EYFS and playwork update

Leonie Wilson, SkillsActive - 16/09/08

As a result, many Playwork qualifications are now included on the new Early Years and Playwork Qualification Database which can be found on the Children’s Workforce Development Council’s (CWDC) website from November 08.

Originally, every playworker would have needed an Early Years qualification to comply with the new requirements, but the new criteria for the database opens the door to Playwork.

The Department for Children, Schools and Families recognises the fact that playwork is not part of formal education, and that children in out of school play settings are learning through play which is delivered by playworkers who base their practices on the Playwork Principles.  

Out of school play settings are not the main provider where children spend the largest part of their day, but playworkers are in a position to work with schools and other main providers in anyway they deem appropriate to ensure continuity of provision for children.

Despite an ongoing campaign for exemption, the current situation with Open Access facilities is that children 0-5 years (specifically from birth to 31st August following the child’s fifth birthday) must be accompanied to and from the setting and the setting must have Early Years Foundation Stage status or exclude this age group entirely from the facility. 

SkillsActive is looking to work with Ofsted to introduce a new training programme for Ofsted inspectors. The aim will be to update the inspectors on the changes to the qualifications framework for the EYFS, specifically around playwork, and to ensure that they are fully aware of the Playwork Principles.

The CWDC has put together voluntary training for early years practitioners on the EYFS, which may also be useful for playworkers to take part in. More information can be found on the CWDC website.