Playworker

Typical Salary

£12,000 To £30,000

Typical Hours

27 to 29 variable

evenings / weekends

How To Become a Playworker

You can get into this job through:

a college course
working towards this role
volunteering
applying directly

College / University

You could prepare for this job by doing a qualification like:

Level 2 Award in Outdoor Play Practice
Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People’s Workforce
Level 3 Diploma in Children's Play, Learning and Development
T level in Education

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

Routes into this Career

You can start as a playgroup assistant and get qualifications while you work.

You can apply for a playwork job if you're already a qualified childcare worker. You can also do the Level 3 Award in Transition to Playwork qualification to help with this.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

sensitivity and understanding
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
the ability to work well with others
to be flexible and open to change
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
excellent verbal communication skills
customer service skills
thinking and reasoning skills
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

In your day-to-day work you may:

provide and set up play areas, materials and equipment
give out refreshments
talk to children about their concerns or worries
deal with injuries and emergencies
build relationships with parents, carers, and professionals
keep records and look after petty cash

Working Environment

You could work in the community or at a school.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career Path & Progression

With experience and training, you could work for a local authority as a playwork development officer, supervisor or become a manager, or move into a school as a teaching assistant.

You could also be self-employed and set up your own after-school club or childcare project.

Volunteering Opportunities

You can volunteer with a playgroup to build up your experience of working with children. This can often lead into paid work.

Tips & Information

Further information

You'll find more details on working in childcare from the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

pass enhanced background checks

You'll need to have a positive attitude towards children and enjoy working with them.