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Playworker Level 2 Apprenticeship

Study Area: Apprenticeships

Duration: 18 Months

Attendance: Full Time

The Playworker Level 2 Apprenticeship is an ideal entry point for individuals looking to begin or develop a career working with children in play settings. This apprenticeship is designed for those employed in environments such as adventure playgrounds, after-school clubs, holiday clubs, community play projects, and other supervised play settings, where children and young people can enjoy freely chosen play opportunities.

As a Playworker, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience while working towards a nationally recognised qualification. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals, developing the skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed to create safe, inclusive, and stimulating play environments that support children’s development, wellbeing, and enjoyment.

You will learn to:

Support children and young people in freely chosen play while promoting their physical, emotional, social, and creative development
Create and maintain safe, stimulating, and inclusive play environments
Build positive relationships with children, families, colleagues, and other professionals
Understand safeguarding, health and safety, equality, diversity, and child development within playwork settings

To enrol, you must be employed in a relevant role with an employer who will support your learning and development throughout the programme. Apprenticeships are work-based qualifications, so securing a job in the sector is essential before you can begin your training. If you are not currently employed, you can explore our latest apprenticeship vacancies.

We also encourage you to proactively contact local employers to ask if they would consider taking you on as an apprentice. If an employer agrees to support your apprenticeship, please contact us at apprenticeships@calderdale.ac.uk so we can assess your suitability for the programme and begin the enrolment process.

Alternatively, if you do not yet have an employer, you can apply for a full-time course as a starting point. Should you secure employment during your course, you can be transferred onto the apprenticeship pathway.

Start Date

Various Start Dates

Entry Requirements & Interview Process

A minimum of GCSE Grade 4 / C or above in English and Maths is preferred. If you do not hold these qualifications, you will be supported to complete Functional Skills as part of your apprenticeship. For learners aged 19 and over, this requirement will be reviewed and agreed in consultation with your employer as part of the enrolment process.

Progression

On successful completion, apprentices can progress onto a Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship, Senior Playworker roles, specialist roles within children’s play, community, or youth services or further qualifications in playwork, childcare, youth work, or education

Career Opportunities
Playworker, After-School Club Playworker, Holiday Club Playworker, Adventure Playground Playworker, Community Playworker

Assessment Methods

The apprenticeship is delivered through a combination of remote and workplace visits from your dedicated Training and Development Officer. You will receive ongoing support throughout the programme, with your employer actively involved in progress reviews to ensure you stay on track and achieve your full potential.

All apprentices are required to complete an End-Point Assessment (EPA) to successfully achieve the qualification. The EPA is designed to assess the knowledge, skills, and behaviours you’ve developed throughout your apprenticeship. This is carried out by an independent assessment organisation to ensure fair and consistent standards. Calderdale College will support you in preparing for this final stage to help you succeed.

Course Fees

Apprenticeship training is fully funded by your employer—either through the Apprenticeship Levy or government co-investment, depending on the size of the organisation. As an apprentice, you will not pay for your training or assessment.