Apprenticeship training course

Playworker (level 2)

There are 22 training providers who offer this course.

Information about Playworker (level 2)

Care for and support children in taking responsibility for themselves and their own playing whilst creating a stimulating and adventurous space for children to learn and explore.

• Knowledge, skills and behaviours:
  View knowledge, skills and behaviours

  Knowledge

  • Playwork theory, The Playwork Principles and introduction to child development.
  • Active listening and communication techniques to build relationships with children and young people.
  • The importance of professional conduct and implementing boundaries in your own practice.
  • Diversity and inclusion in Playwork settings, including acknowledging and addressing own reactions and likely responses.
  • Observation and record keeping methods to enhance play and inform future Playwork practice.
  • Methods of self and group reflection and how to implement these to enhance play and inform future Playwork practice.
  • How to support the development of resilience in children and young people.
  • Principles of designing stimulating play spaces and how to create and resource them.
  • Risk-benefit assessment and the importance of children managing risks for themselves.
  • Different types of behaviour, why they need to be addressed and when and how to address them.
  • Parents and caregivers expectations and how to respond to these.
  • Health and safety procedures in the play setting.
  • How to respond to accidents and different emergency situations (fire, extreme weather, serious injury, common illnesses and infections).
  • Local and national Safeguarding and Child Protection policies and procedures.
  • Financial and administrative policy and procedures within open and closed settings.
  • Basic food hygiene procedures and practice., taking into consideration cultural and dietary needs and the importance of consuming healthy balanced meals.
  • Roles and responsibilities in opening, closing, cleaning and tidying the setting.
  • The importance of recycling, reusing, reducing, repairing and inspiring sustainable attitudes.
  • Off-site policies and procedures, including trips, visits and residentials.
  • Professional boundaries of self and other Playworkers’ interaction with children.
  • How to deal with the individual learning and or behavioural needs of a child.

  Skills

  • Observe and reflect on play behaviours.
  • Communicate sensitively using relevant language and behaviour.
  • Promote diversity and inclusion in Playwork practice.
  • Identify ways to remove barriers which can prevent some children and young people playing.
  • Undertake reflective observations to improve own practice and the quality of the provision for children and young people.
  • Contribute to play audits.
  • Promote the value and benefits of play for all children and young people.
  • Assist with planning, creating and identifying loose parts to encourage and inspire sustainable practices, including recycling, reusing, reducing and repairing.
  • Recognise the benefits of risk taking in play and contribute to dynamic risk-benefit assessment.
  • Recognise that children and young people communicate with a range of different types of behaviour and may need Playworker support.
  • Support children and young people to understand and manage their emotions, feelings and actions.
  • Manage interactions with parents/caregivers professionally.
  • Recognise the importance of respecting professional boundaries when lone working or conducting intimate care with children and young people and using social media with children, young people and families.
  • Contribute to health and safety checks.
  • Follow emergency incidents or common illness/infections policies and procedures, administering first aid and completing records when required.
  • Use active listening and communication techniques when interacting with children and young people playing, identifying any potential concerns if they occur.
  • Contribute to recording and reporting procedures as required by the play setting.
  • Contribute to administrative and financial record keeping.
  • Promote healthy eating and an active lifestyle, ensuring specific dietary and cultural needs are met.
  • Maintain a clean environment according to local and national policies and procedures.
  • Contribute to ensuring security arrangements are followed, such as children’s arrival and departures from the setting.
  • Work as part of a team to support and supervise children and young people on off-site trips, complying with formal risk assessment of venues visited.
  • Apply Playwork approaches in own role, incorporating new and emerging themes.
  • Reflect on own practice to create a personal development plan with supervisor.
  • Recognise the boundaries of own self and other Playworkers’ interaction with children, and when it is necessary to report incidents to the appropriate safeguarding lead and Local Authority Designated Officer – LADO if appropriate when a Playworkers’ behaviour towards a child may pose a risk of harm.
  • Apply the play work approach depending on the individual need.

  Behaviours

  • Work flexibly with an understanding of health and safety to support risk taking in play.
  • Work flexibly and adapt to both children and circumstances.
  • Take responsibility and show initiative.
  • Team-focused, working collaboratively and reflectively with others.
  • Behave in a polite and courteous way with a positive attitude.
  • Treat people with dignity, respect, and empathy.
  • Seek out learning and continuing professional development opportunities.
• Apprenticeship category (sector): Care services
• Qualification level: 2; Equal to GCSE
• Course duration: 18 months
• Funding: £5,000 ; Maximum government funding for ; apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
• Job titles include:
  • Engagement worker
  • Inclusion/support playworker
  • Play ranger
  • Playground assistant
  • Playworker

View more information about Playworker (level 2) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.