Working in childcare

Be a play worker

What is the job all about?

All around Wales, play projects have been set up to give children the freedom to play outdoors in a stimulating environment designed to offer a wide variety of choice where children can invent and extend their own play.

Your role will be to facilitate children's play, working with them to create and manage play environments where, through their own natural exploration, they learn about themselves, each other and the world around them.

You may be working in an after school club, open access playscheme, or a mobile play provision, or anywhere that children may play.

What are the opportunities for you?

 ‘Play' is now firmly on the political agenda, as society is becoming more enlightened regarding the importance of play in helping young children to develop their social and learning skills.

Vacancies arise for playworkers throughout Wales, particularly during holiday periods and there should be opportunity to progress into more senior playworker positions, providing you gain the required qualifications.

What qualifications will you need?

To be a playworker, you will need to have attained at least a level 2 or 3 qualification in Playwork, be familiar with childcare legislation and have previous experience of working with children.

You will work in an environment where mutual respect is vital and where you will need to support children emotionally and practically. Playworkers also assess and manage all kinds of risks, and liaise with parents and with other professionals.

You will need to be prepared for a challenge, to work in all weathers and to offer care and consideration.

Further information sources:

Play Wales (opens in a new tab)

Careers Wales (opens in a new tab)

Pembrokeshire College (opens in a new tab)

Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids' Clubs (opens in a new tab)

Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services (PAVS) (opens in a new tab)

Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services (opens in a new tab)

Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW) (opens in a new tab)