With most playworkers struggling to get access to training how can the Government hope to double the size of the qualified playwork workforce? KCN believes that the answer lies in a national training programme.
OFSTED has set ambitious targets to ensure the quality of childcare in out-of-school clubs is high. Fifty per cent of staff must have a relevant NVQ Level 2 qualification and all co-ordinators and deputies of settings must hold a Level 3 qualification. Early years partnerships have been crucial in obtaining funding from different sources as well as delivering training to help meet the targets. But there is still something of a jigsaw of provision -current training schemes are often too geographically inconsistent making accessibility difficult and qualification unnecessarily complicated.
KCN believes that a major intervention is needed. Strategic workforce plans by Learning and Skills Councils would be the first necessary step - identifying the range of training available, the needs of the workforce and a strategy for delivering training and qualifications in every area.
However, the real challenge will be to develop training that is integrated, transferable and recognised across all aspects of work with children. Calls to establish a new children and young people's sector skill council over the next few years, bringing together childcare, early years, playwork and youth work give an indication of what this may look like.