Qualifying the Playwork Workforce

The Children's Plan (DCSF, 2007) 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 CWDC in partnership with SkillsActive, the Sector Skills Council for active leisure and learning.

In this section:

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 

Click here for an update on the Level 3 initiative

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 Eears and Childcare Workers'.

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 to the Learning and 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 download the form below and email it to us at playwork@cwdcouncil.org.uk. CWDC will pass your request to the Learning and 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.

Playwork qualification funding application form