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Playworker

Organise and take part in activities for children and teenagers so they have fun and develop their independence.

About the job

What it's like

You would plan, organise and take part in play and leisure activities for four to 16 year olds.

You'd help them have fun and to encourage them to develop their independence and self-esteem.

You could work at:

  • Breakfast clubs

  • After-school clubs

  • Mobile play buses

  • Holiday play schemes

You could do activities like art, crafts, cooking and drama and outdoor games. You might also take the children on outings.

You would:

  • Plan activities with the children

  • Organise play areas, materials and equipment

  • Give children the freedom to spend their leisure time in their own way

  • Encourage fair and caring behaviour among the children

  • Encourage independence and self-esteem

  • Talk to children about their concerns or worries

  • Deal with injuries and emergencies

  • Liaise with parents, carers, and other professionals

  • Keep records and look after small amounts of money

It would be important to make sure that the activities are safe. You’d encourage the children to be aware of their own safety and that of others. Being aware of equal opportunities issues would also be useful.

Lots of energy and a good sense of humour would really help you to do this job well, as would patience and tolerance.

You’d need to get on well with children, parents and carers.

Hours

You may work full-time or part-time. Most playwork is in the evenings, at weekends and during school holidays.

Environment

You could work either indoors or outside, depending on location and the type of activity. Your work will usually be very active, and can involve joining in with things such as games and sports.

Explore more information about this job

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Related industries

Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.

  • Social care
  • Healthcare
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Top skills

Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!

It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.

Top specialised skills

These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From February 2024 to February 2025.

  • working with children
  • social work
  • child protection
  • leisure and recreation
  • pediatric first aid
  • music therapy
  • human biology
  • choreography
  • graphic communication
  • academic standards
Source: Based on vacancy data from Lightcast

Meta skills

Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.

  • taking responsibility
  • self esteem
  • social conscience
  • creative
  • verbal communication
  • listening
  • cooperating
  • building relationships
  • positive attitude

Your skills are important

Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.

Discover skills

Getting in

Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.

Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:

  • Care

  • Childcare and Development

  • Drama

  • Skills for Work: Early Education and Childcare

  • Foundation Apprenticeship: Social Services Children and Young People

You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.

You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.

Discover what's on offer at your school on  Apprenticeships.scot.

There are no formal qualifications required to enter this work but some courses and employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF levels 4 to 6.

Qualifications and experience that show childcare abilities such as Skills for Work Early Education and Childcare (SCQF level 4/5) or the National Progression Award (NPA) in Playwork and Childcare.

Relevant work-based qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Playwork (SVQ level 2/3) or be willing to work towards qualifications once in a job.

Relevant experience such as playworker volunteering. Search opportunities on Volunteer.scot.

  • To be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland

  • To be at least 17 years old, for entry to some courses

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