing in accessible transport, for example, may enable a person with mobility issues to get to a place where they want to play. This approach is different to the medical model of disability where people tend to be identified by the name of their impairment and this label leads to assumptions being made about what that person is like, can or can’t do.
‘The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual.’2 An inclusive play provision is one that upholds the right of every child to play, regardless of the diversity of their life experiences. As playworkers we must be pro-active in challenging discrimination, prejudice and inequality by enabling children to access our provision. When planning our playwork project it is essential to think about how we will provide for a diverse range of children, recognising that some will require more support than others to access their right to play. Whilst there is much more to
As senior playworkers we are responsible for managing the environment to accommodate and provide for the play of every child, ideally without them being aware of our work. This mirrors the expectation that society has to adapt to meet the rights of people with impairments.
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