Playworkers plan, organise and supervise play and activities for children and young people inside and outside school. 

They usually spend most of their time organising and supervising imaginative play, sports, drama, music, outdoor activities, cooking or creative activities in a safe environment.

Most playwork is needed after school, at weekends and during school holidays. There are some full-time jobs, but most are part time, and some are seasonal.

Playworkers should:

• be able to build good relationships with children, their parents and carers
• be good at listening to, socialising with, and understanding the needs of children
• be able to work well in a team
• have good communication skills.

You don't need any formal academic qualifications to become a playworker. Most playworkers gain nationally recognised vocational qualifications while working in the role and some take higher education courses relating to playwork.