Become a playworker

Playworkers support children and young people by creating spaces in which they can play.

Playworkers can work in a range of settings including:

• out of school clubs - breakfast clubs, after school clubs and holiday playschemes
• mobile playschemes
• prisons
• hospitals
• adventure playgrounds

Playwork involves planning, organising and leading play activities, whilst providing a safe environment for children. You will build relationships with children and their families, as well as working with other professionals.

Playwork is a skilled profession that enriches and enhances children’s play. Playwork practice is informed and underpinned by a set of playwork principles which are part of the National Occupational Standards for playwork.

These principles establish the professional and ethical framework for playwork, describe what is unique about play and playwork, and provide the playwork perspective for working with children and young people.

Playwork principles are based on the recognition that children and young people’s capacity for positive development will be enhanced if given access to the broadest range of environments and play opportunities.

Find out more about starting a career in playwork, including the qualifications and skills required for this rewarding career:

• Do something big - Early Years careers
• National Career Service playworker job profile
• Play England
• The Playwork Principles - The Playwork Foundation