News

European funding opportunities

SkillsActive’s work in Europe has identified a number of funding opportunities for projects in the area of sport, qualifications, education and training.

SkillsActive Statement

SkillsActive and the Children's Workforce Development Council have issued the following statement in response to recent issues raised on behalf of the playwork sector.

Ed Balls Confirms Chair and CEO of Young People’s Learning Agency

Schools Secretary Ed Balls today confirmed the appointments of Les Walton, as the Chair of the Young People's Learning Agency (YPLA) committee, and Peter Lauener, who will be the first Chief Executive of the YPLA, dependent on the successful passage of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning (ASCL) Bill.

Leadership key to narrowing gap in children's outcomes

Quality of leadership is the single most important factor in narrowing the gap in outcomes between the most and least disadvantaged children, according to the government-funded Narrowing the Gap programme. Final guidance from the programme will be published today (23 June) after two years of research focusing on the most effective ways to narrow the gap in outcomes between vulnerable and excluded children and others.

Playworker learns to play in Denmark

Playworker Naomi Harling plans to spend one week in Denmark in August thanks to the support of SkillsActive and the Nancy Ovens Trust.

DCSF announces £655m education fund

More than 1.5 million young people will be given the opportunity to stay on in education and training from September after the government unveiled plans to invest £655m as part of the 'September Guarantee' scheme.

Playwork People – we need you!

SkillsActive is undertaking its annual survey, Playwork People, which will seek to investigate a wide range of issues, including skills needs and qualification levels in the sector. The confidential survey gathers information on salaries, terms and conditions in the work place, job satisfaction, training needs and career progression.

Play areas in danger of rotting away

The government's £235m investment to transform playgrounds is in danger of being undermined because some local authorities are creating natural play areas that are unsustainable.

NCB's Paul Ennals awarded knighthood

Paul Ennals, chief executive of the National Children's Bureau (NCB), has been awarded a knighthood in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.

Alan Sugar: Apprentices will help business to thrive in the North East

Apprenticeships will give businesses the kind of motivated ‘doers’ they need to succeed in the current economic climate, according to top entrepreneur Sir Alan Sugar.

New Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to lead fight against recession and build now for future prosperity

The Government has today created a new Department for Business, Innovation and Skills whose key role will be to build Britain's capabilities to compete in the global economy. The Department will be created by merging BERR and DIUS.

Lies on CVs increase as the job market worsens

Research released today shows that, as a nation, we are mostly quite truthful on our CVs... until we need a job that is. A survey of 2,000 UK adults commissioned by SkillsActive, has found that while just 18% of us will admit to lying on our resume, this actually doubles (to 36%) when talking to people searching for work. Almost a third of those questioned (32%), said the current high unemployment rates mean they would be more inclined to lie on their CV now than ever before.

Children's minister Beverley Hughes to stand down

Children's minister Beverley Hughes has announced she will be stepping down at the next election.

SkillsActive encourages holiday playschemes to share their views

We are inviting holiday playschemes to discuss the impact of changes surrounding the early years and childcare registers.

Play sector struggles to comply with the EYFS

The play community is at loggerheads over how playworkers can comply with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

2009 SkillsActive and Nancy Ovens bursars named

A judo stalwart from Rutland and an outdoor play enthusiast from Newcastle are just two of this year’s recipients of a SkillsActive and Nancy Ovens bursary.

The Children’s Workforce Network Vision and Principles of Induction

The Children’s Workforce Network, of which SkillsActive is a member, has developed a vision and principles for induction for all those who work with children, young people and families in England.

SkillsActive and Nancy Ovens Bursary shortlist announced

Eight individuals from across the active leisure and learning sector have been shortlisted to receive a SkillsActive and Nancy Ovens Bursary for 2009.

Online outdoor play campaign toolkit launched for local authorities

The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) has launched a new online resource which provides local authorities with communications guidance and practical support to help them effectively promote outdoor play opportunities in their area.

Dame Kelly Holmes named President of Commonwealth Games England

Dame Kelly Holmes, and Chair of the DKH Legacy trust one of England’s greatest and most inspirational athletes, is today named the new President of Commonwealth Games England (CGE).