Welcome to our September SkillsActive Playwork South West e-newsletter!

This month, find out how to apply for a FREE activepassport, get an update on the 2000 Level 3 funded training places available from this month, plus updates on playwork and SkillsActive news. If you have comments to make or articles to share with the region, please email them to us at swplay@skillsactive.com

Kind regards,

Claire Mills
South West Regional Development Officer

FREE Activepassports for Playworkers

As a result of a generous donation from the Association of Playworkers (England), SkillsActive is launching a UK wide Activepassport Bursary scheme. Playwork students who are members of the Children and Youth Workers Union are eligible to apply for one of 60 one-year activepassports. There are a further 40 free five-year passports available for playworkers across the UK sector to apply for.

Get Qualified For Playwork - Update 

Funded Training through the Level 3 Playwork Initiative

There has been an overwhelming response in the South West and nationally from applicants wishing to access one of the 2000 qualifications available from September 2008, which have been offered through the first round of funding.

Due to high levels of interest in the Level 3 initiative, applications have been split into two phases. For further information please click here.

Find out how to register your interest for Phase 2 places available from September 2009 here.

Other News

Design for Play: a guide to creating successful play spaces:  Play England, the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has launched new guidance for the design of children’s play spaces.  Download your free copy.

Early Years Foundation Stage and Playwork - news 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.Read more.

Play can help combat obesity, says 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. Read more.

Get SkillsActive! Get involved! Build your organisation with a skilled and motivated workforce.  SkillsActive Membership starts from £25*.  Be part of the organisation that is leading the way in raising skills standards, ensuring a highly skilled and motivated workforce.  Visit our website or call 0207 632 2000. *All prices are plus VAT and capped at £250 plus VAT.

Events

18th September - KIDS Inclusion into Practice Conference (London): this conference presents current thinking on good practice in inclusion and will provide opportunities for both statutory and voluntary sectors to further develop their practice towards inclusive play, childcare and leisure. read more

23rd September - Towards a Playful Future (Exeter): incorporating Playwork Partnerships AGM,  this review of play and playwork in the South West will take place from 10.30am - 3.30pm at Xcentre, Exeter. Due to venue size places are limited - please contact Margaret Compton at mcompton@glos.ac.uk to reserve your place.

13th November - South West Playwork Employers Forum (Bodmin): an opportunity to meet other playwork employers, hear about key workforce development initiatives and find out more about training and support opportunities. The meeting will take place from 10am-1pm followed by a buffet lunch. Attendance is free, to book your place and receive a full agenda, please contact Training Administrator Melissa Bellinger at mbellinger@glos.ac.uk.

2nd December - Take The Credit Conference (Cardiff): the first national playwork skills conference in Wales. The conference will see the launch of Playwork Wales - the new National Centre for Playwork Education and Training. For more information contact kate@playwales.org.uk