REGIONAL NEWS

Government Playwork Training Iniative - For an update on the government funded initative to professionalise the playwork sector visit SkillsActive website.

SkillsActive – SkillsActive has a Playwork Regional Development Manager in each of the 9 English regions.  For further information about SkillsActive visit SkillsActive website. 

The Training & Development Agency for Schools - The TDA has developed a CPD database for the children's workforce in schools.  The intention for the database is that it becomes a one-stop-shop for those looking for CPD opportunities in their area, for further info visit website.

West Midlands Employers Network - If you would like to join the SkillsActive Playwork West Midlands Employers Network please complete the sign-up form and return to us and we will add you to our database so you can receive important news about events and training opportunities.

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 SkillsActive website or call 0207 632 2000.*All prices are plus VAT and capped at £250 plus VAT.

Playwork People Survey 2007 - You may remember taking part in the survey last year.  The Playwork People survey is SkillsActive’s biennial survey of the playwork workforce. It is the largest dedicated survey of playworkers in England, and provides an invaluable source of quantitative information about the characteristics of the workforce.  This report presents the findings of the third Playwork People survey, based on the results of two separate questionnaires: one of playwork employers and one of playwork employees conducted from January to April 2007. Nationally 1,295 responses were received to the survey of employees and 573 to the survey of employers.  The Playwork People survey aims to provide data and information to underpin and inform the development and understanding of the playwork workforce and training/qualifications provision.  Download the full report and the West Midlands Regional Summary.  The next Playwork People Survey is currently being prepared.  Look out for emails from us in your mailbox soon!  For further info visit SkillsActive website.

Playday 2009 - Playday 2009 is on Wednesday 5 August, the campaign theme will be: 'Make time!'  Playday 2008 was the biggest and best yet.  This Playday we're asking everyone to make time for play.  From parents, to people who work with children, policy makers, planners, teachers, and more - it's everyone's responsibility to make time to see how they can help promote children's play.  Visit Playday website for regular updates, fundraising guidance and resources.

Full events listing can be found on Playwork West Midlands website.

3-4 March 2009 - 7th Birmingham Playwork Conference - Eastbourne.  The conference will feature round table discussions and a number of sessions on all aspects of playwork.  Contact Meynell Games info@meynellgames.org.   

6 March 2009 - Weighing up the Future - Venue tbc. The 2nd Department of Health West Midlands Annual Obesity Conference.  To register your Expression of Interest contact Julie Davis julie.davis@dh.gsi.gov.uk or tel. 0121 352 5312.

10 March 2009 - Early Childhood Forum Conference: Working in Partnership - The conference will explore the role of effective partnership working in the early years from a variety of perspectives.  Further info from NCB website.

19 March 2009 - Apprenticeships Make Things Happen - Employer Seminars Delegate Recruitment - International Convention Centre, Birmingham. A series of national seminars on Apprenticeships by the DCSF, DIUS and LSC. For further information visit Apprenticeships Make Things Happen.

13 May 2009 - PIP Spring Seminar - Shropshire, venue tbc. This term's theme is Outdoor Play. Series of FREE seminars, limited spaces.  Contact pip@kids.org.uk for further info.

3 June 2009 - Reach for the Stars - Crowne Plaza NEC, Birmingham. This event will explore the establishment of benchmark qualifications for the play workforce with playwork employers in England.  Bookings will open shortly, check SkillsActive website for booking info.

5 August 2009 - Playday 2009 'Make Time!' - Nationwide. The annual celebration of children's right to play.  Visit Playday website for events in you area, regular updates, guidance on planning an event, fundraising guidance, resources and support.

Play England Play England’s West Midlands team have been in place since September 2006 to assist local authorities and their partners develop play strategies, a requirement for their application for funding from the Big Lottery Fund Children’s Play programme.  Visit Play England's website for downloadable publications, plus latest edition of Play in the West Midlands.

Common Threads – Latest newsletter now available from Common Threads. Website updated with lots of new training and publications, including: Training for Play Rangers, Summer Playscheme Training for Playworkers.

Children’s Play Update – Latest edition now available to download from Children’s Play Information Service website.

PlayAction OnLine - Regular news service from Fair Play for Children in the UK.  Working to promote the Child's Right to Play.

Childhood Matters - News and information for early years and childcare providers from Worcestershire County Council – latest edition, now out.  See website or contact Julie Stevenson, email JStevenson@worcestershire.gov.uk to subscribe.

The West Midlands Regional Observatory – Latest WMRO Newsletter now available from website.  The newsletter, aims to provide a quick overview of research activity within the West Midlands with contributions from members of the Regional Data and Intelligence Network.

Play Abstracts and Play Conferences & Events publications now downloadable.

The National Inclusive Play Network latest E-bulletin from KIDS is now available.  Contact Rachel Scott at rachel.scott@kids.org.uk  to subscribe.   National Inclusive Play Network (NIP Network) membership application form available.

Play in the West Midlands Newsletter – Latest issue from Play England is now available to download from publications link. 

Kids NDD – Accredited inclusive play training courses, see website for further information.