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<p>I refer the noble Baroness to the answer given on 8 March to PQ 29737, which I
have also set out below:</p><p>The Department for Education recognises that play has
an important role in supporting all young children to develop and prepare for later
learning.</p><p>Play is integral in the early years and is covered in the statutory
Early Years Foundation Stage framework which states: “Each area of learning and development
must be implemented through planned, purposeful play and through a mix of adult-led
and child-initiated activity.”</p><p>The staff working in early years settings as
Early Years Educators (level 3) and Early Years Teachers (graduates) are required
to have an understanding different pedagogical approaches, including the role of play
in supporting early learning and development. The criteria for the Early Years Educator
and standards for Early Years Teacher Status qualifications are set by the department.</p><p>Ofsted
registers childcare provision on the Early Years Register and the General Childcare
Register and conducts a regular cycle of inspection to ensure that provision meets
the required quality and safety standards.</p><p>In judging the quality and standards
of early years provision, Ofsted inspectors must assess the extent to which the learning
and care provided by the setting meets the needs of the range of children who attend,
including the needs of any children who have special educational needs or disabilities.
At August 2015, 85 per cent of providers on the Early Years Register were rated good
or outstanding for overall effectiveness. This is an increase of 11 percentage points
since 2012.</p><p>Local Authorities provide and offer Continuous Professional Development
and training to early years settings; some of which may include training on play.
However, it is not a requirement for local authorities to deliver regional play training
as it is already a requirement in the Early Years Foundation Stage to cover play in
a setting.</p>
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