Playworker Apprenticeship

Train as a Playworker, supporting children in before and after school clubs, holiday camps and play activities. Gain hands-on childcare experience, mentoring and a recognised qualification while helping children stay active, social and confident.

What you'll do

The Playworker apprenticeship with Premier Education is an exciting opportunity to earn while you learn, gaining valuable hands-on experience in childcare, play and activity delivery within a fun and rewarding environment.

Apprentices will support the delivery of before and after school clubs, holiday camps and engaging activities that help children stay active, social and confident. This apprenticeship offers real workplace experience alongside recognised qualifications, ongoing mentoring and clear career progression opportunities.

This role is ideal for someone passionate about working with children, developing practical skills and starting a long-term career in childcare, education or sport with a trusted and growing organisation.

The apprentice will provide quality childcare within the framework of the club's policies and procedures.

Line manager: Middle Management Team.

Working relationships:

• Children attending the club and their parents or carers
• Management, club staff and volunteers
• Schools, childcare and play organisations
• Registering authorities

Responsibilities of a Playworker Apprentice:

• Help the setting manager with planning, preparing and delivering quality play opportunities within a safe and caring environment
• Provide comprehensive care for children, including collecting them from school and delivering them safely to parents or carers
• Support and supervise playworkers and volunteers where required
• Set up the play space, including moving furniture and play equipment
• Provide refreshments and ensure hygiene, health and safety standards are met
• Administer first aid, when necessary, if appropriately trained
• Consult with children and involve them in planning activities
• Encourage parental involvement in the club
• Promote a positive working relationship with the school
• Support good communication with colleagues, parents, schools and childcare or play-related agencies
• Undertake appropriate and relevant training
• Keep the work environment healthy, safe and secure
• Work within the framework of the club's policies and procedures and the Early Years Foundation Stage
• Support with Ofsted inspections where required

Training

• Playworker Level 2
• The apprentice will complete training in the workplace, supported by regular sessions with The Educationwise Academy Ltd
• Training will take place alongside practical experience in before and after school clubs, holiday camps and childcare settings
• The apprentice will receive workplace mentoring, tutor support and regular progress reviews throughout the apprenticeship

Training will be delivered by The Educationwise Academy Ltd and will combine practical workplace experience with structured apprenticeship training, regular reviews and ongoing tutor support throughout the programme.

After the apprenticeship

• After successful completion of the apprenticeship, there may be opportunities to progress into roles such as Playworker, Senior Playworker, Wraparound Care Assistant, Holiday Camp Leader, Activity Leader or Childcare Practitioner
• The apprentice may also progress into further training in childcare, play work, sport, education or activity leadership

Skills

• Communication skills
• Creative
• Initiative
• Patience

Qualifications

• Desired: GCSE, English (grade A*-C/4-9)
• Desired: GCSE, Maths (grade A*-C/4-9)
• Desired: BTEC, Sport, Childcare, Health and Social Care (grade Any)

Things to consider

• Desired qualifications and candidate requirements
• The employer is looking for candidates who live within approximately a 20-minute travel radius of the vacancy location. Applications from candidates with a travel time above this may not be progressed
• Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Sport, Childcare, Health and Social Care, or Performing Arts - desirable
• Experience of working within a play-based setting - desirable
• Experience of administration- desirable
• Appropriate child protection training- desirable
• Paediatric First Aid Certificate- desirable
• Food Hygiene Certificate- desirable
• Candidates must be aged 18+ due to Ofsted requirements
• Candidates must have a driving licence and access to transport
• Experience of working with children aged 3 to 11, an understanding of the varied needs of children and their families, and an understanding of the delivery of quality play care
• Candidates should understand equal opportunities, be able to provide and facilitate safe and creative play, communicate well, work as part of a team, use sound judgement and common sense, and have sufficient English to support the wellbeing of children

Benefits

• Free flu jab
• Free childcare
• Staff socials

About the employer

Premier Education is a leading provider of sport and physical activity programmes for primary schools, focused on improving children's health, wellbeing and engagement through high-quality delivery. We specialise in curriculum PE, wraparound care, enrichment activities and holiday camps, all designed to support schools and inspire young people to lead active lifestyles.

For apprentices, Premier Education offers a hands-on learning environment where they gain real experience working with children, supported by structured training and mentorship. Apprentices develop practical coaching skills, confidence and an understanding of safeguarding, behaviour management and inclusive practice.

This combination of on-the-job experience and professional development helps them build a strong foundation for a long-term career in education, sport or childcare.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Playworker (level 2), Care services
• Apprenticeship level: Intermediate (level 2)
• Training provider: THE EDUCATIONWISE ACADEMY LTD
• Expected duration: 1 Year 2 Months
• Hours: 25 hours a week. Working week: Term time hours may include:

Breakfast Club:

Monday to Friday, 7.30am- 9.00am

After School Club:

Monday- Friday, 2.45pm- 5.30pm.

School holiday hours may include Holiday Clubs: Monday to Friday, 7:30am- 5:30pm

• Start date: 1 November 2026
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £10,400 to £16,523 a year
• Other locations: Waltham Abbey, EN9 1LG