A Career in Playwork
“At its most basic level, playwork is about removing barriers to play, and enriching the play environment…The role of the playworker is to create flexible environments which are substantially adaptable or controllable by the children …” Professor Fraser Brown
Playworkers supervise children and young people in play activities in a range of different settings. The role is fun, busy and rewarding, especially for people who love working with children and young people and want a job that involves helping people. If you're considering a career in playwork, you may want to learn more about what the role involves and how to enter the sector.
Study a college course
Many people study relevant qualifications at college before applying for jobs as a playworker. A level 3 in children’s care, play, learning and development offers an excellent overview of the knowledge and skills that playworkers use regularly.
There is also a group of City & Guilds and Agored playwork qualifications available, which range from level 2 to level 5.
Get work experience
Gaining work experience while studying for playwork qualifications can help you to put principles into practice and develop essential skills. Some people find part-time jobs working with children and young people, and others volunteer for charities or schools to assist with childcare or supervision.
Take a first aid course
Although it isn't essential for the role, taking a first aid course can be incredibly beneficial before applying for playwork roles. Employers often require a set number of trained first-aiders on-site at one time, so you can make yourself a more appealing candidate by having this qualification.
What to expect from a job as a playworker
Here's what to expect in your career as a playworker:
Employment
Playworkers can find employment at nurseries, in schools, with local authorities that provide community playgroups, after-school groups and summer playschemes.
Hours
The hours a playworker works depends on where they are employed, but their core hours are usually between Monday and Friday. Early starts and late finishes are fairly common especially working in schools/nurseries.
Progression
Playworkers can progress in their career as they develop their experience. Eventually, they work into senior positions where they supervise staff members and take on additional responsibilities, such as planning rotas and training new employees. Those with level 5 playwork qualifications could progress into management positions or playwork development positions in which they co-ordinate play activities across a local area.
Qualifications in Playwork
“Qualified, skilled playworkers are trained to put children’s play needs at the centre of their work in a variety of settings, enhancing the range and quality of play experiences for all children. They are the best people to run staffed play provision for school-aged children. The role of the playworker is as important as that of any skilled professional working with children and should be respected and rewarded accordingly” (Charter for Children’s Play)
The selection of qualifications, at levels 2, 3, and 5, is ideal if you are looking for a career in playwork. The level 2 qualifications give an entry-level understanding of playwork principles. Level 3 offers more in-depth knowledge of the theories underpinning playwork practices and allows learners to study management principles. Level 5 is ideal for those who have worked in the sector for a while and want to develop their expertise for leadership playwork positions.
Click on the following link for required qualifications to be a playworker:
Required qualifications - Play Wales
If you need more information on playwork courses, please contact:
Clybiau Plant Cymru: info@clybiauplantcymru.org
Play Wales: info@playwales.org.uk
If you need more information on playwork within Merthyr Tydfil, please contact: