Certificate in Playwork
The Certificate in Playwork is a comprehensive and engaging course designed to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and understanding necessary to work effectively as a playworker. This training offers a deep exploration of the principles and best practices of playwork, emphasizing the importance of play in children's development and well-being.
Throughout the course, participants will delve into various key areas, starting with an in-depth examination of child development, understanding the different stages of growth and the role of play in fostering cognitive, social, and emotional development. Building on this foundation, learners will explore the theories and philosophies that underpin playwork, gaining insights into the value of play, the benefits of risk-taking, and the importance of creating inclusive and accessible play environments.
The training focuses on practical skills development, equipping participants with the tools and strategies necessary to facilitate engaging play experiences. Participants will learn effective communication techniques, conflict resolution skills, and methods for building positive relationships with children and young people. They will also gain knowledge in promoting emotional well-being, supporting diverse needs, and ensuring equality and inclusion within a play setting.
Furthermore, the course emphasizes the significance of continuous professional development in playwork. Participants will learn the importance of reflective practice, self-evaluation, and ongoing learning to enhance their skills and knowledge. They will stay up to date with current legislation, regulations, and best practices in the field, ensuring they provide a safe and stimulating play environment for children and young people.
The Certificate in Playwork offers a comprehensive and structured approach to training in this specialized field. Whether you are new to playwork or seeking to enhance your existing skills, this course provides a solid foundation for a rewarding career working with children and young people in play environments. Upon completion, participants will be equipped with the necessary expertise to excel as playworkers, making a positive impact on the lives of children, promoting their development, and fostering a love for play.
Curriculum
- 12 Sections
- 59 Lessons
- 0 Quizzes
- 0m Duration
Module 1: Understanding the Nature and Value of Play
- Describe the need for children and young people to play
- Describe how play contributes to children and young people's development
- Explain how play is a process that is "freely chosen, personally directed, and intrinsically motivated"
- State the requirements of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in relation to play provision
Module 2: Understanding the Role of the Playworker in Supporting Children and Young People's Play
- Describe the role of the playworker in supporting and facilitating play
- Provide examples of how the playworker can support children and young people in creating play spaces
- Identify the playworker's impact on the play space
- Describe the role of the playworker as an advocate for play
- Explain how children and young people's play can affect the playworker
- Understand the role of risk and challenge in playwork and how to balance safety with the need for stimulating play experiences
Module 3: Understanding the Nature of the Playworker's Relationship with Children and Young People
- Describe why it is important for the playworker to establish an effective rapport with all children and young people in a play environment
- Outline the characteristics of an honest, respectful, and trusting relationship with children and young people
- Explain the importance of effective communication with children and young people
- Identify features of good communication with children and young people
- Describe why it is important for the playworker to treat children and young people fairly and value their individuality and differences
Module 4: Knowing the Playworker's Responsibilities for Supporting a Safe and Challenging Play Environment
- Define the extent and limits of the playworker's responsibilities in the play environment
- Describe the procedures for maintaining health, safety, and security in a playwork organization, including emergency procedures
- Explain how to respond to health, safety, and security hazards in play environments
- Identify examples of stimulation, risk, and challenge in a play environment and their importance
- Describe the playworker's responsibilities for tidying up, checking equipment, and other resources in a play environment
Module 5: Being Able to Contribute to an Inclusive and Stimulating Play Environment
- Develop an effective rapport with children and young people in a play environment
- Treat children and young people with honesty, respect, trust, and fairness
- Communicate with children and young people in a way that is appropriate to their needs
- Suggest ways to make a play environment more inclusive and stimulating
Module 6: Knowing the Playworker's Responsibilities for Safeguarding Children and Young People
- Define safeguarding children and young people
- Give examples of different forms of abuse that can affect children and young people
- Identify whom to contact when there are concerns about the welfare of children and young people
- Describe the features of a playwork organisation's safe practice code
- Understand the requirements for safeguarding children and young people in a play environment
Module 7: Understanding the Nature of Freely Chosen, Self-Directed Play
- Outline the characteristics of freely chosen, self-directed play
- Give examples of five play types commonly accepted by the playwork sector
- Describe what is meant by a play cue
- Explain the main stages of the play cycle
- Describe when playwork interventions may or may not be appropriate
Module 8: Understanding the Role of the Playworker in Building and Maintaining Relationships with Children and Young People in the Play Environment and How to Communicate with Them
- Describe effective strategies for building and maintaining relationships with children and young people in a play environment
- Explain the importance of active listening and empathy in communication with children and young people
- Describe different communication techniques and approaches suitable for children and young people of different ages and abilities
- Identify barriers to effective communication and strategies to overcome them
- Explain how the playworker can facilitate conflict resolution and problem-solving among children and young people in the play environment
Module 9: Understanding the Importance of Reflective Practice and Continuous Professional Development in Playwork
- Define reflective practice and its importance in playwork
- Identify methods and techniques for reflection and self-evaluation
- Explain the benefits of continuous professional development in enhancing playwork practice
- Describe opportunities and resources available for continuous professional development in playwork
- Understand the importance of staying up to date with current legislation and best practices in playwork
Module 10: Understanding the Playworker's Role in Supporting the Emotional Well-being of Children and Young People in the Play Environment
- Identify factors that contribute to the emotional well-being of children and young people
- Describe the importance of creating a supportive and nurturing play environment for emotional well-being
- Explain how play can be used as a tool to support emotional expression, resilience, and self-regulation
- Identify signs of emotional distress in children and young people and appropriate responses
- Describe the playworker's role in promoting positive mental health and well-being in the play environment
Module 11: Understanding the Playworker's Role in Promoting Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in Play
- Define equality, diversity, and inclusion and their importance in playwork
- Explain how to create an inclusive play environment that values and celebrates diversity
- Identify potential barriers to equality, diversity, and inclusion in the play environment and strategies to overcome them
- Describe the role of the playworker in challenging discrimination and promoting equal opportunities for all children and young people
- Understand the legal framework and legislation related to equality, diversity, and inclusion in playwork
Module 12: Understanding Playwork Principles and Best Practice
- Familiarize yourself with the principles and best practices of playwork, such as the Playwork Principles developed by Playwork UK
- Understand the importance of child-centered and child-led approaches in playwork
- Describe the benefits of unstructured and open-ended play opportunities for children and young people
- Explain how to create an enabling play environment that supports children and young people's autonomy, creativity, and imagination
- Understand the role of risk and challenge in playwork and how to balance safety with the need for stimulating play experiences