Schools and other organisations can offer extended school childcare provision and operate Breakfast Clubs, After School Clubs and Holiday Play Schemes for children aged up to 14 years. These playwork roles require specially trained Playworkers. Out of School Clubs and Play Schemes are important to supporting children’s development and contribute to children being healthy, developing confidence and they provide exciting out of school activities and opportunities.

What would I do?

At first you would typically be working as a Playworker and would be working under the supervision of a Play Leader or Supervisor.

Daily tasks could include:

• organising and running activities
• providing play areas or materials and equipment • encouraging independence, confidence and self-esteem
• giving children the choice and freedom to spend their leisure time in their own way
• providing a safe and stimulating environment for play
• dealing with injuries and emergencies
• encouraging fair and caring behaviours among the children
• liaising with parents/carers and other professionals
• attending training and team meetings.

As a Play Leader you would manage the day to day running of the out of school provision including supervising staff and looking after the business side of things such as finance, recruitment, training, and development of staff, working closely with parents/carers and promoting the Out of School Club setting.

What skills and experience do I need?

• have a genuine interest in facilitating learning and development through play
• be creative and flexible
• enjoy being active as you may be taking part in activities
• work well as part of a team
• enjoy working outdoors as well as indoors
• be motivated and enthusiastic
• have an awareness of health and safety issues
• have a positive approach to training and development
• be committed to safeguarding.

Volunteering is an excellent way to get experience of working in playwork. The Hampshire Family Information and Services Hub directory has details of out of school provision in your area.

What qualifications do I need?

It is possible to get into playwork without any related childcare qualifications if employers know that you are willing to attend training. Qualifications include the Level 2 Award/Certificate/ Diploma in Playwork.

If you already hold an Early Years & Childcare qualification such as the Level 2 Certificate/ Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification, this could enable you to work in a playwork setting. However, it is good practice to undertake playwork training such as the Level 3 Award/ Certificate/Diploma in Playwork. You could also undertake the Transitional Award which is designed to support your transition from Early Years to Playwork at Level 3.

As a Manager, Supervisor or Leader you would need to have a minimum Level 3 qualification in early years and childcare or playwork and would need to hold demonstrable experience of working in a similar setting.

Progression

You would be encouraged to develop your skills and qualifications through training. This could be via work-based qualifications, short courses and e-learning. You could progress from the Level 2 Award/Certificate in Playwork to the Level 3 Diploma in Playwork.

As a Leader or Manager there are opportunities to work towards a Level 5 in Playwork or Leadership and Management at Level 4 or 5.

Playwork courses - University of Gloucestershire

Voluntary work is often the best way to start a career as it allows you to get a feel for the work before you start; you will find out whether you would enjoy that kind of work or not. It is a great way to gain experience in different areas of work allowing you to make contacts which may help build opportunities in your future career.

Voluntary work is very useful to put on your CV as it shows employers that you have a positive approach to developing your skills and gaining experience. Childcare employers will specify in job adverts that candidates will need previous experience of working in a childcare setting (whether in a voluntary or paid capacity).

If you want to work with children you could volunteer at a Nursery, Pre-School, Out of School Club or local Primary School. You would need to contact the setting beforehand to arrange voluntary work.

What would I do?

• If you are volunteering in a Nursery/Pre-School you might be helping staff to provide care to young children and supporting their learning through play
• In an Out of School Club, you might be helping the playworker with activities and games

You can volunteer for an hour or a few days a week, whatever suits. As a volunteer you would be always supervised.

What skills and experience do I need?

Enthusiasm is the key. An interest in the place you will be spending time in also helps. You will need to have a positive approach to learning new skills.

What qualifications do I need?

You do not need to hold any specific qualifications to volunteer. Volunteering is often a good way to access any training that the setting may offer, such as safeguarding children awareness training.

An Enhanced DBS will be required if you intend to volunteer on a regular basis and have regular contact with children and young people. Volunteers will receive a DBS check free of charge.

Progression

As a volunteer you may be able to secure a permanent position within the setting, or the experience you have gained may help you when applying for jobs. You may also be able to access any training opportunities that the setting offers.

Become a specialist in early childhood and prepare yourself for diverse and exciting career opportunities. The first five years of life are pivotal in a child’s development. High quality early years provision can help children achieve their potential and support parents and families.

Early Years Teachers are key to raising the quality of early years provision. To become an Early Years Teacher, you need to gain Early Years Initial Teacher Status (EYITT). Early Years Teacher Status is not a qualification, but a status given at degree level that is achieved by evidencing you meet a set of standards. Early Years Teacher Status allows you to lead in early years settings on delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), to improve and provide the best outcomes for children aged 0–5 years.

What would I do?

As an Early Years Teacher, you would lead practice across the EYFS, support and mentor other practitioners in the setting and model the skills and behaviours that safeguard and support children. You would be leading colleagues who have various levels of qualifications and experience within your childcare setting. The Early Years Teacher role is one that challenges thinking, suggests improvements, and manages change to meet the EYFS and achieve the best Ofsted inspection results.

What skills and experience do I need?

• enjoy working with young children
• work effectively in a team
• have effective leadership skills
• effectively communicate and work in partnership with families, carers and other professionals
• establish fair, respectful, trusting, supportive and constructive relationships with children
• inspire and motivate colleagues to improve their practice
• plan and provide safe and appropriate activities and play opportunities which enable children to develop and learn
• be passionate about improving outcomes for all children
• have up-to-date knowledge and understanding of Early Years practice with children aged 0–5 years

What qualifications do I need?

To become an Early Years Teacher, you need to gain Early Years Teacher Status, which is a graduate level status. To achieve this status, you will need to undertake a training pathway. The pathway for you will depend on your current experience and qualifications and the training provider will help you decide which is the most suitable pathway of study for you. All candidates will need to have GCSE Mathematics, English and Science at grade C or above (or equivalent), and a full degree.

Where can I get more information?

• Early years initial teacher training (ITT): accredited providers
• Early years teacher training