1.2 Outline articles that are most relevant to playwork, giving reasons why

This guide will help you answer 1.2 Outline articles that are most relevant to playwork, giving reasons why.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) contains 54 articles, each setting out different rights that apply to all children. While many are important to children’s welfare and opportunities in general, there are certain articles within the UNCRC that are particularly relevant to playwork. These articles highlight a playworker’s role in supporting children’s development, ensuring equality, and creating safe, inclusive play environments.

Playworkers can use these articles as a guide to make sure their work supports children’s rights and needs in practical, meaningful ways. In this guide, we cover the most relevant articles to playwork and why they matter.

Article 31: The Right to Play and Leisure

Article 31 directly refers to children’s right to relax, have leisure time, and engage in play. It also includes the right to participate in cultural activities and arts. This article is at the heart of playwork practice.

Playworkers strive to uphold this by creating and maintaining environments where children can explore, create, and enjoy themselves freely. They acknowledge that play is not just a recreational activity—it is vital for the child’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development.

Examples of relevance to playwork:

• Providing a variety of adaptable materials for creative and constructive play.
• Supporting free play, which allows children to decide how and what they want to play, without unnecessary adult interference.
• Offering inclusive activities that reflect diverse cultural and artistic experiences.

Playworkers must also recognise potential barriers that might prevent some children from accessing their right to play. For instance, some children may face discrimination, financial limitations, or physical barriers. Article 31 encourages playworkers to actively work toward removing these obstacles wherever possible.

Article 12: The Right to Be Heard

Article 12 states that every child has a right to express their views on matters affecting them. As children’s maturity and understanding grow, their input should carry increasing weight in decision-making.

In playwork, this means listening to children when they share thoughts, ideas, or opinions about their activities or environment. Encouraging children to speak up builds their confidence and ensures that the play provision meets their interests and needs.

Examples of relevance to playwork:

• Asking children what sorts of activities they would like to see in the play setting.
• Giving them opportunities to influence decisions, such as voting for a new piece of equipment or suggesting themes for creative activities.
• Acknowledging feedback when children describe how they feel about existing play opportunities.

Playworkers need to develop trust with children so their voices can be heard. Respecting this right means letting children feel valued and involved, ensuring their play experiences are meaningful to them.

Article 13: Freedom of Expression

Article 13 gives children the right to express themselves through any form of communication, including speech, writing, art, or other creative expressions. For playworkers, this highlights the importance of providing varied tools and spaces that encourage creativity and free expression.

Examples of relevance to playwork:

• Supplying craft materials like paper, paint, clay, or recycled items for children’s art.
• Helping children act out stories or role-play scenarios that express their thoughts and feelings.
• Creating spaces where children can build, experiment, and share their ideas.

A child-centred approach allows children to choose how they express themselves, offering opportunities that tap into their interests and skills.

Article 2: Non-Discrimination

Article 2 ensures every child enjoys their rights without discrimination, regardless of their background or differences such as gender, disability, religion, or ethnicity. It reinforces the importance of creating inclusive play opportunities available to all children.

For playworkers, this involves actively supporting equality and making adjustments to include children with additional needs. It also means challenging any behaviours, practices, or attitudes in the setting that might exclude certain children.

Examples of relevance to playwork:

• Ensuring play areas are accessible for children with mobility issues, such as ramps or sensory-friendly spaces.
• Offering games and resources that reflect diverse cultures, allowing all children to see themselves represented positively.
• Responding sensitively to children who might have different communication styles, language barriers, or other needs.

Playworkers uphold this article by ensuring fairness in how they interact with children and by removing unnecessary barriers within their practice.

Article 19: Protection from Violence, Abuse, and Neglect

Article 19 protects children from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect, and harm. It requires adults who work with children to ensure safe environments that safeguard children’s wellbeing.

For playworkers, safeguarding is a core responsibility. This means identifying risks, preventing harm in play areas, and stepping in if they believe a child may be experiencing neglect or abuse.

Examples of relevance to playwork:

• Carrying out regular safety checks on equipment to prevent injuries.
• Supporting child-led activities while observing how children interact, ensuring that no one is bullied or excluded.
• Following safeguarding procedures if incidents arise, such as reporting disclosures or concerns about a child’s safety.

By actively protecting children, playworkers create environments where children can safely explore, take risks, and play without fear.

Article 6: Life and Development

Article 6 recognises that all children have the right to life and should grow in a way that allows them to reach their full potential. Playworkers contribute to this by promoting activities that allow children to develop essential skills like confidence, cooperation, and creativity.

Examples of relevance to playwork:

• Facilitating challenging play opportunities that require children to problem-solve or make decisions.
• Encouraging teamwork during group games to help develop social skills.
• Providing variety in play experiences to support children’s emotional, physical, and intellectual growth.

Play environments should balance risk and safety, promoting healthy development while enabling children to challenge themselves.

Article 15: Freedom of Association

Article 15 gives children the right to form friendships and join groups or clubs, as long as their actions do not harm others. For playworkers, this highlights the need to support children’s social interactions and relationships with their peers.

Examples of relevance to playwork:

• Creating spaces where children can work on group projects, such as building dens or creating art together.
• Supporting and encouraging friendships by introducing shared games or collaborative tasks.
• Addressing behaviour that prevents inclusion or damages relationships, such as bullying or exclusion.

Helping children feel part of a community boosts their social skills and sense of belonging.

Article 29: The Aims of Education

Article 29 focuses on education that supports the child’s personality, talents, and abilities. While it mostly applies to formal education, it also reinforces the idea that informal learning, like play, can build valuable life skills.

Playwork relates closely to this aim, as play helps children learn through experimentation, creativity, and role-playing. It provides opportunities that formal education might overlook.

Examples of relevance to playwork:

• Providing hands-on activities that allow children to learn about problem-solving, teamwork, or leadership.
• Using activities to nurture specific talents, such as providing musical instruments for children who enjoy sound or rhythm.
• Creating themed experiences that allow children to explore topics like nature, science, or culture in fun and engaging ways.

Why These Articles Matter

The articles discussed above reflect the essential principles of playwork: supporting children’s rights to grow, learn, and thrive through play. Playworkers have a responsibility to ensure their environments respect these rights in practice.

Each article helps playworkers focus on specific aspects of their role, whether it’s protecting children from harm, promoting inclusivity, or simply making space for fun and creativity. By embedding these values into their daily practice, playworkers can meet children’s needs and ensure all children experience their right to play fully.