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Level 3 Diploma in Playwork  

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Course Summary

Course Code: DX4A02OL26 

Start Date: Thursday 01 October 2026 

Start Time and Lesson Duration: 10:00 for 2.00 hours

Duration: 78 lessons over 78 week(s)

Location: Workbased Learning  

Fee: Funding May Be Available    Help 

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Description

This qualification is designed for experienced playworkers who have a sound understanding of playwork principles and practice. It prepares individuals to work with children aged 4–16 across a range of playwork settings, including before- and after-school clubs, holiday playschemes, adventure playgrounds, and open-access environments such as soft play centres and play ranger services. The qualification develops the advanced knowledge and skills required for when working unsupervised and requires learners to demonstrate the effective application of these competencies within the workplace.

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Qualification Aim/Level
Diploma in Playwork Level 3 NCFE CACHE

Who is this course for?
This qualification is for experienced playworkers who have an appeciation of the playwork and practice. You will work with children between the ages of 4 and 16 in playwork settings such as: before and after school clubs, holiday playschemes, adventure playgrounds, open access play settings such as soft play centres, play rangers.

The qualificationj covers the knowledge and skills needed when working under unsupervised and requires the learner to demonstrate these in the workplace. Learners will be assigned an Coach who will visit the workplace and observe all elements of practice.

What can I expect to Learn?
To be awarded this qualification, learners need to achieve 53 credits from a mix of mandatory and optional units..

How will I learn?
Group workshop learning sessions will take place online with a tutor. You will need a stable internet connection, an email address and a laptop, pc or tablet to attend online classes.

There is also an electronic portfolio.

Your tutor will use a number of different teaching methods to develop your knowledge and skills. These will include a wide range of authentic materials, individual study, working in pairs/group activities and will include the use of video/audio. You will also have the opportunity to use online learning technologies to develop your skills.

Your coach will support you with written assignments, give feedback and develop your work to meet the qualification standards. Your coach will also visit you in the workplace to observe you working with children and collect evidence for your qualification. They will speak with your line manager and mentor to review your progress.

How will I know how well I am doing?
Your tutor and assessor will discuss your progress with you providing written and verbal feedback on your work. You will be formally assessed through set tasks which are marked by your tutor/coach and moderated by an internal moderator. You will be observed by your tutor/coach at work demonstrating your skills as required by the qualification standards. You will be encouraged to reflect on your own learning and development to work towards targets set by your line manager and tutor/coach.

Will I need to do extra work at home?
Yes. You will need to complete homework tasks and background reading and research on a regular basis throughout the course.

What will I need to provide?
Pens, paper, A4 project folder. PC, laptop or tablet with camera and microphone (a mobile phone is not suitable for the workshop sessions). We may be able to support you with the required equipment if you are unable to access any of these.

What is the cost of the course?
If you are eligible, this qualification will be fully funded with bursary funding.



Are there any other costs?
The tutor will recommend appropriate course texts which you may wish to purchase or obtain from the library (approximate price £20-25). You may find it advantageous to have an up to date library card to access a wider range of texts and to secure internet access if you do not have this at home.

What can I do next?
This qualification has been allocated UCAS points. Please refer to the UCAS website for further details of the points allocation and the most up-to-date information.



Who can I contact for more information?
For all enquiries regarding this course please access the wesite

Location

Workbased Learning  
ZZ99 9ZZ  
 
  
   

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