Interested in Playwork? Fancy working in After Schools? Or maybe you already are, but haven’t YET got a Playwork qualification. Well now’s your chance!

The Belfast Met, working in partnership with CCP and PlayBoard are delivering the BRAND NEW Transition Award in Playwork. This is the qualification that BUILDS on your Level 3 in childcare, education (and now youth work or forest schools) to achieve a Level 3 qualification in Playwork.

And its FREE!! Belfast Met are delivering it as part of the Government’s ‘Skill Up’  initiative – so you can do it FOR FREE!!

Why do it? Playwork is recognised by Social Services as the most appropriate qualification for those working in School Age Childcare and playwork settings. It will build your capacity to be employed in a range of settings across the childcare, education and playwork sector. If you work in a youth club – it will support you in your work with the younger members.

What’s the catch? There isn’t one. As long as you already have a ‘competence based’ (NVQ-like) qualification in Youth work or childcare/education and 2 years practical experience – the course is for you. But hurry! We expect places to fill up VERY quickly! So – check out the details below………NOW!

Course Aim: The aim of the NEW Level 3 Award in Transition to Playwork is to provide learners, who have experience, and who are qualified at level 3 in working with children, with an understanding of the Playwork Principles and theories that underpin playwork practice. The qualification also aims to cover how applying the Playwork Principles and theories provide a framework that enables and supports children’s play and their overall development.  It also offers an opportunity for reflection on the learner’s own practice and supports progression to competence based playwork qualifications.

Who’s it for? It is particularly suitable for those who have a Level 3 qualification in childcare, youth work or forest schools, and who either wish to move or have moved into a setting that adopts a more playwork approach to working with children. Traditionally this could be a School Age Childcare setting, a play setting, an afterschool club, often working with the 5-11 year old age group.

Entry Requirements. At least 18 years of age and have a level 3 qualification in Early years, youth work or Forest Schools. You should have 2 years experience of working with children and either be currently working or have the capacity to work with children in a playwork environment.

This course will be delivered online over a 12 week period.