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Level 2 Playworker Standard
Turn Play into a Powerful Learning Experience
Become a Level 2 Playworker in 13-Months
Play is one of the most important parts of childhood. As a Playworker, you help create safe, inclusive environments where children can explore, imagine, and develop confidence through play.
This apprenticeship develops the knowledge and practical skills needed to support children's creativity, independence, and well-being while working in play settings such as after-school clubs, holiday clubs, and community play environments.
Child Development
Safe Play Environments
Positive Childhood Experiences
Why Teaching Assistants Matter
Growing learner needs require classroom support
| Metric | Impact |
|---|---|
| SEND Demand | 1.7M+ pupils need additional support |
| EHCP Plans | 482,640 pupils have formal plans |
| SEN Support | 1.28M pupils receive school support |
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Patricia C.
"Completing the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant programme helped me grow in confidence and professionalism. It strengthened my understanding of supporting learners with additional needs and gave me the skills to apply theory directly in my role. Despite balancing work, study, and family life, the experience showed me that I can continue developing and making a meaningful difference to the pupils I support."
⭐Apprentice of the Year
Register your interest
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Check your eligibility in two minutes
A quick check to see what apprenticeship funding your organisation is entitled to and which standards fit your team. You’ll get a plain-English summary at the end — no jargon, no obligation.
Your eligibility summary
Book a call to confirm in detail →This is a guide based on the information you provided. A short call confirms exactly what your organisation is entitled to.
What You'll Be Able to Do
From the beginning of the programme, you develop the skills needed to support children through safe, creative, and inclusive play environments.
BY MONTH 4
Understanding Playwork Practice
✓ Playwork Principles and child-led play
✓ Support safe and inclusive play environments
✓ Build positive relationships with children
BY MONTH 9
Supporting Creative Play
✓ Facilitate imaginative and exploratory play
✓ Support confidence, and social skills
✓ Promote safe risk-taking through play
BY MONTH 13
Qualified Level 2 Playworker
✓ Achieve the Level 2 Playworker qualification
✓ Create engaging and inclusive play environments
✓ Support children's wellbeing through play
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Your Learning Journey
A programme designed to develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to support children through play.
Foundations of Playwork
Months 1–3
Develop the core knowledge required to work confidently in play environments. You will explore the Playwork Principles, safeguarding responsibilities, and how play supports children's development and well-being.
This stage introduces the role of the playworker and how environments can encourage creativity, exploration, and child-led play.
Supporting Children's Play
Months 4–7
Build practical skills that support children's creativity and independence. You will learn how to observe play, respond to children's interests, and create engaging play opportunities.
You will also explore inclusive play and how playworkers support positive social interaction.
Creating Safe Play
Months 8–10
Develop the skills needed to maintain safe and stimulating play spaces. This includes managing resources, supporting safe risk-taking, and ensuring environments are welcoming for all children.
You will also explore how playworkers support well-being and positive behaviour.
Practice and Assessment
Months 11–13
Apply your knowledge and practical skills in real playwork settings. During this stage you will reflect on your practice, build confidence supporting play environments, and prepare for your End Point Assessment.
The final assessment includes a professional discussion and portfolio evidence demonstrating your ability to support children's play.
How We Develop Playworkers
We help you become a confident playworker who creates safe, engaging spaces where children can explore and thrive.
KNOW IT
Develop a strong understanding of the Playwork Principles, child development, and safeguarding.
You will learn how play supports children's creativity, confidence, and well-being.
SHOW IT
Apply your knowledge directly in play settings.
Support children to explore, create, and develop social skills through play experiences.
LIVE IT
Develop the professional behaviours expected in playwork environments.
Demonstrate communication, patience, creativity, and teamwork when supporting children.
Who This Programme Is For?
This apprenticeship is ideal for individuals who want to support children through play based environments
Starting Your Career in Playwork
You want to build the knowledge and practical skills needed to support children in play environments such as after school clubs, holiday programmes, and community play settings.
Championing Child-Led Play
You are passionate about creating spaces where children can explore, imagine, and develop confidence through creative and self-directed play.
Professionals Supporting Children
Teaching assistants, youth workers, and support staff who want to develop specialist skills in playwork and child led play environments.
