Employers gain dependable staff who can run safe sessions, communicate well with children and families, and contribute to a positive setting culture that supports attendance and wellbeing.
Playworker
- Level 2
- Ofqual Regulated
- 14 Month Programme
- 3 Month EPA Period
- Remote Delivery
- Bi-Weekly Online Sessions
- Industry Specialist Tutor
Course Summary
Purpose
The Level 2 Playworker apprenticeship develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to create safe, fun and inclusive play environments for children and young people. It helps learners support wellbeing through play while giving employers reliable staff who can deliver high quality sessions and follow best practice.
Course Overview
The programme covers the playwork principles, safeguarding, health and safety, planning and delivering engaging activities, behaviour support, teamwork and communication. Learning blends practical delivery with structured training so apprentices build confidence in real settings and understand how to promote positive outcomes through play.
Key Features
- Builds confidence in leading safe and inclusive play
- Strengthens safeguarding and health and safety practice
- Develops communication and teamwork in busy settings
- Encourages reflective practice and continuous improvement
Who is it for?
This apprenticeship is suited to individuals who want to support children and young people through high quality play in schools, clubs and community settings. Typical job titles include:
- Playworker
- After School Club Assistant
- Holiday Club Assistant
- Activity Leader
Benefits for Learners
Learners gain the skills to plan and deliver engaging activities, manage behaviour positively and keep children safe. Completion supports progression into senior playworker or activity leader roles and can lead to further study in teaching assistant or sports coaching pathways.
Benefits for Employers
Entry Requirements
- 16 or over and not in full-time education
- Employed in a relevant role
- Be working a minimum of 30 hours per week
- Have the right to work in the UK
Functional Skills
All apprentices are required to have a minimum of Level 2 in English and Maths.
If you already hold GCSEs at grade C/4 or higher in these subjects, you will not need to complete any additional qualifications. If you have not yet achieved these grades, you will be supported to work towards Functional Skills in English and/or Maths as part of your apprenticeship.
Learning is built into your apprenticeship and our team will provide the guidance and resources you need to achieve the required level.
Career Progression
Every apprenticeship at Educationwise is designed with clear next steps in mind. Learners can progress from entry-level roles through to specialist and managerial positions, depending on their chosen pathway.
You can view the full progression routes for this programme in our Career Progression PDF, which highlights how each qualification links to further development opportunities.
Curriculum
| Module | Months | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1–2 | Learning Launch |
| 2 | 2–4 | Company Compliance and Safety |
| 3 | 4–6 | Becoming a Play Worker |
| 4 | 6–8 | Inclusive Play |
| 5 | 8–10 | Working in a Team |
| 6 | 10–12 | Building Relationships |
| 7 | 12–14 | Progression and Preparation |
Assessment
Once learners have completed their training and reached Gateway they move on to the End-Point Assessment which takes place over a three-month period. This includes a multiple-choice test, a professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence and an observation with questions. Learners who successfully complete the programme will achieve the Level 2 Playworker apprenticeship standard, a nationally recognised qualification that supports progression within education, childcare or youth work settings.
Funding For Employers
Levy
- If your organisation has an annual wage bill of over £3 million, you will pay the apprenticeship levy (0.5% of your payroll).
- Levy funds are collected through your HMRC account and can be used to cover the full cost of apprenticeship training and assessment.
- Funds expire after 24 months if not used.
Non-Levy
- If your organisation has a wage bill of under £3 million, you will only contribute 5% of the training costs for each apprentice.
- The government funds the remaining 95%.
- For employers with fewer than 50 staff, apprentices aged 16–18 (or 19–24 with an Education, Health & Care Plan) are 100% government funded.
Additional Information
- Employers may also be eligible for incentive payments for hiring younger apprentices.
- Our team will guide you through the process of setting up a digital apprenticeship service (DAS) account and securing funding.
Expression of Interest
Contact Us
- info@education-wise.org
- 01173 790 450
- Mon-Fri 9:00AM - 5:00PM