Section 2
Developing an organisational framework
An organisational framework refers to the policies and procedures that employees and volunteers are expected to adhere to. These documents guide what we do and how we do it and therefore influence how the play setting operates. It is important that our policies and procedures support good playwork practice, as well as ensuring we meet our duty of care to service users and comply with the legal responsibilities of our organisation.
Playworkers in different nations may have to work to different strategies, policies and regulations dependent on their country’s government’s orientation towards children. How play is viewed varies from nation to nation and ranges from a tool to implement social policy to an indispensable right vital for children’s well-being and development. Playwork provision in each country may also be subject to particular inspection regimes. For example, in Wales there are specific regulations and minimum standards relating to childcare and staffed play provision, which is regulated and inspected by Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW). Senior playworkers should be aware of the particular responsibilities laid down by these inspectorates.
Playworkers work to the Playwork Principles but we also work within the law and other regulations specific to our type of setting or employer. The laws, regulations and guidance, laid down by governments and government supported organisations, continually change and are updated. Balancing these different agendas while ensuring the play process takes precedence in our work can be a challenging task. Among the laws, strategies and policies we must never lose sight of the playing child. Playworkers exist to support the play process5 and we must be vigilant to uphold the child’s right to play in the midst of powerful and competing adult agendas.
In this section we will look at some of the policy agendas or areas of societal concern that are likely to influence the way in which playworkers operate. Where possible, examples from the UK are provided to illustrate the types of requirements placed on playworkers.
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