All Episodes

May 15, 2024 59 mins

Join us this week as we chat to Dr Shelly Newstead, practitioner, trainer, author, editor, publisher and researcher with over 30 years of experience in the playwork field, and the creator of the PARS model of playwork practice. 

In the episode, we chat about what PARS is, how it was developed and how pracitioners can start their journey with PARS. We also discuss the importance of creating a relaxed play environment, how practitioners can navigate boundaries and freedom in play, and much more...

We'll be back with a whole new episode on Wednesday 29 May. 

Chapters

(0:00-01:35) Introduction to Shelly

(01:35-4:00) What is the PARS model?

(4:00-6:40) What made Shelly passionate about PARS

(6:40-10:05) Why it's important for children to play without adult intervention 

(10:05-17:27) Navigating boundaries vs. stepping back when adapting PARS

(17:27-18:24) Ad break

(18:24-22:12) Deciding if PARS is for you with level 1-4 PARS courses

(22:12-25:50) The crossover and differences between PARS and other approaches to play

(25:50-31:48) Measuring the approach's success

(31:48-34:20) Playwork Mirror Theory and creating a relaxed environment 

(34:20-40:05) Building in more freedom into your practice - reflexive practice and necessary 'adulteration' 

(40:05-44:25) Wearing different hats when navigating the PARS model and family life

(44:25-45:35) Ad break

(45:35-50:12) Putting on a PARS hat on when dealing with other adults

(50:12-54:00) Managing differing opinions on approaches and challenges to the PARS method

(54:00-57:45) Why the model translates so well to different settings globally

(57:45-59:05) Final notes and goodbye

 

Want to hear more about PARS?

Website:  https://www.parsplaywork.com/

More support and publications: https://www.commonthreads.org.uk

If you enjoyed this podcast, please share it with your colleagues and remember to like, subscribe and leave us a review. 

Visit cachealumni.org.uk to join 25,000+ members from across care, health, early years and education.  Membership starts at free, and you'll gain access to our member magazine, events, resources and a member discount and benefits scheme. 

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

24/7 News: The Latest

24/7 News: The Latest

The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.