Strengthening Play Provision
Schools, childcare providers, and community organisations looking to develop staff who can support safe, engaging, and inclusive play opportunities.
Find the right apprenticeship programme for your organisation
Seven short questions. At the end we’ll point you to the programme area that fits your sector, team and current priorities.
Question 1 of 7
Where should we send your result?
Your recommended programme area
Book a call to discuss your programme →Your answers and recommendation have been saved so we can pick up where you left off when we speak.
Recognition Stories
Real transformations from people who discovered they're more than just their job titles
Hannah Hopkins
“Balancing full-time work, family life, and study was challenging, but the programme helped me grow in confidence and push myself to achieve more than I thought possible."
📝 Level 2 Distinction 📈 80+ Exam Scores 🏅EPA Success
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Jo G.
“I joined to strengthen my technical skills, but I discovered I’m more than just a finance team member. I became a confident professional trusted to deliver at a high standard.”
🏅Advanced Excel Expertise 📈Progressed to Level 4 📊Recognised for High Performance
Our Commitment to Learners
We provide the support, guidance, and practical experience needed to succeed as a confident Playworker.
Structured Learning Support
Our programme develops the knowledge and practical skills required to support children in play-based environments. You will learn how play supports children’s development, how to create inclusive play opportunities, and how playworkers facilitate child-led experiences in safe and engaging spaces.
Dedicated Tutor Support
You will receive one-to-one support from an experienced tutor throughout your apprenticeship. Regular reviews, feedback, and action plans help you build confidence in your role while developing the knowledge and behaviours expected of professional playworkers.
Real Playwork Experience
You will apply your learning in real play settings such as after school clubs, holiday programmes, and community play environments. This allows you to support children's creativity, independence, and social development through meaningful play experiences.
Progression and Development
Completing the programme provides a strong foundation for a career supporting children and young people. Many learners progress into roles within playwork, childcare, or youth work, or continue their development through further qualifications in early years or education.
Our Commitment to Employers
Supporting organisations to deliver high quality play environments for children.
Developing Skilled Playworkers
This programme develops staff who understand the Playwork Principles and how to create safe, stimulating environments where children can explore, imagine, and develop confidence through play.
Supporting Children's Wellbeing
Playworkers help create positive environments where children feel safe, valued, and supported. Through child-led play opportunities, practitioners encourage creativity, social interaction, and emotional well-being.
Strengthening Play Provision
Apprentices support the delivery of engaging play opportunities, help maintain safe play spaces, and contribute to environments that promote curiosity, exploration, and independence.
Building Capability in Your Team
The apprenticeship helps organisations develop confident staff who can support children's play and well-being while strengthening the quality and sustainability of their play provision.
Develop your talent — without taking the team off the floor
Four short questions and we’ll come back with a clear picture of what Train Together can do for your organisation, then a time to talk.
Question 1 of 4
Last bit — how should we reach you?
Here’s what we can offer your organisation
Book a call to talk it through →Your inputs are saved — we’ll come to the call with the funding and standards that fit, so you don’t cover this ground twice.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Previous experience working with children is helpful but not essential. The programme is designed for individuals who want to begin a career supporting children through play. Learners develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to work in environments such as after-school clubs, holiday clubs, and community play settings.
Yes. Many organisations can use apprenticeship levy funds or government funding to cover the cost of the programme. Schools, childcare providers, and community organisations often use apprenticeship funding to develop staff who support children's play and well-being.
Playworker apprentices support children in environments where play is the focus. This includes creating safe play spaces, supporting children's creativity and independence, encouraging social interaction, and helping children explore through child led play activities.
Play is essential for children's social, emotional, and physical development. Playworkers create environments where children can explore, imagine, solve problems, and build confidence. Through play based experiences, children develop important life skills such as communication, teamwork, and resilience.
After completing the Level 2 Playworker apprenticeship, learners may progress into roles within playwork, childcare, youth work, or community programmes. Some individuals also choose to continue their professional development through further qualifications such as early years, youth support, or education-based apprenticeships.
You Are More Than “Just” Supporting Play
You already help children explore, imagine, and grow through play.
Develop the skills to create safe play environments, support children's creativity and independence, and start a rewarding career supporting children through play.