Playworker apprentice

Summary

Becoming a playworker has never been more valuable. With all primary-aged children required to have access to wraparound care by September 2026, this vital provision has been thrust into the spotlight and put playworkers in high demand. You’ll be a valuable part of their day, making sure they get the most out of these sessions.

Annual wage: £11,700 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Training course: Playworker (level 2)
Hours: 30 hours per week - split of 6 hours coursework/masterclasses and 24 hours of delivery in schools
30 hours a week
Possible start date: Tuesday 1 April
Duration: 1 year 2 months
Positions available: 1

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

Are you a passionate and dedicated childcare professional looking to make a difference? Premier Education is hiring an Apprenctice Playworker to provide high-quality childcare before and after school. Our Ofsted registered wraparound centres offer a safe, engaging, and supportive environment for children aged 4-11.

As the UK’s largest provider of school physical activity and childcare services, Premier Education partners with over 2,500 schools nationwide. We offer flexible roles, competitive pay, and the opportunity to positively impact children’s lives through enriching activities.

Our Playworkers love the flexibility, fair working hours, and the satisfaction of seeing children grow. Join us in our mission to Educate & Activate the World through one of the most rewarding careers out there!

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist with planning, preparing, and delivering quality, engaging play opportunities in a safe environment.
- Providing comprehensive care for the children including collecting them from school and delivering them safely to parents/carers
- Set up play spaces, including moving furniture and play equipment.
- Provide refreshments, ensuring hygiene and health and safety standards.
- Administer first aid when necessary.
- Involve children in planning activities and encourage parental involvement.
- Facilitate good communication with all members of the organisation. parents, schools, and related agencies.
- Undertake relevant training and development.
- Maintain a healthy, safe, and secure environment.
- Adhere to club policies, procedures, and the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Where you’ll work

Fordham All Saints Primary School, Mill Rd, Colchester

CO6 3NN

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

THE EDUCATIONWISE ACADEMY LTD

Your training course

Playworker (level 2)

Equal to GCSE

Course contents

Observe and reflect on play behaviours.
Communicate sensitively using relevant language and behaviour.
Promote diversity and inclusion in Playwork practice.
Identify ways to remove barriers which can prevent some children and young people playing.
Undertake reflective observations to improve own practice and the quality of the provision for children and young people.
Contribute to play audits.
Promote the value and benefits of play for all children and young people.
Assist with planning, creating and identifying loose parts to encourage and inspire sustainable practices, including recycling, reusing, reducing and repairing.
Recognise the benefits of risk taking in play and contribute to dynamic risk-benefit assessment.
Recognise that children and young people communicate with a range of different types of behaviour and may need Playworker support.
Support children and young people to understand and manage their emotions, feelings and actions.
Manage interactions with parents/caregivers professionally.
Recognise the importance of respecting professional boundaries when lone working or conducting intimate care with children and young people and using social media with children, young people and families.
Contribute to health and safety checks.
Follow emergency incidents or common illness/infections policies and procedures, administering first aid and completing records when required.
Use active listening and communication techniques when interacting with children and young people playing, identifying any potential concerns if they occur.
Contribute to recording and reporting procedures as required by the play setting.
Contribute to administrative and financial record keeping.
Promote healthy eating and an active lifestyle, ensuring specific dietary and cultural needs are met.
Maintain a clean environment according to local and national policies and procedures.
Contribute to ensuring security arrangements are followed, such as children’s arrival and departures from the setting.
Work as part of a team to support and supervise children and young people on off-site trips, complying with formal risk assessment of venues visited.
Apply Playwork approaches in own role, incorporating new and emerging themes.
Reflect on own practice to create a personal development plan with supervisor.
Recognise the boundaries of own self and other Playworkers’ interaction with children, and when it is necessary to report incidents to the appropriate safeguarding lead and Local Authority Designated Officer – LADO if appropriate when a Playworkers’ behaviour towards a child may pose a risk of harm.
Apply the play work approach depending on the individual need.
Observe and reflect on play behaviours.
Communicate sensitively using relevant language and behaviour.
Promote diversity and inclusion in Playwork practice.
Identify ways to remove barriers which can prevent some children and young people playing.
Undertake reflective observations to improve own practice and the quality of the provision for children and young people.
Contribute to play audits.
Promote the value and benefits of play for all children and young people.
Assist with planning, creating and identifying loose parts to encourage and inspire sustainable practices, including recycling, reusing, reducing and repairing.
Recognise the benefits of risk taking in play and contribute to dynamic risk-benefit assessment.
Recognise that children and young people communicate with a range of different types of behaviour and may need Playworker support.
Support children and young people to understand and manage their emotions, feelings and actions.
Manage interactions with parents/caregivers professionally.
Recognise the importance of respecting professional boundaries when lone working or conducting intimate care with children and young people and using social media with children, young people and families.
Contribute to health and safety checks.
Follow emergency incidents or common illness/infections policies and procedures, administering first aid and completing records when required.
Use active listening and communication techniques when interacting with children and young people playing, identifying any potential concerns if they occur.
Contribute to recording and reporting procedures as required by the play setting.
Contribute to administrative and financial record keeping.
Promote healthy eating and an active lifestyle, ensuring specific dietary and cultural needs are met.
Maintain a clean environment according to local and national policies and procedures.
Contribute to ensuring security arrangements are followed, such as children’s arrival and departures from the setting.
Work as part of a team to support and supervise children and young people on off-site trips, complying with formal risk assessment of venues visited.
Apply Playwork approaches in own role, incorporating new and emerging themes.
Reflect on own practice to create a personal development plan with supervisor.
Recognise the boundaries of own self and other Playworkers’ interaction with children, and when it is necessary to report incidents to the appropriate safeguarding lead and Local Authority Designated Officer – LADO if appropriate when a Playworkers’ behaviour towards a child may pose a risk of harm.
Apply the play work approach depending on the individual need.

Your training plan

Your apprenticeship training will take place at one of our selected schools, complemented by online sessions with your tutor at Educationwise. You'll be working towards the Level 2 Playworker apprenticeship standard, including any necessary Functional Skills training in English and maths.

More training information

Training provider: Educationwise

Requirements

Essential qualifications

Other in:

any setting aged 4 to 11. (grade Children aged 4 to 11.)

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

Childcare (grade Level 2)
Food Hygiene (grade Certificate)

Other in:

Disclosure and Barring Service (grade willingness to obtain one.)
Paediatric First Aid (grade First Aid)
safeguarding and child protection. (grade Certificate Training)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
Attention to detail
Creative
Initiative
Patience

Other requirements

ESSENTIAL: - Experience working with children aged 4 to 11. - Understanding of children's varied needs and family dynamics. - Knowledge of quality play care principles and equal opportunities. - Ability to provide and facilitate safe, creative play. - Strong communication and teamwork skills DESIRABLE: - Level 2 qualification in Childcare. - Experience in a play-based setting. - IT skills for play and club administration. - Ability to work independently. - Training in safeguarding and child protection. - Current Paediatric First Aid Certificate. - Food Hygiene Certificate. - Current Enhanced DBS Certificate or willingness to obtain one.

About this company

We are the UK’s leading provider of sport, physical activity and childcare to primary age children and have expert understanding of primary school needs. We operate as an extension of school staff resources, providing invaluable support, and are an approved, trusted resource for the PE and sport premium. We pride ourselves on having coaches who are not just professionals, but passionate advocates for the development of school sport and exercise.

https://www.premier-education.com/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Once you've completed the apprenticeship, you will become a fully certified Playworker with opportunities for further development.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is: