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Playworker

Alternative titles for this job include

Playworkers support children and young people to create their own spaces and opportunities for play.

Average salary (a year)

£15,000 Starter

to

£25,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

27 to 29 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a playworker

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • volunteering
  • applying directly

College

You could do a college course to get some of the skills you'll need in this job. Courses include:

  • Level 2 Award in Outdoor Play and Learning
  • Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce
  • Level 3 Diploma in Children's Play, Learning and Development
  • T Level in Education and Childcare

You'll find it useful to have a first aid certificate.

Entry requirements

You may need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could take a Playworker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

This usually takes around a year and 6 months to complete as a mix of study and work place learning.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start as a nursery worker and get qualifications while you work.

Volunteering

You could volunteer with a playgroup to build up your experience of working with children. This can often lead to paid work.

Direct Application

You could apply for playworker roles if you're already a qualified childcare worker. 

You could also do the Level 3 Award in Transition to Playwork qualification to help before you apply for roles. 

More information

You can find more details on working in childcare from the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • sensitivity and understanding
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • customer service skills
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

You'll need to have a positive attitude towards children and enjoy working with them.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a playworker, you could:

  • set up play areas and make sure the space is safe and secure
  • lead games, supervise children and give out refreshments
  • talk to children about their worries
  • build relationships with parents, carers, and professionals
  • deal with injuries and emergencies
  • keep records and do admin tasks

Working environment

You could work in the community or at a school.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience and training, you could:

  • work as a playwork development officer for a local authority
  • become a supervisor or manager
  • move into a school as a teaching assistant
  • become self employed and set up an after school club or childcare project

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a playworker right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

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Jobs In the United Kingdom

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