Playwork People – we need you!

Uzma Ahmad, SkillsActive - 18/06/09

SkillsActive’s last Playwork People survey found that although only 2.8% of playworkers surveyed did not have a qualification at Level 2 or above, just over 50% did not have a playwork specific qualification at all. This data alone is valuable evidence that SkillsActive has been able to use to lobby key decision makers.  It has also informed key commitments announced in the Children’s Plan.

This survey is for everyone who works in playwork, whether full-time or part-time, paid or voluntary.  We’re interested in all types of settings (e.g. adventure playgrounds, mobile play services, play centres, out-of-school clubs).  It is essential that as many people take part as possible in order to gain a good representation of job roles across the playwork workforce. 

Heather Heelis, manager of the Pitsop Out of School club, said: “I found the results of the last Playwork People survey really interesting and I’m really glad I was a part of it.  It’s great that the government are now realising how important it is to have qualified playworkers and the Children’s Plan really reflects this.  This is why I think it’s crucial that as many playworkers as possible take part in this survey.  It gives those of us working in the sector an opportunity to raise the issues that matter to us the most, and will provide SkillsActive with the evidence they need to work on our behalf with partners and the government”.  

The survey consists of two questionnaires: one for everyone employed in playwork, and a second questionnaire for employers - that is, the person responsible for recruitment and management of staff at one or more play settings.  All respondents will be asked about their role and qualifications, whilst employers will be asked further questions about recruitment difficulties and vacancies in their play provision. 

Please pass these questionnaires on to everyone you work with in playwork. 

Those completing the survey can be assured that the results will be totally confidential and will be analysed anonymously. The results will be reported at a regional level but no one will be able to identify individual respondents. 

Anyone completing this year’s Playwork People survey will be entered into a prize draw.  The winner will receive £500 and the runner up £150 towards a training course to aid continual professional development.

The survey for everybody to fill in is available can be found here where you will also find survey for employers.

The survey will run until Friday July 31^st 2009.