The programme runs for either 14 months (standard route) or 8 months (fast track) on-programme, followed by a 3-month End-Point Assessment period.

Fast Track is subject to prior learning, experience and employer agreement in line with apprenticeship funding rules.

Playworkers support children and young people to take responsibility for their own play while providing environments that encourage creativity, exploration, challenge and enjoyment. Their responsibilities may include:

• Supporting freely chosen and self-directed play
• Creating stimulating and adaptable play environments
• Observing children at play and responding to play cues
• Removing unnecessary barriers to children's play
• Supporting children to assess and manage appropriate levels of risk
• Building positive relationships with children and young people
• Supporting children with additional needs
• Safeguarding children and young people
• Working effectively with parents, carers, colleagues and other professionals
• Reflecting on their own playwork practice

Playworkers must balance their responsibility for children's safety and welfare with the importance of enabling children to experience challenge, independence, exploration and choice.

Typical job roles include Playworker, Play Ranger, Playground Assistant, Inclusion or Support Playworker and Engagement Worker.

Playworkers may work across a variety of settings, including:

• Before and after-school clubs
• Holiday clubs and holiday activity programmes
• Adventure playgrounds
• Community play projects
• Play centres
• Youth and community settings
• Parks and open spaces
• Mobile play provision

Funding: Levy and non-levy employer funding available.

Find out how apprenticeship funding works for your organisation on our apprenticeships for employers page, or speak to our team.

Delivery Model: Remote delivery supported by practical workplace learning and development.

The programme is delivered remotely, providing flexible access to structured tutor-led learning while apprentices develop and demonstrate their practical playwork skills within their workplace. Delivery includes:

• Live remote tutor-led training
• Structured off-the-job training
• Individual tutor support
• Workplace-based practical development
• Playwork theory and Playwork Principles
• Risk-benefit development
• Safeguarding training and application
• Equality, diversity and inclusive-practice development
• Observation and reflective-practice activities
• Professional discussions and workplace observations
• Portfolio development
• End-Point Assessment preparation

The programme incorporates 326 off-the-job training hours. Employers must provide protected time during working hours for required apprenticeship training and suitable workplace opportunities for apprentices to develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the standard.

Equality, diversity and inclusion: apprentices learn how to:

• Promote inclusive play opportunities
• Recognise and challenge barriers to participation
• Support children with additional needs
• Support children to participate in play on their own terms

Relationships and communication: apprentices develop the ability to:

• Build positive professional relationships with children
• Listen to children's views and experiences
• Build appropriate relationships with parents and carers
• Contribute positively to a professional playwork team

Observation and reflective practice: apprentices develop skills in:

• Observing children's play without unnecessarily interrupting it
• Reflecting on their own interventions
• Evaluating the impact of the play environment
• Identifying opportunities to improve play provision

Apprentices develop the professional behaviours expected of a Playworker, including:

• Respecting children's right to play
• Putting children and young people at the centre of practice
• Acting professionally and responsibly
• Demonstrating care, empathy and respect
• Promoting equality and inclusion
• Working effectively as part of a team
• Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries
• Taking responsibility for their own professional development

Before entering End-Point Assessment, apprentices must:

• Achieve Level 1 English and Maths and work towards Level 2 (if required in line with current apprenticeship funding rules)
• Demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the apprenticeship standard
• Complete their on-programme portfolio
• Complete a minimum of 326 off-the-job training hours
• Be confirmed as occupationally competent by their employer

The EPA is conducted by an independent End-Point Assessment Organisation and typically includes:

• Multiple choice test
• Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
• Observation with questions

The apprentice must successfully pass the EPA to achieve the full apprenticeship standard.

• Employment within a suitable playwork or out-of-school setting
• A role involving regular direct interaction with children and/or young people
• Opportunities to support freely chosen, self-directed play
• Access to appropriate indoor and/or outdoor play environments
• Opportunities to apply risk-benefit approaches within the workplace
• Opportunities to work with parents, carers, colleagues and other professionals
• Suitability to work with children and young people in accordance with relevant statutory and setting requirements
• Motivation to develop a career within playwork and children's services

Individual English and Maths requirements will be identified during the initial assessment and enrolment process. High Ridge Training will work with the apprentice and employer to ensure the individual's role provides sufficient opportunities to develop and demonstrate the occupational competence required by the standard.

Employers and learners can enquire about enrolling onto this programme.

Successful completion provides a strong foundation for continued development within playwork, out-of-school provision and wider children's services. Career and training opportunities may include:

• Level 3 Early Years Educator
• Level 3 Teaching Assistant
• Playworker
• Out-of-School Club Playworker
• After-School Club Playworker
• Holiday Club Playworker
• Adventure Playground Playworker
• Community Playworker
• Play Assistant

With further training and occupational experience, apprentices may progress into roles with greater responsibility for play provision, staff and services. Longer-term progression opportunities may include:

• Senior Playworker
• Playwork Coordinator
• Playwork Leader
• Out-of-School Club Supervisor
• Out-of-School Club Manager
• Play Development Worker
• Adventure Playground Manager
• Community Play Development roles

Apprentices can also continue their playwork training with the Level 3 Diploma in Playwork.

• Develop practical playwork skills within a real working environment
• Benefit from flexible remote training alongside workplace development
• Develop a strong understanding of the Playwork Principles
• Learn how to create stimulating, flexible and adventurous play environments
• Develop effective risk-benefit practice
• Strengthen safeguarding and child-protection knowledge
• Gain an industry-recognised Level 2 apprenticeship
• Access professional membership with The Playwork Foundation
• Build a strong foundation for progression within playwork and wider children's services

Explore our early years and childcare apprenticeships or read more about apprenticeships for employers.

Professional Membership: The Playwork Foundation Practitioner Membership

Apprentices are supported to access Practitioner Membership with The Playwork Foundation during their programme. The Playwork Foundation exists to promote the value of playwork, support playworkers and advocate for children's play. Professional membership can help apprentices to:

• Develop their professional identity as a Playworker
• Connect with the wider playwork community
• Develop awareness of developments within the playwork sector
• Develop awareness of professional standards and good practice
• Access relevant playwork information and resources
• Engage with opportunities for professional learning and development

Accredited CPD: Safeguarding for Out-of-School Clubs

Apprentices also complete accredited Safeguarding for Out-of-School Clubs training, which is particularly important within out-of-school provision such as breakfast clubs, after-school provision and holiday clubs. The training supports apprentices to:

• Understand their safeguarding responsibilities within out-of-school provision
• Recognise potential signs and indicators of abuse, neglect and harm
• Respond appropriately to concerns or disclosures
• Follow appropriate reporting and escalation procedures
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries
• Contribute to creating safe and supportive environments for children and young people

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners. Apprentices receive ongoing pastoral, academic and professional support throughout their programme.

The full Playworker apprenticeship standard (ST0867) is published on Skills England. You can also contact our team for advice on eligibility, funding and start dates.