Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider
THE EDUCATIONWISE ACADEMY LTD

Training course
Playworker (level 2)

What you'll learn

• 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.

Training schedule

Playworker Level 2
The apprentice will complete training in the workplace, supported by regular sessions with The Educationwise Academy Ltd.

Training will take place alongside practical experience in before and after school clubs, holiday camps and childcare settings.

The apprentice will receive workplace mentoring, tutor support and regular progress reviews throughout the apprenticeship.

More training information
Training will be delivered by The Educationwise Academy Ltd and will combine practical workplace experience with structured apprenticeship training, regular reviews and ongoing tutor support throughout the programme.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

• GCSE in: English (grade A*-C/4-9)
• GCSE in: Maths (grade A*-C/4-9)
• BTEC in: Sport, Childcare, Health and Social Care (grade Any)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Creative
• Initiative
• Patience

Other requirements

The employer is looking for candidates who live within approximately a 20-minute travel radius of the vacancy location. Applications from candidates with a travel time above this may not be progressed.

Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Sport, Childcare, Health and Social Care, or Performing Arts - desirable
Experience of working within a play-based setting - desirable
Experience of administration- desirable
Appropriate child protection training- desirable
Paediatric First Aid Certificate- desirable
Food Hygiene Certificate- desirable
Candidates must be aged 18+ due to Ofsted requirements
Candidates must have a driving licence and access to transport
Experience of working with children aged 3 to 11, an understanding of the varied needs of children and their families, and an understanding of the delivery of quality play care
Candidates should understand equal opportunities, be able to provide and facilitate safe and creative play, communicate well, work as part of a team, use sound judgement and common sense, and have sufficient English to support the wellbeing of children

About this employer

Premier Education is a leading provider of sport and physical activity programmes for primary schools, focused on improving children’s health, wellbeing and engagement through high-quality delivery. We specialise in curriculum PE, wraparound care, enrichment activities and holiday camps, all designed to support schools and inspire young people to lead active lifestyles.

For apprentices, Premier Education offers a hands-on learning environment where they gain real experience working with children, supported by structured training and mentorship. Apprentices develop practical coaching skills, confidence and an understanding of safeguarding, behaviour management and inclusive practice. This combination of on-the-job experience and professional development helps them build a strong foundation for a long-term career in education, sport or childcare.

https://www.premier-education.com/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

• Free flu jab
• Free childcare
• Staff socials

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

After successful completion of the apprenticeship, there may be opportunities to progress into roles such as Playworker, Senior Playworker, Wraparound Care Assistant, Holiday Camp Leader, Activity Leader or Childcare Practitioner.

The apprentice may also progress into further training in childcare, play work, sport, education or activity leadership.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:
THE EDUCATIONWISE ACADEMY LTD
Alex Emmerson
aemmerson@premier-education.com
The reference code for this apprenticeship is