Free Level 3 Playwork Course Online

CostFREE
Duration9 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryOnline
StartFlexible
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 Playwork Course. Study online. You can work through the course at your own pace, fitting study around your existing work or placement in a play setting. Over 9 months, you'll cover playwork principles, safeguarding, inclusive practice, health and safety, and supporting children's self-directed play. Units also address professional development, wellbeing, and organisational frameworks that protect children's rights. To enrol, you'll need to be working in or have a placement in a play environment such as a before and after school club, holiday playscheme, or adventure playground.

Who this course is for

The NCFE Level 3 Diploma in Playwork is designed for individuals who work or aspire to work in play settings, supporting children and young people to engage in freely chosen, self-directed play. This qualification provides the knowledge, skills, and understanding required to create safe, stimulating, and inclusive play environments that promote creativity, independence, and well-being.

Who is this course for? · Current playworkers seeking a formal qualification. · Those working in out-of-school clubs, adventure playgrounds, holiday schemes, or similar settings. · Individuals aiming to progress into supervisory or managerial roles within playwork.

Course Aims · Develop a deep understanding of the playwork principles and their application. · Equip learners with the ability to plan, deliver, and evaluate play opportunities. · Promote inclusive practice and safeguard children and young people in play settings. · Support professional development and progression within the playwork sector.

Entry requirements

To study this course you must be working or have a placement in a play environment. These can include · Before and after school clubs · Holiday playschemes · Adventure playgrounds · Open access play setting

If you have any questions about the placement please contact [email protected]

What you will learn

  • You'll understand playwork principles and how to apply them in practice.
  • You'll learn how to plan, deliver, and evaluate play opportunities for children and young people.
  • You'll develop skills in creating safe, healthy, and inclusive play environments.
  • You'll understand how to safeguard children and uphold their rights within organisational frameworks.
  • You'll learn how to support children's wellbeing through play.
  • You'll build skills in developing and maintaining positive relationships in playwork settings.
  • You'll engage in reflective practice and professional development.
  • You'll understand how to support inclusion and respond to the needs and preferences of all children.

How you will learn

You'll study entirely online, working through 14 units covering theory and practice across all areas of playwork. Assessment is through written assignments and evidence-based tasks linked to your workplace or placement. You'll need to demonstrate your knowledge and practice in a real play setting throughout the course.

What you will need to bring

You must be working in or have an agreed placement in a play setting before you start. This is a course requirement. Suitable settings include before and after school clubs, holiday playschemes, adventure playgrounds, and open access play settings. Contact Heart of Yorkshire Education Group directly if you have questions about placements before enrolling.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Playworker: supporting children's self-directed play in out-of-school settings
  • Play supervisor: overseeing play sessions at holiday schemes or clubs
  • After school club leader: managing daily provision for school-age children
  • Adventure playground worker: facilitating outdoor and creative play
  • Holiday playscheme coordinator: planning and running holiday activity programmes
  • Nursery Practitioner: supporting children's play and development in early years settings

What you could study next

  • Level 4 Certificate in Playwork: deepens knowledge for those moving into supervisory or management roles within play settings.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator): broadens your practice into early years settings and is recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work.
  • Foundation Degree in Playwork or Childhood Studies: a higher education route for those wanting to move into senior practice, management, or research.

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