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Childhood Practice & SVQ Provision

- HW1PWK4A25

Campus Sighthill Campus

Qualification SCQF Level 9

Study mode Open learning

Start date Sept 2025

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Course overview

SVQ 4 Playwork is a workplace qualification designed for those working in a senior role in a playwork setting. The role of a playworker is to support all children and young people and create a safe and interesting play space for them to explore. This could be in an out-of-school care club, a nursery, a playgroup or a school holiday provision. The focus of this course is on child-led play that enables children to develop and learn by following their ideas and interests. 

This course will give you the essential knowledge and skills you will need to develop your practice as a leader in the setting and to support your team to provide excellent play opportunities. You might be working in an out-of-school care service, a nursery, a playgroup or a holiday play provision. We'll discuss current theoretical approaches and link them to practice. You will be assigned an individual assessor who will observe your work practice and support you throughout your qualification.

The course will take place over two academic years and will include a range of learning opportunities, including attending monthly classes at Edinburgh College, tutorial sessions with assessors and online learning and research. This course can be used as a progression route to the PDA Childhood Practice at SCQF Level 9 for anyone working towards qualification as a manager/lead practitioner. 

There are 2 fee payments of £800 (at the start of each year), and it's possible to use the SAAS part-time fee grant towards this if you meet the eligibility criteria, Part-time Funding Guide - SAAS.

What you will learn

  • Current Playwork Theory: including loose parts, play types and play cycle
  • Leadership and Management in a Playwork Setting
  • Operational Planning for Your Organisation
  • Reviewing and Developing Policies and Procedures
  • Reflecting on and Developing your Practice
  • Supporting Colleagues
  • Effective Teamwork

Placement information

  • Current Playwork Theory: including loose parts, play types and play cycle
  • Leadership and Management in a Playwork Setting
  • Operational Planning for Your Organisation
  • Reviewing and Developing Policies and Procedures
  • Reflecting on and Developing your Practice
  • Supporting Colleagues
  • Effective Teamwork

Study Options

Campus Study mode Start date
Sighthill Campus Open learning 01/09/25

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