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Qualifying the Playwork Workforce

The Children’s Plan included a commitment that “….the play strategy will support individuals in communities to take a professional role by providing funding to enable 4000 playworkers to achieve recognised play qualifications, and within that to enable a core of professionally qualified new graduate leaders to emerge.”

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

Initially, funding is being offered for up to 2,000 candidates to undertake a full level 3 qualification from September 2008. This is a fantastic opportunity and is available for anyone working in a playwork setting or about to join the play workforce.

Update on the Level 3 Qualification Initiative

There has been an overwhelming response from applicants wishing to access one of the 2000 qualifications available from September 2008, which have been offered through the first round of funding.

Due to high levels of interest in the Level 3 initiative, applications have been split into two phases - click here for further information.

Which qualifications are being funded?

Level 3 NVQ in Playwork;
Transitional Modules into Playwork from Early Years and Child Care titled the “Level 3 Award in Playwork for Early Years and Child Care Workers”.

A set of Frequently Asked Questions relating to the Level 3 NVQ awards are available here.

Who is eligible for the funding?

Those who will be eligible for funding for the Level 3 NVQ in Playwork are:

those without a Level 2 qualification taking the Level 3 NVQ in Playwork qualification as their first award;
those whose highest qualification is at Level 2;
those who have a Level 3 qualification in a different subject.

Those who will be eligible for funding for the Transitional Modules into Playwork from Early Years and Child Care are those who have a Level 3 qualification in Early Years and Child Care.

What do I need to do now?

For employees

In the first instance, you should express your interest to your employer. They, in turn can email playwork@cwdcouncil.org.uk. CWDC will pass the request on to the Learning Skills Council who will work on your behalf to identify places for training from September 2009 based on the information provided in your form. Places will be agreed through the Train to Gain programme.

For employers

Please email playwork@cwdcouncil.org.uk using this form. CWDC will pass the request on to the Learning Skills Council who will work on your behalf to identify places for training from September 2008 based on the information provided in your form. Places will be agreed through the Train to Gain programme.

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