The strategy, 'Quality Training, Quality Play', was launched last week by SPRITO, the Government-funded training organisation for sport, recreation and allied occupations, after a consultation exercise involving 400 people and organisations.
With an estimated 60,000 new workers coming into the sector, the strategy proposes a major expansion of training to be delivered through SPRITO's nine regional centres. Some of its specific aims include:
* National Occupational Standards for playwork qualifications, so they can be introduced at Level 4. There are currently no qualifications at this level.
* A transitional module of playwork training accessible to workers from other sectors.
* Formal recognition of prior learning and experience.
* A foundation degree in playwork.
* A playwork training module for Ofsted inspectors.
* Parity between playwork qualifications and those in teaching and social work.
In some parts of England, the lack of playwork trainers and assessors is a barrier to the take-up of training. SPRITO aims to boost numbers through its regional centres and EQUIPE, a project funded by the European Union.
Under the previous strategy a Playwork Assessor training programme and a Training Playwork Trainers pack were developed, and these will be reviewed.
A register of trainers and a system for endorsing training materials will also be set up.
