Ep 235 - PARS Playworking with Dr Shelley Newstead

In this lively, idea-packed episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem chat with Dr Shelley Newstead about the roots and reality of playwork. Shelley traces adventure playgrounds from Sorensen in Denmark to Lady Allen in post-war Britain, then explains her PARS playwork model that helps adults articulate what they are doing and why. Expect thoughtful links to Forest School practice, clear language for talking to schools and parents, and practical insight on when to step in and when to stand back. They also tackle funding priorities, teens and play, and how to keep practice reflexive rather than nostalgic.

Sponsors

TENTSILE — Tree tents for educators and explorers. Listeners get 10% off with code ForestChildren10.

Chris Holland — Nature connection resources including his 54-page plant guide. Use our affiliate link: https://chrisholland.myshopify.com/?ref=ForestSchoolPodcast

⏱ Chapter Timings

00:00 – Cold open and the promise to keep it normal

01:06 – Meet Dr Shelley Newstead and what playwork is really about

03:18 – From practitioner to PhD and why articulation matters

07:15 – A playwork perspective explained

11:44 – Sorensen, Lady Allen, and the rise of adventure playgrounds

18:26 – Grassroots growth and reinventing the wheel

24:19 – The PARS model for articulating, developing, and evaluating practice

32:37 – PARS hats for parents and practitioners

44:17 – Forest School and playwork, overlap and differences

51:41 – Funding fixed parks versus community play and provision for teens

🌲 Keywords

Playwork history, adventure playgrounds, Sorensen, Lady Allen, PARS model, reflexive practice, articulation of practice, Forest School and playwork, teen play, community provision

🔖 Hashtags

#ForestSchool #Playwork #OutdoorEducation #ReflectivePractice #ChildLedLearning

🎧 Catch the full episode:

Spotify: https://shorturl.at/4WdyI

YouTube: https://shorturl.at/3qOUs

Apple: https://shorturl.at/FxfMF

RSS: https://shorturl.at/A0kx9

🌐 More Episodes & Support

Listen to more and access resources at www.theforestschoolpodcast.com

Support the show and join our community at www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcast

For questions, feedback, or collaboration: [email protected]