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Playworker

Alternative titles for this job include

Playworkers help children and young people to develop their physical, social and language skills through play.

Average salary (a year)

£14,500 Starter

to

£22,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

10 to 25 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends flexibly

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
  • 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 Early Years

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 start on a Playworker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

This usually takes around 18 months to complete and is a mix of study and workplace learning.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Volunteering

You can volunteer with a playgroup or after school club to build up your experience of working with children. This may lead into paid work, where you could do training on the job.

Direct Application

You can apply for playworker jobs if you're already a qualified childcare worker.

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

More Information

Career tips

A paediatric first aid certificate will be useful but is not essential.

Further information

You can find more advice about 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
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • customer service skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • 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 they are safe and secure
  • lead games, supervise children and give out refreshments
  • talk to children about their worries
  • build positive relationships with parents, carers and professionals
  • deal with injuries and emergencies
  • keep records and work closely with parents and carers

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 playwork scheme 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

Are you interested in becoming a playworker?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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