SkillsActive contributed the views of the sector as part of the review of the EYFS frameworkto the review.
EYFS practice guidance
SkillsActive have recommend that:
- Playwork settings should be exempt from the learning and development requirements but should have met the requirements of a Quality Assurance system based on the playwork principles
- Playwork qualifications should be recognised as the only ones that are suitable for playwork settings
- The qualification requirements should be altered so that holiday playschemes should be able to use staff with or working towards the Playwork Award at Level 2 to count in staffing ratios
- The qualification requirements for the Early Years Register are aligned with the childcare register. This will make it more straightforward for employers to understand their responsibilities.
- Ofsted inspectors should attend mandatory training in play and playwork The EYFS framework is backed up by legislation and we remind all employers they need to follow the legal requirements.
SkillsActive released an EYFS briefing paper, which provides clarification on many areas that are of concern to play settings as well as help in the inspection process.
Holiday playschemes
New EYFS practice guidance concerning holiday playschemes registered on the early years and/or childcare register now states they are required to employ staff with qualifications, rather than the playwork induction standard endorsed training.
While playwork induction standard endorsed courses are no longer accepted by Ofsted, it should be noted that these courses still make a valuable contribution to induction training for staff and volunteers who are new to the playwork sector.
If you have any more questions about the EYFS framework, you may find the answers in our EYFS FAQand for more information on the EYFS visit the DCSF website, although please note that information reflects previous government policy.
Play provision and Ofsted EYFS inspection
Ofsted are currently inspecting all settings registered on the early years register, which includes play provision which has children in the early years.
Ofsted released an important factsheet ‘regulating play-based provision’ which is essential reading for settings. It provides a clarification on many of the key areas of concern raised by play settings.
They have also updated two important documents, ‘Conducting early years inspections‘ and 'Requirements for the Childcare Register: childcare providers on nondomestic or domestic premises', which are available from their website and are essential updates.
It is important that play providers do not compromise working to the playwork principles and we feel that the Ofsted factsheet will benefit playwork settings and inspectors alike.
