What is PARS playwork?
Playwork is an alternative approach to working with children, invented by the UK adventure playground pioneers. The PARS model of playwork practice was created from research into the adventure playground literature by Dr Shelly Newstead. PARS is the first holistic model to describe and define professional playwork practice. It is now used all over the world by adults who work with children in their leisure time.
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PARS Licensed Trainers
PARS trainees worldwide
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PARS - an alternative approach to working with children
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PARS - a complementary approach to working with children
You don't have to be called a playworker to use PARS! Anybody who works where children spend their free time can use PARS. PARS practitioners work in summer camps, zoos, schools, adventure playgrounds, domestic refugees, out of school programmes and many other settings all over the world.
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What will I learn on a PARS programme?
All of our accredited programmes teach you how to use the PARS model of playwork practice. From Level 1 (introductory) to Level 4 (expert), anyone can learn how to put PARS playwork into practice.
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How does using PARS benefit me - and the kids I work with?
Research has found that adults who use PARS playwork practice are less likely to intervene in children’s self-directed activities and are more open to children’s risk-taking behaviours (Chan et al, 2020). Adults also tell us that they are much more relaxed with children and have more fun!
The PARS model for me really is revolutionary. However, the PARS model alone is not the secret, it is the methods and theories that make its practical application easy and effective in real life scenarios for play observers. The influence this will have on my own practice will be considerable and something I will take with me for the foreseeable future.
Tom Nethercott, Cambridge, UK
After the PARS course, I see children can not only play, but also innovate without teaching. The PARS course made me give up my previous ideas towards children’s play. I’ll keep practicing to real play and real happiness to the kids
Zhang Yichen, Hubei Province, China
The medicine I have been looking for and the family I always knew I had.
Kim MacDonald
Director, Waimataitai Skids
New Zealand
Director, Waimataitai Skids
New Zealand
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Learn more about our accrediting body, NCFE
NCFE accredited programmes
Receive recognition for your PARS learning! Common Threads is an NCFE International Award Centre and our PPP2, PPP3 and PPP4 programmes have been accredited by NCFE as Customised Qualifications.
different ways to learn
How can I access PARS training?
Online programmes
delivered In English, chinese and portugese
On this site you will find a wide choice of different online programmes to suit different time zones.
Face-to-face training
DELIVERED IN 10 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES/regions
If you prefer your training face-to-face, our international team of PARS Licensed Trainers can run in-person courses in USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, mainland China, Hong Kong, Ireland, UK, Brazil, Taiwan
In-house training
AT YOUR PLACE!
Settings which take a whole-setting approach to implementing PARS tell us that they see a dramatic change in the way that their practitioners (and often children!) behave!
Need something else?
Ask us!
If you have a different idea for how you would like your PARS training delivered, don't be shy - we love new ideas! Get in touch and let us know how we can help.