Playwork Manager
As a Playworker Manager you’ll be responsible for facilitating the provision of play provision and have a supervisory role, sometimes working across multiple sites.
Being a Playworker
A Playwork Manager holds a leadership role within playwork setting and is responsible for overseeing the delivery of high-quality play opportunities for children.
You will lead on developing a safe, welcoming, diverse and inclusive play environment for children and young people aged three to 12 years old. The prime focus of playwork is to support children to play freely.
You’ll support a team of Playworkers, and lead on the recruitment, induction supervision, mentoring and performance appraisals of the staff and volunteers. You’ll also ensure the setting complies with relevant legislation, safeguarding policies, and health and safety standards and be responsible for handling budgets and representing the setting in meetings with other professionals.
About the workplace
Your location of work may include a wide range of settings and involve ensuring the play setting is safe, inclusive, and stimulating, in line with Playwork Principles and children’s rights. You’ll also ensure the setting complies with relevant legislation, safeguarding policies, and health and safety standards.
Allowing children to explore through play and providing them a safe place to do so
Getting started as a Playworker
To be successful in this role you'll need:
- Leadership and team management skills
- Understand how to provide a range of play spaces that nurtures children’s access to freely chosen play
- Effective communication skills
- Ability to build good relationships
- Budgeting and funding abilities
- Attention to detail and ability to complete any documentation that is necessary
The Playwork Principles and National Occupational Standards help explain the roles and responsibilities.
Required Qualifications
To manage a Play-Based setting you will need to hold a relevant Level 3 qualification in Playwork.
Find the required or recommended qualifications for this role with PETC Wales.
If the setting is registered as Full Day Care and caters for children under the age of five you will also need to hold a relevant level 3 in Childcare.
Training
You might want to consider the Introduction to childcare programme that covers the essentials you need to start working in childcare.
To find out about additional training opportunities in playwork get in touch with Play Wales and Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids Clubs.
