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
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 March 2024 to March 2025.
- working with children
- social work
- child protection
- leisure and recreation
- care standards act 2000
- pediatric first aid
- human biology
- choreography
- graphic communication
- music therapy
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.
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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