Well-being playworkers in primary schools – a headteacher's perspective

ABSTRACT

In Torfaen, situated in the South-East of Wales during the first lockdown there were seven ‘hubs' supported by the Play Service Well-being Playworkers. The Well-being Playworkers have continued to support schools post-lockdown. Interviews were undertaken with nine headteachers from all seven of the ‘hubs'. Thematic analysis of the data identified three themes Strong Relationships with children and the school, becoming part of the School Team, and the Well-being Playwokers offering a Quality Service. The support the Well-being Playworkers have provided to both the children and the school has contributed to the Welsh Government's drive for a ‘Whole School Approach' to support children's well-being, as well as implementing the themes within the ‘Play Policy Implementation Play' and tackling child poverty. The presence of playworkers, or well-being playworkers in all aspects of a school, both within and outside of the school curriculum is a service other schools across the UK should consider when supporting children's well-being.