New guide to playwork qualifications in Wales

Play Wales has produced a short guide to help playworkers, employers and managers better understand the playwork qualifications available in Wales.

We know that it can sometimes be confusing for people to understand which playwork qualification is the best option for them. The new guide aims to help playwork learners, employers and managers navigate to the most appropriate qualification for them.

It can be confusing because the playwork sector is varied and there are lots of different types of professionals that need playwork qualifications. Play Wales has worked with the Welsh Government and other partners to design different qualification routes that meet the needs of these different circumstances. This means that there are different options available for playworkers depending on whether their role is seasonal or year-round, what type of setting they work in and whether they hold other qualifications in working with children.

The Playwork qualifications in Wales guide begins with a brief reminder of what playwork is and the types of places where it can happen. For those new to playwork, or working with children in other contexts, the Level 2 Award in Playwork Practice (L2APP) is often the best starting point. It provides a good introduction to playwork and has been designed to be applicable to people who are working in youth work settings, schools and sports, as well those entering their career in playwork.

For those who work in settings regulated by Care Inspectorate Wales there are specific requirements and this may mean that gaining further playwork qualifications is needed.

The guide clearly explains the progression route we have designed with the Agored Cymru Playwork: Principles into Practice (P3) qualifications. It also explores the other valid playwork qualifications available from awarding bodies like NCFE Cache and City & Guilds.

The guide finishes by signposting to further information on required qualifications and who to contact for support.

The guide is available on our website: www.playwales.org.uk/ eng/qualifications