Our Story…
In October 2015 we launched Sheffield Play Association at Sheffield Winter Gardens. Sheffield Play Association was initiated by four community based organisations delivering play in their communities, Pitsmoor Adventure Playground, Manor After School Kids Club, Highfields Adventure Playground and Friends of Richmond Park following concerns that support for play and playwork in Sheffield was in decline and that many community playschemes and community led play facilities were no longer happening. In 2022 we revisited our purpose and renamed ourselves to Sheffield Play Partnership. The main reason for the re-name was to promote the much needed partnerships and sharing of the even more reduced resources.
We think that now is the time to:
- Promote the benefits of play and playwork for children, their families and the wider community
- Unite playworkers, play organisations and individuals interested in promoting play and playwork
- Support each other, share ideas and promote good practice
- Support the development of new community based playschemes and play services
- Deliver a shared training offer to help increase the capacity of the playwork workforce
Welcome to the Sheffield Play Partnership.
Sheffield Play Partnership events and activities are open to all playworkers, including any ex-playworkers wanting to keep in touch with the sector, play organisations and community organisations providing play and related activities for children aged 5-14 years.
During 2022 we finalised our new Discovering Play course that creates opportunities for people to learn more about Play & Playwork. Since then we have expanded this to include one off stand alone workshops in other Play related topics and working with MaTReC people also have access to other training too.
In 2024 we built on our training success and through a license from Common Threads we are now able to deliver PARS Playwork Practice courses face to face in Sheffield, intro and Level 2. These NCFE accredited courses allow learners to develop their practice. Funded by Sheffield City Council Community Youth Services.
In 2025 we are rolling out more! You can look forward to more networking events, more training opportunities as well as one off CPD events.
Our website now enables you to sign up and access our calendar to book your free places.
Why Play?
Playwork Principles
They describe what is unique about play and playwork, and provide the playwork perspective for working with children and young people.
They are based on the recognition that children and young people’s capacity for positive development will be enhanced if given access to the broadest range of environments and play opportunities.
Latest News
UK Ministers Urged to Restore Children’s Right to Play
On 17th April the Financial Times reported on the impact of the reduction of children's space and time for play. The article highlights the stark difference in opportunities for children and young people compared to their parents and grandparents, the reduction in...
Level 1 Playwork training opportunities across the city this Spring!
This week saw the start of several new cohorts for our level 1 Discovering Play 6 week courses! We are currently delivering courses in Broomhall and Meersbrook which are free for people to attend, thanks to funding from Sheffield Council and the Local Area Committees....
Easter Bunny visits play projects across Sheffield
In the run up to Easter weekend, Sheffield Play Partnership has had the privilege of helping the Easter Bunny visit play projects across the city. We were able to deliver chocolate eggs to children thanks to support from Unison's Sheffield Teaching Hospitals branch....
East and South East LAC Community Iftar
A heartwarming evening was enjoyed by all at the East and South East LAC Community Iftar in Darnall, where people from all backgrounds came together in the spirit of love, kindness, and unity. Events like these strengthen the bonds that make our communities thrive....
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Current Employment and Volunteer Opportunities
Our Working Group
Those who give their time to volunteer as creators and facilitators of the overall partnership. Meeting at least once per term.If you would like to volunteer to join the team please email partnership@sheffieldplay.org.uk
Our Current Working Team are:
Craig Judson (MASKK & Lowedges Community Centre & PARS Licenced Trainer)
Emma Okpalaeke (MASKK & 186th Sheffield)
Julia Sexton (Pitsmoor Adventure Playground)
Nicky Jewitt (MaTReC)
Yanina Koszalinski (Pitmoor Adventure Playground & Scrap Dragon)
Our Partners:
Sharrow Community Forum and Highfields Adventure Playground
Sharrow Community Community Forum provide a range of services and manage the Highfield Adventure Playground. A playground that has recently benefited significantly from the Youth Investment Fund.
MASKK
Pitsmoor Adventure Playground
At Pitsmoor Adventure Playground children are able to play in lots of different ways, supported by our experienced playwork team, who make sure every child feels welcome and included.
Manor Training & Resource Centre
Created to provide training and development opportunites from entry level to higher level qualifications. Specialists in supporting those with Dyslexia too.
Lowedges Community Centre
A community centre hosting a variety of activities including Family Hub, Youth Service, volunteer Youth Club, adult craft groups and Healthy Holiday Activities.