About PARS
PARS is an alternative approach to working with children in their leisure time. Based on the practice of the UK adventure playground pioneers, the PARS model of playwork practice was developed from research by Dr Shelly Newstead and is now used by professionals (and increasingly parents) all over the world. PARS empowers adults to enable children make their own choices about how they spend their free time. Research has found that PARS practitioners are less likely to intervene in children’s self-directed activities and are more open to children’s risk-taking behaviours, which increases children’s social and emotional development and resilience (Chan et al, 2020).
Learn how to use the PARS model
PARS playwork practice is now being used by practitioners working in a wide range of settings where children spend their leisure time, from summer camps to hospitals and from schools to environmental projects. PARS training is currently available in 9 different countries and five different languages. Our next T2T (training for trainers) will take place in January 2022.
Join our international PARS training team
Our second PARS conference will take place on 20th November to celebrate International Children’s Day. With over 30 speakers from more than 20 different countries, this 12 hour online conference is for anybody interested in finding out about PARS theory and practice around the world!
