Episode 2: Playwork in OSHC

In this episode, we explore Playwork and what it means for Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) services. At its core, Playwork recognises play as freely chosen, personally directed and essential to children and young people’s wellbeing and development. 

Join Belinda as she delves deep into Playwork and explains how Playwork has challenged her own thinking, expectations and biases. Discovering Playwork also prompted her to think more deeply and reflect on her image of the child through the lens of Playwork. 

Rather than offering affordances that are quick fixes or simple solutions, Belinda resonates with Playwork and the way it encourages educators to slow down, to notice with intention and to critically analyse how children’s play can evolve and be owned by the children involved.  

Belinda unpacks the origins of Playwork and its strong alignment with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. With a focus on Article 12 and Article 31, Belinda highlights the key principles that Playwork aligns with. Belinda also openly acknowledges that Playwork is an ongoing learning journey, one that values research, discussion and curiosity. 

This episode is an invitation to protect and advocate for all children’s right to play and to reimagine play in the OSHC environment as a place where childhood is respected, valued and embodied.  

Hosts: Michelle Richardson & Victoria McDowell  

Guest:  Belinda Rouhan 

Recommended audience:  Aimed at all OSHC teachers and educators at any stage of their professional career who are curious about Playwork.  

 

Links: 

• Education Hub Gowrie NSW Education Hub 
• Professional Learning Calendar 2026 Online Flipbook 
• Playwork Guiding Principles – Playwork Scrutiny Group 2005 
• Play Australia  
• Play Wales 
• Play Scotland 
• The Playwork Primer by Penny Wilson 

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