Free Level 3 Playwork Course. Work-based training at your workplace. This qualification is designed for experienced playworkers who work with children aged 4 to 16 in playwork settings. You learn while you work, building the knowledge and skills needed to work unsupervised with children. It covers both theory and practical demonstration in your own setting. A free playwork course for adults already working in the sector, this is a strong step toward senior roles in play and childcare.
Who this course is for
This qualification is designed for experienced plaworkers who work with children between the ages of 4 and 16 in playwork settings. The diploma covers the knowledge and skills needed when working unsupervised and requires the learner to demonstrate these
What you will learn
You'll develop the knowledge and skills needed to work unsupervised in a playwork setting.
You'll learn how to support children's play across a range of environments.
You'll understand safeguarding and child protection responsibilities in playwork.
You'll apply health and safety practices relevant to play settings.
You'll demonstrate how to plan and support play opportunities for children aged 4 to 16.
You'll build skills in observing, recording, and reflecting on children's play.
How you will learn
You learn through your day-to-day work in a playwork setting. Assessment is work-based. You'll build a portfolio of evidence drawn from your practice, showing how you meet the knowledge and skills required by the Diploma. An assessor will observe you working directly with children and review your evidence against the qualification requirements.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. ACL Essex will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Playworker. Delivering supervised and unsupervised play sessions for children.
Senior Playworker. Leading a team in a play or out-of-school setting.
After-school Club Supervisor. Managing provision for children aged 4 to 16.
Holiday Playscheme Leader. Running activity programmes during school holidays.
Nursery Practitioner. Supporting children's learning and development in a nursery.
Play Development Worker. Designing and delivering community play programmes.
Out-of-School Club Manager. Overseeing daily operations in wraparound care settings.
What you could study next
Level 4 Certificate in Playwork. Deepens your knowledge for senior or management roles in play settings.
Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education. Broadens your qualification to cover early years and childcare settings.
Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies. A higher education route for those moving into leadership or specialist roles working with children.
