Playwork

York recognises the importance of, and challenges to recruiting and retaining, an appropriately qualified Play workforce. To encourage growth and development within the playwork sector, the council is able to offer the following support:

a programme of training for the children’s workforce is available and developed through feedback from the workforce through the authority’s Workforce Development Unit.
‘Welcome to YorOK sessions’ are available on an ongoing basis, accompanied by anonline Induction tool kit to help the children’s workforce understand their training needs, which includes signposting to online training resources and courses.
signposting to specialised Playworker training available through accredited training providers.
through the Family Information Service support is available to assist settings in recruiting staff, including free recruitment advertising and advice and guidance on safer recruitment practises. Support is also available for potential childcare workers together with raising the profile of playwork and promotion at relevant job fairs.
regularly advertise job opportunities through the YorOK website and newsletter.
the promotion of funding opportunities to enable play workers to achieve relevant skills and qualifications to meet legal requirements and promote anti-discriminatory practices.
the promotion of theSkillsActive strategy.
provide support to York High and Huntington secondary schools, to offer professional guidance within the Play modules of Diploma in Sport and Active Leisure, in which Playwork features.