Diploma in Playwork CACHE Level 3 (RQF) (NVQ)

Diploma in Playwork CACHE Level 3 (RQF) (NVQ)

Overview

This Level 3 playwork course (NVQ) (QRN: 501/0997/2) is a recognised qualification based on the National Occupational Standards. Not only will it help you build the skills and knowledge you need to become a qualified playworker or playwork practitioner, but it will also give you the confidence to carry out this role.

You will learn how to work with children and young people aged between 4 and 16, using a wide variety of play techniques in a supervisory capacity.

Learning strategies and tactics for playwork at Level 3 means that you will become familiar with play frameworks and develop an understanding of the positive outcomes of play, health and safety issues in play environments and how to engage parents and families within play settings.

Who is it aimed at?

It is an ideal course for anyone who can see the benefits of learning through play and enjoys educating young children. If you appreciate taking part in, and planning, leisure activities, as well as the responsibility for supporting and safeguarding children, this Level 3 playwork qualification is the perfect training for you.

What qualifications/interests/career experience do you need to enrol?

This course is open to everyone. You do not need to meet any prior academic requirements and you can enrol with any professional background.

How long will the course take to complete?

The course has been assigned approximately 486 guided learning hours. You should reasonably expect the course to take you 12 months to complete, although it can be completed more quickly if you can dedicate more time to your studies.

As part of the assessment for this qualification, you will be required to undergo direct observation in a suitable environment. 

Modules

Unit One: Understand Playwork Principles (J/602/1798)

The learning outcomes for this unit are:

• Understand the role of, and need for, play
• Understand children and young people’s rights in relation to play
• Understand the role of the playwork team in supporting children and young people’s play

Unit Two: Understand children and young people’s self-directed play (L/602/1799)

The learning outcomes for this unit are:

• Understand the nature of freely chosen, self-directed play
• Understand the key concepts involved in children and young people’s play
• Understand how to balance requirements for health, safety and welfare with the need for stimulation, challenge and risk
• Be able to reflect on children and young people’s play

Unit Three: Understand how to safeguard the well being of children and young people (Y/601/1695)

The learning outcomes for this unit are:

• Understand the main legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures for safeguarding children and young people
• Understand the importance of working in partnership with other organisations to safeguard children and young people
• Understand the importance of ensuring children and young people’s safety and protection in the work setting
• Understand how to respond to evidence or concerns that a child or young person has been abused or harmed
• Understand how to respond to evidence or concerns that a child or young person has been bullied
• Understand how to work with children and young people to support their safety and wellbeing
• Understand the importance of e-safety for children and young people

Unit Four: Understand the organisational framework for play (T/602/1800)

The learning outcomes for this unit are:

• Understand the rights of children and young people in a playwork context
• Understand how to contribute to strategies, policies and procedures that reflect children and young people’s rights

Unit Five: Understand how to support positive outcomes for children and young people (M/601/1699)

The learning outcomes for this unit are:

• Understand how the social, economic and cultural environment can impact on the outcomes and life chances of children and young people
• Understand how practitioners can make a positive difference in outcomes for children and young people
• Understand the possible impact of disability, special requirements (additional needs) and attitudes on positive outcomes for children and young people
• Understand the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion in promoting positive outcomes for children and young people

Unit Six: Understand relationships in the play environment (A/602/1801)

The learning outcomes for this unit are:

• Understand how to develop relationships with children and young people
• Understand how to support communication with children and young people
• Be able to support communication with children and young people
• Understand how to support children and young people in developing relationships with others
• Understand how to communicate with adults

Unit Seven: Understand health, safety and security in the play environment (F/602/1802)

The learning outcomes for this unit are:

• Understand the requirements for health, safety and security in the play environment
• Understand health, safety and security procedures in a play setting
• Understand how to assess risk in a play environment
• Understand how to respond to accidents and other emergencies in a play environment
• Understand hygiene practices in a play environment

Unit Eight: Understand how to plan for and support children and young people’s self-directed play (J/602/1803)

The learning outcomes for this unit are:

• Understand how to plan for children and young people’s self-directed play
• Understand how to create play spaces for children and young people’s self-directed play
• Understand how to support children and young people’s self-directed play
• Understand how to help children and young people manage risk during play

Unit Nine: Engage in personal development in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings (A/601/1429)

The learning outcomes for this unit are:

• Understand what is required for competence in own work role
• Be able to reflect on practice
• Be able to evaluate own performance
• Be able to agree a personal development plan
• Be able to use learning opportunities and reflective practice to contribute to personal development

Unit Ten: Contribute to an organisational framework that reflects the needs and protects the rights of children and young people (L/602/1804)

The learning outcomes for this unit are:

• Be able to research children and young people’s needs and rights
• Be able to consult on children and young people’s needs and rights
• Be able to contribute to procedures that reflect children and young people’s needs and rights
• Be able to promote a diverse and inclusive play environment

