Emma Booth

Despite the recognised value of play for children’s well-being, little is known about how playwork functions within prison settings or how its purpose is understood by those who deliver it. This research addresses a critical gap in the existing literature by examining the practice of prison playwork across different categories of prisons and within a cross‑jurisdictional context. To date, there has been no empirical study that captures the lived experiences of prison playworkers or explores how playwork is conceptualised and implemented in prison environments. Furthermore, the absence of a clear definition of prison playwork has limited both theoretical development and practical application in this emerging area. This qualitative study examines the views and experiences of prison play professionals to explore what prison playwork is, its importance for children affected by parental incarceration, and who benefits from its provision. By providing the first empirical research into these issues, this study makes a substantial contribution to knowledge by defining prison playwork, documenting its practices, and situating these within broader discourses of playwork and rehabilitation. Findings highlight widespread confusion among prison staff regarding the aims of playwork, inconsistencies in interpreting prison policies, and persistent funding challenges, all of which affect the quality and delivery of playwork services. Despite these constraints, prison playwork emerges as a family-centred practice that provides therapeutic benefits for children visiting a prison. The study recommends adopting clearer terminology that reflects the complexity of playwork roles, developing principles specific to prison playwork, and establishing a framework to support quality assurance across practice.The findings will not only advance academic understanding but also inform policy and practice, offering insights that could enhance the quality and effectiveness of playwork provision in prisons.

A Plan for Play is an Eye View Series Report, published by The Children's Alliance. The Eye view Series Reports are authoritative ‘single issue’ studies designed for everyone to learn from and understand – from politicians to professionals, locally and nationally – and of course, parents and carers. The Plan for Play calls for children's play to be prioritised in primary schools, for school staff to receive training on the subject of play and for it to be prioritised beyond the EYFS. The report calls for ring-fenced funding for play, ensuring sufficient opportunities for play across all Local Authority areas, for play to be identified as a protected characteristic within the Equality Act 2010 and for all children to be able to fulfil their right to play when sick, in accordance with the NICE (2012) guidance