About this qualification

The aim of this qualification is to provide learners, who have experience and who are qualified at level 3 in working with children, with an understanding of the playwork principles and theories that underpin playwork practice. The qualification also aims to cover how applying the playwork principles and theories provides a framework that enables and supports children’s play, and their overall development. It also offers an opportunity for reflection on the learner’s own practice and supports progression to competence-based playwork qualifications.

Who is it suitable for?

This qualification is designed for learners who work or wish to work with children and young people between the ages of 4 to 16 in play environments.

It may also be useful to learners studying qualifications in the following areas:

• supporting teaching and learning
• youthwork
• Forest Schools

What are the entry requirements?

Learners who wish to study this qualification must be at least 18 years old and must have 2 years’ of childcare/education experience as well as one of the following:

• a full level 3 competency-based qualification in education or childcare or a historical qualification with education or childcare that would encompass early years, childcare, supporting teaching and learning, youthwork, Forest Schools
• an alternative regulated full level 3 competency-based qualification that recognises the ability of learners to work with children in the absence of their parents/caregivers (for example, residential childcare/social care with children/sports)

How is this qualification structured?

To be awarded this qualification learners are required to successfully achieve 8 credits from the 3 mandatory units.

How is it assessed?

Internally assessed and externally quality assured portfolio of evidence.

How many credits are required to complete it?

The award requires 8 credits.

How long will it take to complete this qualification?

Learners can usually complete the qualification in 12 months or less.

Do you need to be working to take this qualification?

This qualification requires learners to be working or on practical placement as learners will need to achieve both knowledge and skills throughout the duration of the qualification, before certification.

What related qualifications can you progress to?

• Level 3 Certificate in Playwork

• Level 3 Diploma in Playwork

Funding for our qualifications

Find out more about funding for this and other qualifications on our funding page.

Which type of job roles can you apply for on completion?

Learners who achieve this qualification could progress to the following employment:

• hospital playwork practitioner
• holiday club practitioner
• after school club practitioner
• adventure centre practitioner