About Playwork North West

Playwork NW has been in operation since 1990 and was formally known as the NW Play Officers Forum. In 1996 it took steps to widen membership by relaunching as Playwork NW. Playwork NW provides vital links to national developments in Play and Playwork, and ensures that the views and ideas of the region’s Play Providers are represented at a national level.

Playwork NW supported the development of a national endorsement system for Playwork training and qualifications and from April 2003 until March 2008 Playwork NW incorporated the work of the NW Centre for Playwork Education and Training. The NW Centre still continues within SkillsActive. Playwork NW strengthens the links to national developments in Play and Playwork by remaining a partner with SkillsActive. This link broadens the range of Playwork Training and Qualifications offered in the region.

Playwork NW supported the transition of Play England into the North West in 2006. Playwork NW remain a partner with Play England.

Playwork NW remains the most established regional membership body
representing Playwork in the region. Membership is drawn from a wide variety of Playwork Professionals including both Playworkers and Playwork Leaders & Trainers.