Childcare and early years practitioner careers
Working in an Out of School Club - Wraparound Childcare
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 clubs help children grow, stay healthy, and have fun through exciting activities and opportunities. These roles can require qualified playworkers however there are many routes into working in wraparound and out of school clubs.
What would I do?
You would start as a playworker under the supervision of a Play Leader or Supervisor.
Daily tasks could include:
- organising activities
- planning and setting up play areas resources
- encouraging independence and confidence
- pa safe and stimulating environment for play
- providing a safe and stimulating environment for play
- dealing with injuries and emergencies
- promoting fair and caring behaviours
- communicating with parents/professionals
- attending training and team meetings.
Play leaders have a more senior role. 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 promotion of the Out of School club setting.
What skills and experience do I need?
- be creativity and flexible
- team skills
- enjoy working indoors and outdoors
- 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 (Level 2 or 3), this will enable you to work in a playwork setting. The Level 3 Award in Transition to Playwork is specifically designed to transition from early years, giving you all the knowledge you need to be successful in this role.
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 have demonstrable experience.
Progression
You would be encouraged to develop your skills and qualifications through training known as Continuous Professional Development (CPD). This could be via work-based qualifications, short courses and e-learning.
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.