Urgent action required: Tuesday 30 April 2024 is the deadline for submitting all pupil marks for the V Cert NEA. Read further guidance.
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Playwork
Ref:
610/0645/2
Sector:
Health, Public Services and Care, Playwork
Registration & certification fee:
£140.00
Level:
Level 3
Minimum entry age:
18
GLH:
458
TQT:
530
Credit value:
53
Return to Search
This qualification has been allocated UCAS points. Please refer to the UCAS website for further details of the points allocation and the most up-to-date information.
About this qualification
This qualification provides in depth information about the role of the level 3 playworker.
The diploma covers the knowledge and skills needed when working unsupervised and requires the learner to demonstrate these in the workplace.
It is aimed at experienced playworkers who have an appreciation of the playwork principles and practice.
This qualification can also be undertaken as part of the Welsh playwork apprenticeship framework. Apprenticeship information and the latest documents are available from Apprenticeship Certificate Wales. These should always be consulted to ensure that all mandatory qualifications, units, assessment, on-the-job hours and apprenticeship conditions are achieved and evidenced.
Nested qualification
The Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Playwork is nested within this qualification and is mainly knowledge based with a limited amount of practical application. This allows for a progression route to the diploma.
Qualifications within a nested suite allow learners to be topped up to a qualification that is the same level and subject within the Award, Certificate, Diploma structure. This can be done by self-service through the Portal. Qualification nests and top-up pricing can be found in our fees list.
Who is it suitable for?
This qualification is designed for learners who work or wish to work with children between the ages of 4 and 16 in playwork settings.
What are the entry requirements?
Learners should be at least 18 years old. We do not set any other entry requirements but colleges or training providers may have their own guidelines.
How is this qualification structured?
Learners are required to successfully achieve 53 credits: 43 credits from the 13 mandatory units and a further 10 credits from the optional units.
How is it assessed?
This qualification is internally assessed and externally quality assured.
How many credits are required to complete it?
53 credits
How long will it take to complete this qualification?
Learners can usually complete this qualification in a year or less.
Do you need to be working to take this qualification?
Learners will need to be working, volunteering or on practical placement, as they need to show competence in both knowledge and skills.
What related qualifications can you progress to?
• NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Advanced Playwork (Wales) (Practitioner) (601/5370/2/PRAC)
• NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Advanced Playwork (Wales) (Manager) (601/5370/2/MAN)
• qualifications in other sectors such as youth work
Which type of job roles can you apply for on completion?
Learners who achieve this qualification could progress as a level 3 playworker working with responsibility for other staff, to the following:
• before and after school clubs
• holiday playschemes
• adventure playgrounds
• open access play settings
• play rangers
Funding for our qualifications
Find out more about funding for this and other qualifications on our funding page.
Support materials
Mandatory qualification information
Qualification specification (PDF | 828 KB)
Qualification specification (Word) (DOCX | 593 KB)
Qualification specification Welsh translated (PDF | 833 KB)
Qualification specification (Word) – Welsh translated (DOCX | 562 KB)
Additional qualification information
Qualification factsheet (PDF | 147 KB)
Teaching/delivery guidance
Playwork reflective practice document (PDF | 116 KB)
Support Handbook
Support Handbook (PDF | 327 KB)
Assessment materials
Internal assessments
Internal assessment sample tasks (PDF | 346 KB)
Internal assessment sample tasks Welsh translated (PDF | 343 KB)
Internal assessment sample tasks (Word) – Welsh translated (DOCX | 399 KB)
Unit breakdown
Mandatory units
Understand Play and the Playwork Principles (J/650/0596)
Creating Supporting Environments for Children's Play (K/650/0597)
Understand How to Support the Safeguarding of Children in the Playwork Setting (L/650/0598)
Understand Organisational Frameworks to Protect the Rights of Children (R/650/0616)
Understand Play and Wellbeing (M/650/0599)
Understand Relationships in the Playwork Setting (D/650/0600)
Understand Health, Safety and Security in the Playwork Setting (F/650/0601)
Engage in Professional Development and Reflective Practice (H/650/0602)
Contribute to Organisational Frameworks to Respond to all Children's Needs and Preferences (J/650/0603)
Maintain Healthy, Safe and Secure Environments in Playwork (K/650/0604)
Develop and Promote Relationships in the Playwork Setting (L/650/0605)
Prepare For and Support Children's Play (M/650/0606)
Supporting Inclusion in a Playwork Setting (R/650/0607)
Optional units
Explore Different Perspectives and Influences on Playwork (Y/650/0609)
Organise Travel for Children (F/650/0610)
Promote Own Playwork Organisation (H/650/0611)
Working in Partnership With Other Organisations and Individuals (J/650/0612)
Working With Children With Additional Needs and Disabilities in a Playwork Setting (K/650/0613)
Working With Parents, Carers and Families (L/650/0614)
Understand Teamwork for Quality Playwork Practice (M/650/0615)
Understand How to Contribute Towards Running a Playwork Setting (A/650/1717)
Provide Food and Drink in a Playwork Setting (D/650/1718)
Facilitating Adventure Playgrounds (F/650/1719)