Playworker
What is the work like?
Playworkers plan, organise and take part in play and leisure activities for 4 to16 year olds. They work in various settings, such as breakfast clubs, after-school clubs, mobile playbuses and holiday playschemes.
The work is very varied. You could be involved in activities ranging from art, crafts or drama to taking children on outings, and from cookery to outdoor games – sometimes all on the same day.
Your work would include:
- planning activities with the children
- providing play areas, materials and equipment
- giving children the choice and freedom to spend their leisure time in their own way
- encouraging fair and caring behaviour among the children
- encouraging independence and self-esteem
- talking to children about their concerns or worries
- dealing with injuries and emergencies
- liaising with parents, carers, and sometimes other professionals
- keeping records and looking after petty cash.
You would need to make sure that play is safe, and encourage children to be aware of their own safety and that of others. You would need to make sure that you follow the correct procedures if you are concerned about the welfare of any of the children using the service.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not necessarily need qualifications to start in playwork – you can train and gain playwork qualifications as you work.
There are two ways to get started:
- working as a volunteer to gain experience before you move into paid part-time or full-time work
- working as a volunteer at the same time as working towards a qualification.
You will need to have CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) clearance before starting work.
At this stage you can do qualifications including:
- CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Playwork Practice
- CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Playwork.
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more about Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
If you are not sure whether working with children and young people is the right career for you, you could do a short course called Making Choices. Your local Children’s Information Service will tell you about courses in your area – you can get their telephone number from Childcare Link.
See the Playwork section of the SkillsActive website for details of all aspects of playwork.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working as a playworker you can do different qualifications depending on your job.
As a new playworker you will usually do an Ofsted-approved induction course. There are several approved courses, including Introducing Playwork by SkillsActive, the Sector Skills Council for active leisure and learning.
As an assistant playworker (working alongside more senior playworkers) you can work towards qualifications such as NVQ Level 2 in Playwork, which is awarded by City & Guilds, CACHE or BTEC.
As a senior playworker you can complete qualifications such as:
- NVQ Level 3 in Playwork
- Level 3 Certificate/Diploma in Playwork (awarded by CACHE and City & Guilds)
- Level 3 Award in Early Years and Child Care for Playworkers (awarded by CACHE and City & Guilds).
As a playwork manager or playwork development officer, you can work towards:
- NVQ Level 4 in Playwork
- foundation degrees, BTEC HNDs, or degrees relating to playwork.
Visit the 'Practitioners' section of the Early Years and Playwork Qualifications Database website for details of early years, childcare and playwork qualifications which are recognised by Ofsted.
Where can I go for more information?
Customer Service TeamOne90 High Holborn
London
WC1V 7BH
Tel: 0870 240 9800
Grosvenor Road
St. Albans
Hertfordshire
AL1 3AW
Tel: 0845 347 2123
77-91 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1PX
Advice line: 08000 933300
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Full-time playworkers can earn between £12,000 and £20,000 a year.
- Senior staff can earn around £25,000.
As many playworkers are part-time or work on a short-term basis they would earn a portion of full-time rates (known as 'pro rata' payment) or could be paid an hourly rate. This means that actual annual income may be less than above.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You may work full- or part-time. Most playwork is needed in the evenings, at weekends and during school holidays.
You could work either indoors or outside, depending on the setting and the type of activity. Your work will usually be very active, possibly involving joining in with activities such as games and sports.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a responsible and caring attitude
- the ability to get on well with children, parents and carers from all backgrounds
- awareness of equal opportunities issues
- good listening skills
- creativity, flexibility and the ability to adapt if children do not want to take part in a planned activity
- patience and tolerance
- the ability to work well as part of a team
- awareness of health and safety issues
- good organisational skills
- stamina and a good sense of humour.
What opportunities are there?
You could be employed by local authorities, voluntary organisations or private companies. Although there are some full-time jobs most are part-time. Some jobs are seasonal, for example in the school holidays. You may be able to find opportunities to work abroad, especially with holiday companies.
As an experienced playworker you may be able to progress to a supervisory or management job. You could become self-employed and set up and manage one or more after-school clubs. With appropriate qualifications, you could specialise in play development, play training or play therapy.
You may be able to move into other related jobs like teaching assistant or youth worker.
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