About this apprenticeship
What it involves
This Level 2 apprenticeship trains you to work with children in play settings such as after-school clubs, holiday programmes, adventure playgrounds, and out-of-school childcare. You will support children's play, learning, and development in a safe and stimulating environment. It can lead to senior playworker, play leader, or management roles in the play and childcare sector.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Principles of play and how play supports children's development
Safeguarding, child protection, and the duty to report concerns
Planning and providing age-appropriate play environments and activities
Health and safety in play settings including risk assessment
Behaviour support and positive approaches to managing conflict
Working with parents, carers, and partner agencies in play settings
Inclusion and supporting children with additional needs in play
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Set up and maintain safe and engaging indoor and outdoor play spaces
Support and facilitate children's self-directed and structured play
Supervise children and ensure safeguarding standards are met
Plan activities and resources for diverse groups of children
Communicate with parents and carers about their child's day
Help children resolve disputes and develop social skills
Carry out opening and closing checks and daily risk assessments
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 2 (Intermediate) - roughly GCSE level. Often open with few or no formal qualifications - a strong first step. Some employers ask for a couple of GCSEs.
What’s next: Typically leads on to a Level 3 (Advanced) apprenticeship.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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