Unit Eleven: Develop and maintain a healthy, safe and secure play environment for children and young people (R/602/1805)

The learning outcomes for this unit are:

• Be able to establish a healthy, safe and secure environment for children and young people
• Be able to maintain a healthy, safe and secure environment for children and young people
• Be able to implement procedures for accidents, injuries, illnesses and other emergencies

Unit Twelve: Develop and promote positive relationships in the play environment (Y/602/1806)

The learning outcomes for this unit are:

• Be able to develop relationships with children and young people in a play environment
• Be able to communicate with children and young people in a play environment
• Be able to support children and young people in developing relationships in the play environment
• Be able to communicate with adults in the play environment

Unit Thirteen: Plan for and support children and young people’s self-directed play (D/602/1807)

The learning outcomes for this unit are:

• Be able to collect information on children and young people’s play needs and preferences
• Be able to analyse information on children and young people’s play needs and preferences
• Be able to plan play spaces for children and young people’s self-directed play
• Be able to prepare play spaces for children and young people’s self-directed play
• Be able to support children and young people’s self-directed play
• Be able to support children and young people to manage risk during self-directed play

Unit Fourteen: Work with colleagues in a playwork team (J/602/1834)

The learning outcomes for this unit are:

• Be able to contribute to the work of a playwork team
• Be able to provide support to colleagues in a playwork team
• Be able to respond to conflict in a playwork team
• Understand how to contribute to the work of a playwork team
• Understand how to provide support to colleagues in a playwork team
• Understand how to respond to conflict in a playwork team

Unit Fifteen: Engage with parents, carers and families in a play environment (L/602/1835)

The learning outcomes for this unit are:

• Be able to develop relationships with parents, carers and families
• Be able to communicate with parents, carers and families
• Be able to support effective parenting as a playworker
• Understand how to develop relationships with parents, carers and families
• Understand how to communicate with parents, carers and families
• Understand how to support effective parenting as a playworker

Entry Requirements

Suitable work placement.

Minimum Age restriction

18

Average completion timeframe

The average completion time for this course is 12-18 months.

Assessment requirements

Assessments will be carried out using various evaluation mediums such as, observation of practice, witness statements, reflections, case studies, placement log and written questions.

Placement or Practical required

Learners will need to be working or have a placement in a suitable environment. Learners will need to demonstrate competence in both knowledge and skills in a play environment for ages 4-16 years as there will be direct observations carried out by our Assessors. The learner must have a supervisor or manager who can verify work, when necessary, as per the criteria. Note: The term verify does not mean the same as 'signing work off' – This will be someone who can confirm that the learner did what they are stating. Our assessor will make the judgement as to whether the work submitted meets the criteria.

If placement or practical required, when?

Work placement is required throughout the qualification.

Is Membership Required?

No Membership

Observation by us required

Direct Observations by our Assessors, in the work environment, are required with this course.

Certification Timeframe

You can expect to receive your certification within 12 weeks of successfully completing the qualification. Please note this can be longer if a EQA sample is required

Course Fees

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.

*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

As part of the assessment for this qualification, you will be required to undergo direct observation in a suitable environment. 

CACHE

On completion of this course you will receive the CACHE Level 3 (RQF) Diploma in Playwork (NVQ) qualification. This qualification is listed on the RQF.

CACHE is the UK's only specialist awarding organisation for the children and adult care sectors, with a portfolio of qualifications ranging from Entry to Level 5. Last year, over 150,000 learners registered with CACHE from over 1000 UK based Centres and overseas.

CACHE is an internationally recognised, specialist Awarding Organisation in the fields of Early Years, Care and Education, and Playwork. An Awarding Organisation is officially recognised and designated by the regulatory authorities to award qualifications in particular subject areas.

CACHE designs courses and qualifications in the care and education of children and young people. CACHE are the UK's only specialist Awarding Organisation to do this. CACHE's courses range from entry level to advanced qualifications for sector professionals.

CACHE continue to develop the most up to date and relevant qualifications for the new QCF and work closely with Sector Skills Councils to ensure the highest level of quality and a cutting-edge service to their customers, our learners, and the sector.

Please click here to visit the CACHE website.

Once you have your Playwork qualification you will be able to work in a number of supervisory roles as:

• Manager of any Playwork Provision
• Hospital Playworker
• Playwork Development Officer

"Qualified and experienced Playworker can earn £12,000+ depending on responsibilities." - Source: National Careers Service

How can I progress further with my studies?

On completion of your CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Playwork (NVQ) qualification you will either be able to go into or employment, or if you would like to study further CACHE also offer higher level courses in the Childcare and Education Sector such as the Level 4 Certificate in Playwork and Level 5 Diploma in Playwork.