BA (Hons) Playwork
"The University of Gloucestershire was the only university to deliver the BA Hons in Playwork via distance learning, which enabled me to progress through the course at a pace suitable to my needs and was dependent on having an active role as a playworker at a play setting.
In the first instance, I attended an open day specific to the Playwork Distance Learning programme. It was a very inspiring and informative day and provided the opportunity to meet the field chair and the programme lecturers. It also provided the opportunity to meet potential fellow students and begin the crucial process of networking and developing support partnerships.
I found the distance learning programme to be unique and designed for the wide range of people active in the field of playwork across many levels. Undertaking this course has enabled me to gain a greater academic understanding on the wide range of disciplines associated with the field of Playwork. Having a high level of understanding and qualification leads to increased confidence and knowledge and has enabled me to articulate the importance of play and provide a better play environment for children.
I have completed a number of volunteer roles within a local council-run playscheme. I provided support and mentoring to a number of site leaders at various play settings, helping them to facilitate the play setting and offering advice and guidance to site leaders, playworkers, parents, children and management. I am one-to-one support playworker for children with specific needs and offer help and advice to parents.
High points of my time at the university include the satisfaction of completing each stage of the degree process, the fact that the in-depth knowledge gained on a range of disciplines provided me with the confidence to present at a number of international conferences on Playwork and, finally, having several academic articles published.
The contacts made during my time networking with high level academics has provided the opportunity to continue my studies and I will be starting a Masters programme in New York. I will be taking all of my experience and knowledge gained from my time at the University of Gloucestershire and sharing it with colleagues and students in the USA."