Qualifying the play workforce
The vision is for a playwork workforce that is qualified to at least Level 3 where appropriate and that can make a full contribution to Every Child Matters.
The Children's Plan (DCSF, 2007) included a commitment that...
... the play strategy will support individuals in communities to take a professional role by providing funding to enable 4000 playworkers to achieve recognised play qualifications, and within that to enable a core of professionally qualified new graduate leaders to emerge."
The play strategy
This commitment provides us with a fantastic opportunity to ensure the skills and professionalism of playworkers are recognised.
The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) has asked us to manage this programme of work. They are working with SkillsActive, the sector skills council for active leisure and learning, to develop strategies which meet the needs of the sector.
In this section you can find information on:
The Level 3 Playwork Initiative which is helping to deliver the Children's Plan commitment to provide funded training for 4,000 playworkers to achieve Level 3 qualifications by 2011.
The programme we are leading on to support 600 people working in leadership and management roles across the play workforce to benefit from high quality, graduate level leadership and management training.
If you are a Playwork employer you can apply for funding for your employees to get qualified to level 3. Find out more on the Level 3 Playwork Initiative page or go direct to the funding application form.