Qualifications in playwork develop confidence and competence working with children and young people.
You can download the following documents to find out more about the different qualifications currently available in playwork plus find out about the various progression pathways available in playwork.
SkillsActive believes that training providers delivering playwork training should have occupationally competent staff. The statement of occupational competence explains this.
The qualification reform that is taking place across England, Wales and Northern Ireland at the moment mirrors the new developments in playwork qualifications.
New playwork qualifications
The change in Qualification and Credit Framework design rules for qualifications means that qualifications need to be reviewed and re-written in a new format.
The new playwork qualifications will be available in an award, certificate and diploma format at level 2, level 3 and level 4.
We have been gathering enquiries from training providers and employers on the new qualifications and have created an FAQ document. This will be updated regularly.
Information on the latest developments in playwork qualifications.
Playwork NVQs on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF)
The new QCF level 2 qualifications including the Diploma (NVQ) are now available and have replaced the NQF level 2 qualifications, and SFA funding has switched to the QCF qualifications. At level 3, the new QCF qualifications including the Diploma (NVQ) have replaced the NQF level 3 qualifications from 1 October, and the new level 4 QCF qualifications including the Diploma (NVQ) will replace NQF level 4 qualifications from 1 January.SFA funding should be available for these QCF qualifications which are eligible for funding, as soon as they are available.
Once registered, candidates usually have 3 years to complete their qualification and claim certification, but this depends on the awarding organisation. For those who have already achieved an NVQ in playwork, the good news is that it will continue to be accepted as ‘full and relevant’ for practice in early years and childcare registered settings.