Qualifying the Playwork Workforce

In support of this commitment, a range of initiatives is being developed by the Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC), in partnership with SkillsActive.

Key areas of focus 

• 4,000 playworkers to achieve a recognised play qualification at level 3
• A new management and leadership programme for senior front-line staff
• Developing a core of professionally qualified graduate leaders 

Update on the Level 3 Qualification Initiative 

All restrictions on regional numbers lifted on Level 3 Initiative!

As of 1 August 2009 there are no longer any restrictions on the number of learners per region and applications will be taken on a “first come first serve basis” for both the NVQ level 3 or the Level 3 Award in Playwork for Early Years and Childcare Workers (Transitional Modules). 

Any employer who has staff who would like to take either of these qualifications should register their interest by clicking here to complete a form.

Once the form has been completed please send to the SkillsActive playwork manager for your region immediately. Having a qualified workforce means:

• Improved quality of services
• Productivity and relations with children, young people and their parents and carers.

This is a great opportunity to motivate your staff through training and will result in your employees feeling a sense of job satisfaction, being valued and recognition. This is a massive opportunity to effect a step change in your organisation and the sector.

SkillsActive would like to reassure the playwork sector that together with CWDC and the LSC we remain dedicated and committed to the professional enhancement of the play workforce. This funding will end on 31 March 2010 for NVQs so register NOW to avoid disappointment; funding for the Award in Playwork for Early Years and Childcare Workers will continue to be available after this date.

For more information click here.

Eligibility

Playwork Level 3 NVQ

This programme is designed for those who already have the Level 2 NVQ or have significant experience in a play setting and are taking the Level 3 NVQ in Playwork qualification as their first award.

To  be eligible for this qualification you need to:

• Currently work or be about to start work in a playwork setting without a Level 2 qualification, taking the Level 3 NVQ in Playwork qualification as your first award
• Be skilled in a wide range of complex tasks and demonstrate that you are capable of supervising others
• Be 16 years of age or over
• Be an established and experienced playworker
• Those whose highest qualification is at Level 2
• Those who have a Level 3 qualification in a different subject

Level 3 Award for Playwork for Early Years and Childcare Workers

To be eligible for this qualification you need to:

• Have a relevant level 3 qualification, such as the level 3 NVQ in Early Years Care and Education
• Currently work or would like to work in playwork settings
• Have access to a setting whose main purpose is playwork at the appropriate level of responsibility

What do I do next?

• Download and complete this form (can be completed online and e-mailed) or complete this form (for printing)
• Return your form to the appropriate SkillsActive Playwork Strategy Manager for your region by either post or email - see below for contact details.
• Upon receipt, you will then be contacted by a provider who will arrange to deliver your training

SkillsActive Playwork Strategy Managers:

• Julia Fallowfield – Northern Tri-Region (North West, North East, Yorkshire and the Humber)
  julia.fallowfield@skillsactive.com
  124 Skellingthorpe Road LINCOLN LN6 7QX
• Steve Jolly - Midlands Tri-Region (West Midlands, East Midlands, South West)
  steve.jolly@skillsactive.com 
  PO Box 14762 BIRMINGHAM B45 5DB
• Hanna Boyce – Southern Tri-Region (South East, London, East)
  hanna.boyce@skillsactive.com
  PO Box 578 Walton on Thames KT12 9DY