Introduction: In Scotland, the notion of "Hair or care" in the past, long influenced the career choices of young people leaving school. Those who weren't inclined towards academia often found themselves in the hair or care sectors. However, there is one area within the care sector that stands out for its direction and innovative approach to move away from this public sentiment - out of School Hours Care. Here in Scotland, play takes center stage in the lives of children, shaping their experiences and fostering their growth. This blog explores the significance of play in out of School Hours Care, highlighting the role of leadership and the creation of transformative environments for children to thrive. My personal and professional values were on fire today as I wondered around St Mirins and spoke to amazing professionals about OSHC.
The Power of Play: Play is not a taboo word within the realm of out of School Hours Care in Scotland. It serves as the driving force behind conversations, actions, and thoughts regarding children's needs. Professionals in this field prioritize children's choices and approaches, valuing the importance of following the lead of the child. The central role of play in fostering child development is both beautiful and transformative.
The Key to Staff Retention: Leadership: Margaret, the dedicated manager of Saint Mirin's After School Care, has been at the forefront of this field for an impressive 23 years. When asked about her secret to staff retention, she attributes it to effective leadership. Margaret focuses on creating an environment of learning, safety, and understanding for her staff. She constantly thinks ahead, considering the needs of the children, their traumas, and future opportunities. Through her leadership, she enables her team to excel in their roles and create a nurturing space for children to thrive.
Transforming Neglected Spaces: The Woodlands: Margaret's visionary leadership extends beyond the confines of the center. She took an abandoned woodland area and turned it into a haven for the children of the school. By involving every class in the decision-making process, she ensured the space met the children's desires. The transformed Woodlands became a place for the children to forest bathe, connect with nature, and find solace from their individual challenges. Margaret's team, with their expertise in understanding children's needs, uses play as a tool to build resilience, skills, and a sense of belonging, enabling these children to embrace each day.
The Role of Premises: A Child's Safe Space: The significance of premises or a child's environment cannot be overstated. In out of School Hours Care, the premises must be child-focused and serve as a safe space for the children. Anne-Maree Macklin, who has been running a service for 12 years, emphasizes the impact of appropriate environments on the success of the center, staff attraction and retention, and children's enjoyment and engagement. When children have a space they can relate to, it enhances the overall service delivery.
Play as a Catalyst for Healing and Development: Scottish professionals firmly believe in the power of play as a means to develop children and facilitate healing. They understand that through play, children can navigate and cope with the potentially disaffecting world around them. This insight can serve as a valuable lesson for Australia and other countries, encouraging the integration of play into social policies and methodologies to help children understand their experiences. Leveraging the expertise in Out of School Hours Care, children can flourish and thrive throughout the day.
Conclusion: Play has become the cornerstone of out of School Hours Care in Scotland, revolutionizing the approach to children's needs and development. With visionary leaders like Margaret and passionate teams, play has transformed neglected spaces into nurturing environments. By recognizing the importance of premises and prioritizing child-focused spaces, the Scottish people have created an exemplary model for others to follow. It is through play that children not only develop but also heal, paving the way for a brighter future. I am happy.
Photos here: https://www.mariemcquadestmir.centreoffocus.com.au/
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