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PARS 2021 Conference November 20th

PARS playwork – the pro-child profession

One year on from our first ‘experimental’ 2020 conference, we are very much looking forward to our second PARS playwork conference on International Children’s Day! John Bertelsen, the first playworker at Emdrup, talked about the importance of adults being ‘pro-child’ on adventure playgrounds, which gives us our theme for this year’s conference: PARS – the pro-child profession. In many ways this theme reflects the PARS journey over the last twelve months. As a result of the fantastic energy and support generated by last year’s conference, the growing international PARS community has spent the last 12 months working on the professionalisation of PARS. This means helping those outside the PARS community to recognise our distinctive approach to working with children as legitimate, by adopting a coherent set of shared values, methods, knowledge and practices, on both an individual and group level within the PARS community. This has included setting up administration and assessment teams, becoming an NCFE Award Centre, launching our new PPP4 NCFE accredited qualification and expanding our international training team to 19 PARS Licensed Trainers, working in 9 different countries and delivering PARS training in 5 different languages.

For PARS 2021 we’ve invited academic and practitioner experts from around the world to help us think more about two key questions for professionalising PARS playwork:

Pars 2021 is 12 hours of fascinating approaches to these two questions from diverse practical and theoretical perspectives, from Iceland to Mongolia, from China to Russia, from USA to Australia, and an awful lot of places in between! We welcome anyone interested in the PARS approach to working with children to join us for….

…and much more! You can download the conference programme here and find out more about the sessions and individual speakers below.

PARS 2021 is an online, 12 hour conference and is open to anyone interested in the PARS playwork approach to working with children.


Book your PARS 2021 place


Download Conference Programme

Our Speakers

Jennifer cartmel
Dr Jennifer Cartmel is an Associate Professor at Griffith University, Australia. Her academic research focus is with school-age childcare services. Jennifer completed the first PhD on the topic in Australia and continues to contribute expert advice to the sector.
Dr Jennifer Cartmel Australia


Abstract

Marilyn Casley
Dr Marilyn Casely is Lecturer in Child and Family Studies in the School of Human Services and Social Work. Marilyn has extensive experience working with children’s services, and providing professional development for practitioners working in children’s services.
Dr Marilyn Casley Australia


Abstract

Jennifer Wong-Powell
Dr Jennifer Wong-Powell is the Founder of JWP Consulting. There is an urgency to restore play in early childhood education, and this is what Jennifer is passionate about.
Dr Jennifer Wong-Powell Mongolia


Abstract

Kylie
Kylie Branelly is the Chief Executive Officer of the Queensland Children’s Activities Network (QCAN) and Chairperson of the National Outside School Hours Services Alliance in Australia. Kylie has been involved in the Education and Care Services sector in various support, advocacy and leadership roles for more than 30 years.
Kylie Branelly Australia


Abstract

Martin van Rooijen
Martin van Rooijen is a doctoral candidate at the University of Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, the Netherlands, and currently works as an independent pedagogue, researcher, consultant on nature play and as a writer and trainer.
Martin van Rooijen The Netherlands


Abstract

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Dr Keith Cranwell UK


Abstract

Linda Shaw
Dr Linda Shaw is a Senior Lecturer in child development and education at Oxford Brookes University. Linda teaches undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in childhood and youth studies, specialising in research methods and sociology of childhood.
Dr Linda Shaw
UK


Abstract

Susan Chlebowski
Susan Chlebowski is a certified Montessori teacher and forest school leader who studies and teaches research-based models of living and learning that honour a child’s right to play and experience nature as part of a healthy, happy childhood.
Susan Chlebowski USA


Abstract

John Wall, Rutgers photo
Professor John Wall is Professor of Philosophy, Religion, and Childhood Studies at Rutgers University Camden, US. He is a theoretical ethicist who researches moral life’s relation to language, power, culture, childhoods, and children’s rights.
Professor John Wall USA


Abstract

Ada photo 1
Ada Wong has 15 years experience of providing training in various kindergartens, professional bodies, tertiary institute, NGOs and government departments.
Ada Wong Hong Kong


Abstract

Rarni Rothwell
Rarni is an educational leader who spent most of her 26 year career working out of a school based service in South East Queensland, Australia.
Rarni Rothwell Australia


Abstract

Rebekah
Rebekah Jackson is a childcare, early years and playwork consultant and trainer with over 15 years of experience supporting the development of children’s childcare and out of school settings in both England and Wales.
Rebekah Jackson UK


Abstract

Caron2
QIAN Zheng (Caron) 钱铮 is the founder of the Shanghai Playwork Fund, Shanghai United Foundation.
Zheng Qian (Caron) Mainland China


Abstract

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Dr Shelly Newstead created the PARS playwork model as part of her doctoral research at the UCL Institute of Education, London, and has been appointed as an Adjunct Research Fellow at Griffith University, Brisbane Australia.
Dr Shelly Newstead UK


Abstract

EB porttrett
Professor Ellen Beate Hansen Sandseter is a Professor in the Department of Physical Education and Health at Queen Maud University College of Early Childhood Education (QMUC) in Trondheim, Norway.
Professor Ellen B. Sandseter Norway


Abstract

Dr Pete King
Dr Pete King is a senior lecturer and researcher at Swansea University and the programme director for the MA Developmental and Therapeutic Play course.
Dr Pete King UK


Abstract

Andrew Shoolbread
Andrew has been working with the Scottish Out of School Care Network (SOSCN), the national intermediary charitable organisation representing school-age childcare in Scotland, since 2001.
Andrew Shoolbread UK


Abstract

Picture 1
Professor, D.Sc. of Pedagogic Sciences, Head of the Pedagogy Department at the Institute of Psychology and Education in Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Kremlevskaya 18, Kazan, 420021, Russia. Honored Scientist of the Republic of Tatarstan.
Prof. Roza A.Valeeva Russia


