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Wendy Russell

Part-Time Academic Staff

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…

Biography

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.

Qualifications

  • PhD, University of Gloucestershire, 2014
  • PGCHE, University of Gloucestershire, 2004
  • M.Ed, Human Relations, University of Nottingham, 1995
  • B.A. (Hons), French, Lancaster University, 1977.

Membership of professional bodies

  • FHEA
  • FRSA

Teaching & Research

Teaching

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.

Research

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

Publications

More publications from Wendy Russell can be found in the Research Repository.

External responsibilities

Subject for media interview

Children's play

Professional positions

Member of editorial board of International Journal of Play; invited guest reviewer for Children, Children's Geographies, Leisure Studies.