The following principles outline the professional and ethical framework for playwork. They describe what is unique about play.
They are based on the recognition that children's capacity for positive development will be enhanced if given access to a broad range
of play environments and opportunities:

• Play is a fundamental right for all children.
• All children need to play.
• Learning through play is a natural process.
• Children use play to explore, direct, interact and socialise.
• Play is:
• A biological, psychological and social necessity.
• Fundamental to the healthy development and wellbeing of children.
• Freely chosen, personally directed and intrinsically motivated.
• Children determine and control the content and intent of their play, by following their own instincts, ideas and interests.
• The prime focus and essence of playwork is to support and facilitate the play process.
• The role of the playworker is to support children in the creation of an environment in which they can play.
• The playworker's response to children playing is based on sound up to date knowledge of the play process and reflective practice.
• Playworkers recognise their own impact on the play environment.
• Playworkers choose an intervention style that enables children to extend their play.
• A playworker's intervention is a balanced risk between the developmental benefit of play and the wellbeing of children.

Adapted from, the National Occupational Standards - The Playwork Principles.