Abstract

Doug
Doug is in his tenth year as General Secretary and Treasurer of the GFTU. He is the organisation’s longest serving Executive member having first been elected to the EC in 1995.
Doug Nicholls UK


Abstract

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I have been married almost 26 years, have 4 kids and 2 grandchildren. I always knew I would be a teacher of some sort, but I never realized I’d do most of my learning from the children.
Heather Boomhower Canada


Abstract

Baptiste pic
Baptiste is a postdoctoral researcher at Université de Brest (France) working currently on residential school trips and outdoor education.
Dr Baptiste Besse-Patin France


Abstract

kolbrun 2020
Kolbrún Þ. Pálsdóttir is Dean of the School of Education at the University of Iceland, Reykjavik. She works with her colleagues to create a vibrant educational community with young people who have a passion to become professionals and future leaders within formal and informal education settings.
Associate Prof. Kolbrún Þ. Pálsdóttir Iceland


Abstract

Peter Kraftl
Peter Kraftl is Professor of Human Geography at the University of Birmingham.
Professor Peter Kraftl UK


Abstract

Dr-Fikile-Nxumalo-1
Dr. Fikile Nxumalo is an assistant professor in the Department of Curriculum, Teaching & Learning at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto. Her work is centered on environmental and place-attuned early childhood education that is situated within and responsive to children’s inheritances of settler colonialism, anti-Blackness and environmental precarity. Her book, Decolonizing Place in Early Childhood Education (Routledge, 2019) examines the entanglements of place, environmental education, childhood, race, and settler colonialism in early learning contexts on unceded Coast Salish territories.
Dr Fikile Nxumalo Canada


Abstract

RickPic
Rick Worch, Ph.D., is a professor in the Inclusive Early Childhood Education Program at Bowling Green State University in the United States.
Professor Rick Worch USA


Abstract

photo Janet Scott
Janet Scott UK


Abstract

Dr Chan
Dr CHAN Po Lin, Pauline is a currently serving senior lecturer under the Early Childhood Education Department of The Education University of Hong Kong.
Dr Pauline Chan Hong Kong


Abstract

Naomi pic
‘Naomi is an ESRC Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, Faculty of Law
Dr Naomi Lott UK


Abstract

Jonathan McCloud (1)
Dr. Jonathan McCloud received his PhD in Curriculum & Instruction with emphasis on Educational Psychology from Virginia Tech in 2015. His research and teaching have included topics such as peer observation of teaching in higher education, play in educational settings, and early childhood education. Jonathan’s scholarly pursuits are linked by an expression of respect and care for the individual, and he is most interested in ways that play is fostered through democratic structures and agentive practices. Jonathan’s work with pre-service and professional educators focuses on how to reflect on one’s underlying assumptions of the teacher/adult role in the educational environment. Jonathan finds PARS playwork to be a natural extension of these pursuits as it aims to compensate children for the presence of adults in their time and space. Jonathan is a former classical guitarist and enjoys learning about Mister Rogers, cooking, and gardening. He also likes sunshine on his shoulders.
Dr Jonathan McCloud USA


Abstract

Grant Lambie Photo1
Grant Lambie is an independent free play advocate, who has been involved in over 45 UK adventure playgrounds, (plus schools, parks and estates play areas) over the last 20 years.
Grant Lambie UK


Abstract

Schüpbach
Professor Marianne Schüpbach is a chair in Primary Education at Freie Universität Berlin, Germany.
Professor Marianne Schüpbach Germany


Abstract

Janine Dodge
Janine Dodge is currently a Director of the International Play Association (IPA) in Brazil. Formerly President, she has been guiding IPA Brasil in the development and expansion of their playwork training program since 2015. IPA Brasil offers the only certified Professional Qualification in Play Agents course in Brazil. She is a recognized speaker about play and coauthor of several publications, including the book, A Descoberta do Brincar (“The Discovery of Play”), documenting a national research initiative about play and the Brazilian family. Prior to joining IPA, Janine had a successful 20-year career as an executive and director in large multinationals in Brazil, Canada, the US and Chile. She has a degree in International Relations from the University of Toronto, an MBA from the Schulich School of Business and is a certified Master Integral Coach. She is the proud mother of 3 teen-age children, Luc, Sabrina and Alec.
Janine Dodge Brazil


Abstract

“The first conference last year was really impressive and wonderful!”
Dr He MinNormal University, China
Dr He Min
“I came away from the conference with a persistent internal dialogue surrounding openness and vulnerability as the possible birthplace for constant change and growth. This post conference mantra has stayed with me ever since prefixing my thoughts, decisions and managerial practice which was an unexpected but welcomed outcome.”
Ross PodymaDirector of Social Change, Sporting Communities CIC, UK
Ross Podyma
“My first PARS Playwork Conference absolutely blew me away! To be a small part of a large team of extraordinary people who are so passionate about the role they play within the playwork sector left me completely hooked to my laptop for almost the whole 12 hours. In an Out of School Club you can often feel you are ‘out there on your own’ but believe me when you listen to the speakers from around the world, their passion and knowledge in this ever changing world makes you feel a part of something much bigger and exciting. It also leaves you wanting to put the ideas and current practice from around the world into practice at your own setting.”
NicolaEnglish, Wasps Club, UK
Nicola
“As with all things play, you always have to expect the unexpected and the PARS 2020 conference certainly delivered beyond my expectations.  I found the conference very informative, exciting and I came away with new ideas and information which re-affirmed my belief in children’s play.  I was reassured to know that they are still plenty of us out there who are continuing to promote the importance of children’s play and Article 31 of the UNCRC.”
Helen StephensonDevon County Council, UK
Helen Stephenson
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