Playwork
NCFE Level 2 and 3 Diplomas in Playwork
The aim of the Diploma is to confirm the Learner’s competence to work in a Level 2 and Level 3 work role in a playwork environment such as after school club or a holiday club. It requires the Learner to demonstrate the full application of skills, knowledge and understanding based on the National Occupational Standards, over a period of time in a real work environment.
Level 2
This qualification is designed to provide learners with the knowledge and understanding of the principles and theories that underpin playwork and the importance of play in the lives of children aged 4–16. It covers the knowledge and skills needed when working under supervision and requires the learner to demonstrate the full application of knowledge and understanding over a period in the workplace.
This qualification reflects the current national occupational standards (NOS) 2016 for playwork.
This qualification requires learners to complete a mandatory work placement experience throughout the duration of the qualification, before certification.
To be awarded this qualification, learners are required to successfully achieve 56 credits: 40 credits from the 12 mandatory units, plus a minimum of 16 credits from the optional units
Level 3
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 reflects the national occupational standards (NOS) 2016 and confers competence to lead practice in a playwork setting at level 3.
This qualification requires learners to complete a mandatory work placement experience throughout the duration of the qualification before certification.
This qualification is designed for learners who work, or wish to work, with children between the ages of 4 and 16 in playwork settings. Learners should be at least 18 years old.
To be awarded this qualification, learners are required to successfully achieve 53 credits: 43 credits from the 13 mandatory units and a further 10 credits from the optional units.
Level 2 and 3 Diploma Course Delivery, Assessment and Duration
The course will last for approximately 1 year. Learners will be allocated an Assessor from our Assessment Team who will plan and carry out work-based assessment to build a portfolio of evidence. Learners are required to complete online assignments to build their portfolio alongside workplace assessment.
Entry Requirements for the Level 2 and 3 Playwork
There are no formal entry requirements for the Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma in Playwork. However, it is expected that all Learners will have a good level of literacy to achieve the qualification and will need to be working in a playwork setting to achieve the Diploma.
Level 3 Award in Transition to Playwork
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.
Course Delivery, Assessment and Duration
The course will last for approximately 3-6 months. Learners will be allocated an Assessor from our Assessment Team who will plan and carry out work-based assessment to build a portfolio of evidence. Learners are required to complete online assignments to build their portfolio alongside workplace assessment.
Progression opportunities
Learners who achieve this qualification could progress to the following:
• employment: before and after school clubs, holiday playschemes, adventure playgrounds, open access play settings, play rangers
• higher education: other higher-level qualifications relating to playwork
Price on request.