You could do a college course to get some of the skills you'll need in this job. You could take a course in outdoor play and learning or a T Level in Education and Early Years.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

You could apply to do a Playworker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

This usually takes around a year and a half to complete and is a mix of study and workplace learning.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

You could volunteer to build up your experience of working with children.

You could volunteer at:

• a playgroup
• a school
• an after school club
• a holiday club
• an adventure playground

This may lead into paid work, where you could do training on the job.

You can apply for playworker jobs if you're already a qualified childcare worker.

You can also do the Level 3 Award in Transition to Playwork qualification to help before you apply for roles.

You'll need:

• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• excellent verbal communication skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• thinking and reasoning skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

You'll need to have a positive attitude towards children and enjoy working with them.

As a playworker, you could:

• set up play areas that encourage children to develop through play
• build strong relationships with children and respond to their needs
  
• lead games, supervise children and give out refreshments
• encourage children to express themselves and talk about their worries
• build positive relationships with parents, carers and professionals
• make sure children are safe and secure 
• deal with injuries and emergencies

You could work in the community, at a school, in an NHS or private hospital or in a holiday play scheme.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.

You may need to wear a uniform.