SkillsActive has revealed that it has failed to secure the coalition government’s backing for its Playwork scheme.

In a statement, the sector skills council for active leisure said it had been informed that its bid to deliver the project - entitled Improving outcomes for children, young people, and families - to the Department for Education has been unsuccessful.

Stephen Studd, the SkillsActive Group's CEO said: "As the Sector Skills Council responsible for working on behalf of the playwork sector, and ensuring it has the right people with the right qualifications working within it to support children's play, it is disappointing to receive the news that our bid was unsuccessful.

"Recent correspondence with ministers has confirmed the coalition government's commitment to positive learning outcomes for children and young people, which confirms the importance of our role to have the best possible workforce behind the sector.

"We are fully committed to our work within the playwork sector and are currently applying for future funding to support our work."

For more information on SkillsActive's work within the playwork sector visit www.skillsactive.com/playwork.