We are actively involved in working to make the picture clearer for employers and practitioners and ensuring quality and consistency for all training and qualifications. Introducing a completely new qualification at this point will only lead to confusion and division.
However, the National Occupational Standards are not static. Both Level 2 and 3 have been reviewed once, and Level 2 is about to be reviewed again. If they fall short in some areas, it is up to the sector to be involved in the review process and propose new or amended standards. To suggest devising a whole new qualification because one or two areas perhaps aren't currently covered doesn't make any sense at all.
What the sector needs to address is not a new qualification but a route for after-school club workers to become qualified in playwork. One already exists and another is on the way. CACHE has a module on the National Qualifications Framework called Moving into Out-of-school Provision, specifically designed for workers to move from early years to playwork. At SPRITO we are developing an Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning project to provide information and guidance for workers with early years and older playwork qualifications to present their experience and learning towards a Playwork NVQ.
Many playworkers have undertaken Playwork S/NVQs and related training. They have worked hard to achieve their award and it has meant a great deal to them. Is Anne Longfield telling them they have done the wrong qualification?
I would encourage anyone working with children in an out-of-school play setting to work towards a playwork qualification. At this time of rapid growth and immense change we need clarity and consistency.
I believe the current National Occupational Standards outline the majority of skills, knowledge and understanding playworkers need in whatever setting they work in, whether after-school club, playcentre, adventure playground, and so on. In fact, two areas quoted by Anne - providing children with meals and dealing with parents - are already included as S/NVQ units PC21 at Level 3 for providing food and drink, and PA1 at Level 2 and PC12 at Level 3 for working with parents. What is meant by 'looking after children on a continuous basis' needs explanation but, as far as we are concerned, all playworkers ensure the safety and well-being of children in the play environment. That's their job.
