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Apprenticeship

Level 2 Playworker Apprenticeship Standard

Play the child chooses

An apprenticeship is a real, paid job. The apprentice works for an employer and trains with us at the same time, and comes out with a nationally recognised qualification and the experience to go with it.

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The short answer

18 monthsPlus assessment
Fully funded for most employersSmaller employers pay nothing towards the training.
Level 2Nationally recognised
Before they start

What an apprentice needs

Apprentices without level 2 English and Maths may need to achieve this level prior to taking the end-point assessment. Employers may set their own criteria.

The employer sets the real bar, so treat this as a guide. If somebody is close but not quite there, it is still worth the conversation.

What they’ll learn

Child-directed and child-controlled play, in a space built to allow it.

  1. They will create a space worth exploring

    Planning for and providing an ever-changing environment that lets children choose what and how they play, following their own intent, ideas and inventions.

    Covers planning play environments, child-directed play, stimulating and adventurous spaces

  2. They will support children to take responsibility for themselves

    Caring for and supporting children while they take responsibility for themselves and their own playing, which is a different job from directing them.

    Covers supporting self-direction, care and support in play settings

  3. They will watch for development and for risk

    Observing and monitoring play for children's development, engagement and safety, both physical and emotional.

    Covers observation and monitoring, development and engagement, physical and emotional safety

Assessment

Nobody springs anything on anyone

All apprentices must undertake an independent end-point assessment which is an assessment of the knowledge, skills and behaviours that have been learnt throughout the apprenticeship. The purpose of the assessment is to make sure the apprentice meets the standard set by employers and are fully competent in the occupation.

1
Throughout

Coursework and portfolio

Work launched in class and completed in the job, building the evidence the assessor will look at.

2
Every 8 to 10 weeks

A review with you

The employer, the apprentice and the tutor. Half an hour. Progress, targets, and anything getting in the way.

3
Before the end

A full mock

Marked by a tutor who is not theirs, so the feedback is honest and the real thing holds no surprises.

Getting started

What it takes, on both sides

If you're the employer

  • A real role that covers the standard. Your Employer Relationship Officer will check it before anyone enrols.
  • Time released for teaching, on a timetable you'll have from day one.
  • Half an hour every 8 to 10 weeks for a three-way review.
  • Your say-so when the apprentice is ready for their final assessment.

If you want to be the apprentice

  • A job. An apprenticeship is employment, so you need an employer before you can start.
  • Already working in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.
  • An initial skills scan with us, so we know where you're starting from.
  • No employer yet? That's the usual starting point, and finding one is the part we help with.
Where it leads

This is a step, not a destination

Most of our apprentices carry on, usually with the same employer and usually into a wider role. Which route is right depends on the job being done, so it is worth a conversation rather than a guess.

Not sure what comes after this one? Tell us the role and we'll tell you honestly which of our apprenticeships, higher apprenticeships or university-level courses fits next.

Progression

Where this course can take you

  1. Before you start
  2. This course Level 2
  3. Further study

Check you have what you need in the entry requirements.

Not sure? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.

Further study

See all 20 courses

At this college

At North Lindsey College

Careers it can lead to

  • Playworkers £12.96 an hour
  • Childminders £12.72 an hour
  • Educational Support Assistants £14.50 an hour
  • With further study or experience Child and Early Years Officers £27,500 a year
See all 6 careers

With further study or experience

  • Early Education and Childcare Services Proprietors £44,300 a year
  • Early Education and Childcare Services Managers £22,400 a year

Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).

How to start this apprenticeship

It takes two, an employer and an apprentice. Pick your side.

I'm an employer

Put someone on this programme

Recruiting, or formalising the training of someone already in post? Start with a conversation. We'll check the role, sort the funding, and get them enrolled.

Speak to us today 0800 358 7575

Or advertise a vacancy through us and we'll handle the recruitment.

I want to be an apprentice

You'll need an employer first

An apprenticeship is a job, so an employer has to take you on before you can start. Already employed in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.

No vacancy that suits? Register your interest and we'll tell you when one comes up.