New organisation to address 'crisis' in playwork training

Playwork England will aim to facilitate collaboration between those involved in playwork education and training in this country.

According to the education and training consortium, in the last 15 years changes to Government policy, funding streams and the regulatory framework for the children’s workforce have resulted in the collapse of the playwork infrastructure across England and a lack of playwork training and education opportunities.

To address this, Playwork England will develop a strategy to ensure that playwork maintains its ‘distinct’ status and identity within England’s regulatory qualifications framework.

It will also seek to work with the other three UK nations to develop a co-ordinated approach to playwork education and training, and undertake a review of the playwork workforce in England. It is hoped the review can be carried out annually.

Playwork England is a partnership between founding members and SkillsActive-the standard setting organisation for playwork. It also supported by academics.

The consortium will hold its first members meeting on 29 February.

• To join Playwork England and find out more please visit www.playworkengland.org