Childhoods

Perspectives on when a child becomes a young person - Penny Keeling

When does a child become a young person? and what is the impact of the change of language when this occurs? This is an interactive session designed to explore our personal and professional views and the language we use when talking to and about children and young people and how we could be enforcing their world view. The session will also include indirect input and voices from young people themselves who attend Meriden Adventure Playground.

TIME: 9:30 - 11:00 LENGTH: 1.5 hours TARGET AUDIENCE: Play Explorer

The Playworkers Perspective Towards Criminology - Vicky Edwards

This is a session which will encourage audience participation to discuss those uncomfortable subjects around childhood and crime. The facilitator will look to pull together her own thoughts whilst moving into discussion exploring the vulnerability of the child, and the impact the playworker has when it comes to the reduction of crime. Participants will have the opportunity to look at the playfulness behind crime and to what extent children can be held accountable for their actions in criminal cases. In cases like the James Bulgar case should the children be portrayed as pure evil or is there argument for misconception? This is a session where all participants are guaranteed to have an opinion so come along and join the discussion.

TIME: 11:15 - 12:15 LENGTH: 1 hour TARGET AUDIENCE: Play Harder

Play & Privilege - Laura Watkins

It strikes me that privilege is at play in the world of play. There are children at festivals whose parents pay upwards of £200 for a weekend. Who can pay for play experiences but who may be tied into a timetable of schooling and extra curricular activities. There are children at festivals who have to look after themselves and their siblings. They have freedom, but also responsibility. There are children who never experience glamping style festivals but have the privilege of freedom at adventure playgrounds and financially free play events. Privilege and play both come in different forms, it’s something I’d like to explore!

TIME: 15:40 - 17:00 LENGTH: 1.5 hours TARGET AUDIENCE: Play Explorer