Level 2 Playworker

Playworkers play an important role in supporting children and young people to enjoy high-quality play experiences in safe, inclusive, and stimulating environments. They encourage child-led play, promote independence, and help children develop socially, emotionally, physically, and creatively through positive play opportunities.

Our Level 2 Playworker Apprenticeship is designed for individuals who are passionate about working with children and want to build the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to become a confident and effective Playworker. Apprentices will learn how to create engaging play environments that inspire curiosity, creativity, and exploration while supporting children's wellbeing and development.

Throughout the programme, learners will develop an understanding of playwork principles, safeguarding, health and safety, child development, inclusion, communication, and risk management. Apprentices will also learn how to observe children's play, remove barriers to participation, and create opportunities that encourage every child to play freely and confidently.

This apprenticeship combines practical workplace experience with structured learning, enabling apprentices to apply their knowledge in real-life settings such as before and after-school clubs, holiday clubs, adventure playgrounds, community play projects, and wraparound childcare provision.

By completing the Level 2 Playworker Apprenticeship, learners will have the skills and confidence to support children's development through play while making a positive contribution to their local community. It also provides an excellent foundation for progression into higher-level childcare, early years, and education qualifications.

Apprentices will develop an understanding of:

• Playwork theory, the Playwork Principles and child development. 
• Active listening and communication techniques. 
• Professional conduct, boundaries and ethical practice. 
• Equality, diversity and inclusion within play settings. 
• Observation and record-keeping methods. 
• Reflective practice and continuous improvement. 
• Supporting resilience in children and young people. 
• Designing, creating and resourcing stimulating play environments. 
• Risk-benefit assessment and supporting positive risk-taking through play. 
• Children's behaviour, behaviour as communication, and appropriate responses. 
• Safeguarding and child protection responsibilities. 
• Health, safety and security within play settings. 
• The importance of partnership working with families, colleagues and other professionals. 
• The role of play in supporting children's physical, emotional, social and cognitive development.  

Throughout the apprenticeship, learners will develop the ability to:

• Support freely chosen, self-directed play. 
• Build positive and professional relationships with children and young people. 
• Communicate effectively using active listening skills. 
• Remove barriers to participation and promote inclusive play. 
• Observe children's play and use observations to improve future provision. 
• Reflect on practice individually and as part of a team. 
• Create stimulating, adventurous and inclusive play environments. 
• Plan and resource play opportunities using sustainable materials where appropriate. 
• Carry out dynamic risk-benefit assessments. 
• Support children to understand and manage risk safely. 
• Recognise and respond appropriately to different behaviours. 
• Promote children's emotional wellbeing and resilience. 
• Contribute to safeguarding and child protection procedures. 
• Carry out health and safety checks and maintain secure environments. 
• Work effectively as part of a team. 
• Maintain accurate records and share information appropriately. 
• Support environmental sustainability through play provision. 
• Adapt practice to meet the changing needs of children and play situations.  

Successful Playworkers will demonstrate the following professional behaviours:

• Work flexibly while supporting healthy risk-taking in play. 
• Adapt to the needs of children and changing situations. 
• Show initiative and take responsibility for their role. 
• Work collaboratively and reflectively as part of a team. 
• Maintain a positive, polite and professional attitude. 
• Treat everyone with dignity, empathy and respect. 
• Commit to continuous learning and professional development. 

Duration: 18 months

• Assessment method 1: Knowledge Test 
• Assessment method 2: Professional Discussion underpinned by the Portfolio 
• Assessment method 3: Observation with Questions

Performance in the EPA will determine the overall apprenticeship standard and grade of: 

• Fail 
• Pass 
• Distinction