The timely move comes at an important stage in the development of the new children's workforce. It demonstrates the benefits of integrating training and qualifications to offer a more accessible and valuable career development path for workers.
Out-of-school staff have always combined the skills and approaches of a wide range of professions - helping children to learn, develop and enjoy through play and working closely with schools. The result is a unique and multi-faceted mix which, operating outside the boundaries of any one profession, has always put children and families at its core.
By 2010 all primary and secondary schools will be open from 8am to 6pm, more than doubling the current staffing levels. Building on the existing staff, these new opportunities will reflect the range of work on offer - childcare, out-of-school learning, specialist activities and specialist support from the early years through to youth. With these areas will come a new definition and identity for the out-of-school playleader recognised in its own right as a crucial part of an integrated workforce.
Reforms provide the opportunity to reaffirm and celebrate the range of skills of the out-of-school member of staff as a valuable model for the new integrated worker. Grounding these skills and competencies within a newly integrated training and qualification infrastructure is the first step.
