Training Page

About play training
The development of the training programmes have been informed by key themes that run through the courses…

A common understanding of the nature of children's play and the purpose of play provision - all courses are linked to the National Occupational Standards Assumptions and Values associated with good practice.
A participative approach - there is a focus on engaging learners in learning about play through sharing playful experiences and to promote an approach to delivering training that features a high element of creativity, flexibility and unpredictability - essential features of children's play.
There is an underlying principle that playwork training and education should inherently be an enjoyable experience in itself.
Experiential learning - the courses promote an opportunity for participants to share their ideas and experiences and to match this against the key principles associated with good practice. Learners are challenged to consider alternative ways of interpreting their experiences and to make connections with new ideas and previous frameworks of understanding.
Given the complex and unique role of the playworker, playworkers should be constantly testing their understanding, attitudes and actions against the proposed knowledge base - encouraging a reflective and analytical response.
All courses have an 80% attendance requirement.
Participants will be required to demonstrate their understanding through the completion of a workbook that accompanies each course and or assignments and the production of a portfolio that shows evidence of applying learning to work practice within a playwork setting.
The courses have been endorsed by SkillsActive, therefore meeting clear criteria regarding quality playwork training. They are recognised by the playwork field and meeting the current requirements of OFSTED.
Courses and qualifications are accredited by, the National Open College Network and the Greater Manchester Open College Network

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Which course should I do?

All courses are free to playworkers who are working in Manchester play settings, or those who are not currently working but resident in Manchester.

Playwork Induction / "A Question of Play"
The course consists of 18 learning hours delivered over 6 weeks or 1 full week block in preparation for playschemes.

This is a Level 2 course suitable for people who want to gain basic knowledge in playwork. The course is particularly suitable for playscheme workers and those who may have no previous experience in playwork but wish to find out more before choosing whether to embark on a career in playwork.

The course develops an understanding of: play and playwork, supporting children's play, teamwork, Health & Safety,Child Protection and building relationships

Essential Playwork
The course consists of 60 learning hours spread over 12 weeks 1 day a week or 2 evening sessions. The overall aim of the course is to enable participants to understand and apply the principles and values associated with good practice in playwork. The course considers the essentials of good practice in playwork and the reasons why they are important when working with children.

This is a level 2 qualification suitable for playworkers who have some previous experience of working with children aged 5-15.

The course develops an understanding of: play and how to maintain children's playfulness, how to remove barriers to play, the importance of play to child development, children's rights, the role of the playworker and effective teamwork, building relationships with setting users, creating quality play environments, Health & safety, child protection and reflective practice.

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Play & Adventure
The course consists of 40 learning hours that are spread over 8 weeks 1 day a week. 'Adventure' is a vital ingredient in growth and human development involving risk, fear, laughter, fun, uncertainty, sharing fantasy, survival, challenge, daring, unpredictability, etc. The overall aim of the course is to promote risk taking and uncertainty so that children face and overcome new situations, problems and challenges in a positive, fun and supportive group atmosphere.

This is a level 2 course suitable for playworkers who have some previous experience of working with children aged 5-15.

The course develops an understanding of: the qualities associated with adventure, the management of adventure, the use of materials for creating adventures e.g. ropes, water, maps, shelters and the importance of processing and evaluating experiences.

Organising Playwork
This course consists of 40 hours over 8 weeks, one day a week, or one evening for ten weeks.

This is a Level 3 Course suitable for experienced playworkers who have responsibility for supervising other playwork staff and developing the work of a play setting.

The course develops an understanding of: how to promote the aims and objectives of your play setting to a range of service users, how to make key links within the community, developing the organisation, developing and maintaining an effective team, the process of planning, monitoring the organisation and individual's development, administration and evaluation.

Who to contact with any queries
If you have any queries about any of the courses listed here, please contact:-

The Playwork Training Coordinator
Learning & Development Service
3rd Floor Victoria Mill
10 Lower Vickers Street
Manchester
M40 7SH

Telephone: 0161 203 3200

Download Application Form

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