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SkillsActive

The 2003 and 2005 skills white papers outlined the Government's commitment to the development of the nation's skills. Both papers pinpointed education, reform, funding, and consultation with sector skills councils as key components of this development. Through the development of a sector skills agreement, we have embraced this commitment and are facilitating firm partnerships between employees, the Government, and training and education providers. Our playwork unit has also collaborated with partner organisations to produce a new education and training strategy for the UK with action plans for all four nations.
We are the sector skills council responsible for careers advice for playwork (as well as sport and recreation, heath and fitness, the outdoors and the caravan industries) - known as the active leisure and learning sector. With a growing understanding of the vital importance of play in children's lives and the impact it has on their development and growth, there has never been a better time to become a playworker. Currently there are in excess of 120,000 staff in the playwork sector.

Employment opportunities

Major reforms have led to changes in existing jobs,the creation of new roles and the drive to improve qualifications and training. The Government also wants to see professionals working together more closely, something that will affect everyone in the sector. The past year alone has seen important developments such as the Every Child Matters agenda and the introduction of extended schools, with playworkers in ever increasing demand.
What does a playworker do? The playworker is the sensitive adult who supports children's play. They do this by assisting with the creation of play spaces and being the guardian of those spaces while children and young people play.

Employment policy

We are an all-encompassing organisation actively encouraging individuals, from all walks of life, to consider working within the playwork sector as the rewards are endless. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to a policy of treating all our employees and job applicants equally.

Training and career development

We have developed (in partnership) a whole suite of accredited courses to give individuals the opportunity to access further development within the sector. The qualifications range from a Level 2 holiday playworker to a Level 6 manager or development worker working at a strategic level, and there is a range of courses on offer with flexible study options available.

Salary and benefits

Salary depends on location and pays grades, see local press for more information.

The future

We are shaping skills for the future, through:
 - People: ensuring all people in the sector are trained and qualified
 - Productivity: ensuring better performance through the professional
development in the sector
 - Provision: ensuring the sector has accessible, relevant and funded training
across the UK
 - Promotion: ensuring the contribution of the sector is recognised at a
Government level

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