Wendy Russell is an independent researcher and a Visiting Fellow at University of Gloucestershire, where she previously co-developed and taught on undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in children’s play and playwork. Her research into children’s play focuses on the politics of space and on policy. She is a co-founder of the biennial international Philosophy at Play conference and is on the editorial board of the International Journal of Play.
Wendy teaches undergraduate & postgraduate online courses on Perspectives on Play, Perspectives on Playwork, Social Policy, Ethics. Her transdisciplinary approach draws on geography, philosophy & sociology as well as psychology & biology.
Lead researcher on a review of contemporary literature on children’s play and the implications for professional practice and policy, 2021/2022, commissioned by Play Wales
Co-researcher on four research studies into the Welsh Government’s Play Sufficiency Duty, 2013, 2014, 2019, 2020, commissioned by Play Wales
Researcher on study of children’s play during Covid-19 lockdowns, for Newcastle University
Lead researcher, Sharing Memories of Adventure Playgrounds, 2016-2017 University of Gloucestershire
Co-researcher, Co-Creating an Adventure Playground, 2013, University of Gloucestershire amd Hackney Play Association
Children's play
Member of editorial board of International Journal of Play; invited guest reviewer for Children, Children's Geographies, Leisure Studies.