Top tips: Play, schools and coronavirus
School staff, childcare providers and playworkers across Wales are working hard to care for a number of vulnerable children or those of critical workers as part of our co-operative response to coronavirus. Although many schools are being used, the focus is on providing care for a limited number of children. Welsh Government guidance is emphasising an added focus on pastoral care and activities to support mental well-being and ensuring that children are active. Epidemics, and pandemics, are listed as a situation of crisis by the International Play Association (IPA) in its Access to play in situations of crisis toolkit. Crisis is generally defined as difficult or dangerous situation that needs urgent attention. Despite the new stress that coronavirus is creating, children will still want and need to play. During times of uncertainty, playing: • helps to give children a feeling of normality and joy during an experience of loss, isolation and trauma • helps children to overcome emotional pain and regain control over their lives • helps children make meaning of what has happened to them, and enable them to experience fun and enjoyment • offers children an opportunity to explore their own creativity.
Here are our top tips for school settings to support play during times of stress: 1. Acquaint yourself with the Access to play in situations of crisis toolkit It has been produced to support people and organisations working in crisis situations so that they are better able to understand and support children’s everyday play. It’s available to download at: www.ipaworld.org 2. Develop a statement that explains the value that the setting places on children’s play and reinforces the commitment to supporting children’s play opportunities This may be particularly useful if you are working in an unfamiliar setting or with different staff. It will help to ensure all staff are providing children with a consistent approach to their care, everyone is adhering to the most up to date guidance and that children’s play is provided for.
3. You don’t need a detailed plan of activities If you can take a step back and supervise from a distance, children will be more likely to play in their own way and gain the benefits of experimenting and experiencing things for themselves. Have a look at our Top tips for supporting children’s play which provides a range of ideas, suggestions and tips for staff to help them support play. Available to download at: www.playwales.org.uk/eng/ aplayfriendlyschool 4. Provide plenty of play materials that can be cleaned easily To comply with guidelines, provide things that can be washed, such as plastic balls, pots and pans, buckets and spades, plastic diggers, trucks and cars.
5. Have a look at Playing actively in and around the home It includes ideas of playful ideas to support physical activity. The resource is available to download at: www.playwales.org.uk/eng/ playinandaroundthehome 6. If you have a local play development team, get in touch with them They may be able to advise you on ideas to support children’s play. You can find out who to contact on Play Wales’ website: www.playwales.org.uk/eng/playservices 7. Have fun! Focusing on play ideas without rules or that don’t need a specific skill will be fun for children and adults and will help pass the time in a playful way. Plenty of time and space for playing will also provide fun and security during an experience of loss and isolation.
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