Playwork Level 2

APPRENTICESHIP

Playwork Level 2

Level 2 Apprenticeship

Playwork All children need and have a right to positive play experiences.

Trained Play Workers have an important role facilitating this, enabling children to explore their own play, within a safe, secure and excepting environment. This qualification is aimed at learners who work, or want to work, providing children with a play environment that is stimulating and creative but also educational and caring.

Contents Apprenticeship Framework Level 2 Apprenticeship in Playwork Essential Skills Qualifications Welsh Language Development

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Apprenticeship Framework The aim of the of the Level 2 Apprenticeship in Playwork is to prepare individuals to work within a Play environment. At this level, practitioners are supported to provide a number of stimulating activities and opportunities for children, promoting Play and development.

The programme prepares learners for roles such as: • Playworker – out of school / Holiday Club provision • Play Assistant – out of school / Holiday Club provision

Who is this apprenticeship for?

Those Learners could undertake the qualification as an Assistant Play Worker / Play Centre Assistant working with children aged 4 – 16 years in: Play schemes Adventure playgrounds, After-school clubs, Holiday provision

Overview On completion of this apprenticeship you will achieve the following: • Apprenticeship Level 2 in Playwork • Level 2 Essential Skills in Communication and Application of Number • Prentis-iaith Welsh Language Development On the following pages, you will find information relating to the main qualification (Level 2 Playwork), as well as other aspects that will make up this apprenticeship programme, including Essential Skills and Welsh Language Development.

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Level 2 Diploma in Playwork This is the qualification you will be completing alongside your employment within a Play setting.

Length of time to complete We will tailor your learning programmes to suit your needs, so that each learner’s experience is unique. While learner’s needs will be different, the recommended time to complete this programme is 12 months.

Course Delivery This programme will primarily be delivered through 1-to-1 sessions with a member of the ACT delivery team, using a mixture of face-to-face and remote learning sessions. An ACT assessor will meet with the learner, either in the workplace or through digital means (for example, Microsoft Teams) once a month for approximately two hours to support progress. A Digital Portfolio (OneFile) is used to record all evidence.

Learners will also be observed within the workplace – demonstrating practical skills.

Learners will also be set tasks to complete between each visit, for approximately 3 hours per month (please note – this is just a guide and will vary based on learner needs).

Examples of some of the tasks that might be set by our assessors include: •

Explain different types of Play types.

•

Explain how Play enhances a child’s development.

What you will learn This programme is made up of a mixture of mandatory units (these have to be completed by all learners as part of the qualification) and optional units (we will work with you to decide what units are relevant to your role, and your business).

A brief overview of these units is below.

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Mandatory Units • Work within a Play Environment with Children and Young People • Playwork Principles • Supporting Children and Young People’s Play • Relationships in the Play Environment • Health and Safety in the Play Environment • The Safeguarding and Welfare of Children and Young People in the Play Environment • Work with Children and Young People to Create Play Spaces and Support Freely Chosen Self-Directed Play

• Developing Own Playwork and Team Practice • Contribute to the Health, Safety, Security and Welfare of Children and Young People • Using the Play Environment • Help to Improve Own Practice and the Work of the Playwork • Team Reflective Playwork • Practice Support Relationships in the Play Environment

Optional units* • Contribute to Providing Food and Drink in the Play Environment • Contribute to the Administration of the Play Environment • Support the Travel of Children and Young People Outside the Play Environment • Facilitate a Specific Play Opportunity at Children or Young People’s Request

• Support the Development of Playwork Opportunities in the Community • Contribute to Supporting Disabled Children and Young People in the Play Environment • Support Work with Parents and Carers in the Play Environment • Carry Out Playwork in a School Setting

* Don’t worry! During the first visit/meeting, our assessors’ work with all learners and employers to review which of the optional units are the most appropriate for your programme.

Have any questions about our Level 2 Diploma in Playwork We are here to help. If you have any further questions or enquiries about the main qualification element of the programme, please contact our Route Manager: Helen Clarke Route Manager for CCPLD, CYP & PW helenclarke@acttraining.org.uk

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Essential Skills Qualifications When you agree to undertake an apprenticeship, you may be required to complete Essential Skills as part of your Apprenticeship framework.

What are Essential Skills?

The Essential Skills Wales (ESW) will be initially assessed via an online Wales Essential Skills Toolkit (WEST) Assessment. If a Learner already holds an ESW certificate or equivalent qualification this can provide a proxy and learners will not need to complete that ESW element of the programme. Where a Learner is not exempt an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) will be generated from the initial WEST assessment. The modules delivery will include independent learning via WEST, prior to guided learning sessions preparing the Learner for their assessment. ESWs are assessed via controlled tasks and confirmatory tests for Communication and Application of Number, Digital Literacy is assessed via a controlled task and structured discussion.

Proxy If you already hold qualifications, these may be used as ‘proxy’ towards your apprenticeship framework. As a result, you will be exempt from achieving that particular Essential Skill, if you wish. This will be discussed with you before you sign up. Below are some examples, although this list is not exhaustive.

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Essential Skill

Proxy

Communication Level 1

GCSE G or above, Key Skills or Essential Skills Wales

Communication Level 2

GCSE C or above, Key Skills or Essential Skills Wales

Communication Level 3

AS/A Level E or above, Key Skills or Essential Skills Wales

Application of Number Level 1

GCSE G or above, Key Skills or Essential Skills Wales

Application of Number Level 2

GCSE C or above, Key Skills or Essential Skills Wales

Application of Number Level 3

AS/A Level E or above, Key Skills or Essential Skills Wales

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Welsh Language Development As part of your Welsh Government funded framework, you will be supported to develop and maintain your Welsh language skills for the workplace.

What is Welsh Language Development?

ACT are committed to playing their part in the Welsh Government Million Speakers strategy. All learners will complete the Prentis-iaith Welsh Language Development course as part of your framework with us.

Don’t panic – this is as a means of development and is aimed to support you with the development of your Welsh Language skills. This course is specially designed to give apprentices a basic knowledge of Welsh for the workplace and consists of 6 interactive modules to complete online. The course will be completed throughout your framework, with support from your assessor.

Already bilingual?

If you are Welsh speaking you will undertake your learning bilingually. In practice this means that you can choose the elements of your learning that you would like to complete through the medium of Welsh. You will be able to discuss your particular preferences with your assessor.

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