Play guidance published by Ofsted

Uzma Ahmad - SkillsActive - 09/11/09

The factsheet is a result of numerous talks SkillsActive has had with Ofsted, highlighting concerns employers and practitioners have had with the introduction of the Early Years Register and Childcare Register, and the subsequent requirement for staff to hold a full qualification and the impact this has had on playwork settings.

Consultation with the sector revealed that employers had three main areas of concern when preparing for inspections. These were:

• training based on the Playwork Induction Standard was no longer accepted for holiday playscheme staffing requirements
• inspectors were criticising settings for not planning educationally based activities
• settings felt pressurised into rigorously observing and recording children’s activities. There were also concerns that child-initiated, freely chosen play was not compatible with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

The factsheet clearly interprets some of the requirements for play based provision, and highlights the two main areas of concern whilst reinforcing the vision of good practice play adhering to the Playwork Principles.

Stephen Studd, chief executive of SkillsActive, says "We are delighted that numerous meetings with Ofsted to represent the employer voice on this issue have finally paid off. It is encouraging to see that Ofsted has recognised that play based provision is compatible with the EYFS and we hope that this factsheet will make Ofsted inspections clearer for the play sector."

The government is planning to review the EYFS in September 2010. SkillsActive will work closely with the DCSF to ensure playwork employer views are represented.

The Ofsted factsheet is available to download - click here to access.

SkillsActive has also written a guidance paper on the Early Years Foundation Stage and its impact on holiday playschemes. To access, click here.