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Review of playwork quality assurance systems

The role of SkillsActive in the playwork sector is to lead on the development of Playwork Education and Training for those working with children and young people, and with current reforms around education, training and qualifications we are looking to review current quality assurance systems for the playwork sector.

Innovative Online Academy goes live

Employers and learners will now be able to access training resources from one coherent source, thanks to the National Skills Academy for Sport and Active Leisure’s innovative ‘Online Academy’ having gone live. The unique and cost effective overall entry point, designed to maximise improved training provision, will impact the whole sector - from large and medium sized companies to small clubs and self employed businesses.

New Diploma in Society, Health and Development in Great Demand

As the new Diploma in Society, Health and Development (SHD) becomes available at Foundation, Higher and Advanced levels, demand for the Advanced Diploma is so great that three of the 39 consortia of schools, colleges and employers delivering it are already over-subscribed.

Quality Inclusion in Play and Childcare

This Autumn, the charity KIDS will host Network Seminars as part of their Playwork Inclusion Project which will focus on quality in play and childcare.

EYFS and playwork update

SkillsActive has been working hard behind the scenes to ensure that the unique characteristics of playwork are fully recognised within the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

Promoting physical activity for children: consultation on the draft guidance

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has launched a consultation on promoting physical activity for children.

Play can help combat obesity, says the BHF

According to a recent study published by the British Medical Journal, poor physical control and coordination in childhood are linked to an increased risk of obesity in later life. And the way to avoid this, according to Ellen Mason, Cardiac Nurse at the British Heart Foundation, is child’s play.

Create your perfect play space

As part of the work around the Children's Plan and the first England strategy on play, the government is giving children a chance to have their say on what makes a perfect play space.

Experience the Beijing Olympics through the SkillsActive blog

Ever wanted to see what goes on behind the scenes at the Olympics games?

SkillsActive launch play on toolkit to improve playworkers’ english and maths skills

SkillsActive, in partnership with Move On Up, has developed a toolkit for playwork employers called Play On.

SkillsActive offers free activepassports for playwork

As a result of a generous donation from the Association of Playworkers (England), SkillsActive is launching a UK wide Bursary scheme and is also offering both qualified playworkers and playwork students who are members of the Community and Youth Workers’ Union (CYWU) the opportunity to have a FREE activepassport for one year subject to criteria.

Play England appointed to support national play strategy.

The Department for Children Schools and Families has appointed Play England to help deliver the Government's vision for the future of play.

Paul Bonel meets with DCSF to highlight issues and discuss best outcomes with EYFS

This week SkillsActive met with the Children’s Minister, Kevin Brennan and other members of the Department for Children, Schools and Families to raise concerns over the Early Years Foundation Stage.

£81m to prepare teachers for the 14-19 overhaul

Schools Minister Jim Knight has today announced £81 million of additional funding to prepare teachers to deliver the new Diploma.

National Skills Academy for sport and active leisure: Designed by the industry for the industry

This week the government gave the go ahead for a National Skills Academy for sport and active leisure. Led by employers in the sport and leisure sector and coordinated by SkillsActive, the skills academy will open later this year and will mean significant changes in our sector.

Government gives green light to sports skills academy

The government has made a significant commitment to improving skills by giving the go ahead on a National Skills Academy for Sport and Active Leisure today. This move promises to improve the standard of coaching across England, giving athletes training towards the 2012 Games an even better chance of claiming a place on the medals podium.

SkillsActive Publishes 2006/2007 Annual Report

Today, SkillsActive publishes its 2006-2007 Annual Report. The report is available online, allowing readers to easily navigate electronically through the report.

Government ministers presented with activepassport for Playwork

Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Rt Hon Ed Balls MP and Children’s Minister Kevin Brennan have been presented with an activepassport for Playwork following a meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Play.

SkillsActive meets with Ed Balls and Kevin Brennan

SkillsActive joined Ed Balls and Kevin Brennan to discuss the government’s commitment to play at yesterday’s All Party Parliamentary Group on Play.

Development of new National Occupational Standards in Sport and Play surfaces

SkillsActive, working with partners such as The Sports and Play Construction Association, South Birmingham College and Edexcel, is proposing the development of a set of National Occupational Standards at Level 3 for Sport and Play surfaces.