Childhood Practice & SVQ Provision
SVQ 3 Playwork
Campus Sighthill Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 7
Study mode Part time
Start date
Aug 2026
Course enquiry form
Course overview
The SVQ Playwork course is a workplace-based qualification designed for those currently employed in a playwork, early years, or childcare setting. The role of a play practitioner is to support all children and young people in creating a space where they can play, learn and develop.
The Playwork Principles define play as:
“A process that is freely chosen, personally directed and intrinsically motivated. Children and young people determine and control the content and intent of their play by following their instincts, ideas and interests, in their own way, for their reasons.”
Current theories in early learning and playwork focus on how children develop resilience and self-confidence through self-directed play. This SVQ course will develop your knowledge and understanding of how to provide exciting play opportunities to support children's learning and development.
You will be assigned an individual assessor who will observe your work practice and support you throughout this qualification. We'll discuss theory and make links to practice.
The course will take place over 18 months and will include a range of different learning opportunities: classes, tutorial sessions, online learning and research, reflections and tasks. On completion, you will be eligible to register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) as a practitioner.
There are 2 fee payments of £931 (in Sept 2026 and Sept 2027). It's possible to use the SAAS part-time fee grant towards each payment if you meet the eligibility criteria. Part-time Funding Guide - SAAS
Contact katie.kent2@edinburghcollege.ac.uk for more information.
What you will learn
- Current Playwork Theory and Practice
- Child development
- How to Encourage and Support Self-Directed Play
- Safeguarding Children and Young People
- Children’s Rights
- Health, Wellbeing and Resilience
- Teamwork
- Inclusive Practice
Placement information
- You are required to be in employment in a setting that offers self-directed play opportunities for children and/or young people.
- Please give details of this in your personal statement.
How the course is assessed
- You will be continually assessed through reflective accounts, observations, tasks and questions.
- You will be assigned an assessor who will visit your workplace to undertake observations of your practice.
- You will be assessed through a portfolio of evidence, measured against national competency standards.
Number of days per week
- One two-hour class per month on a Wednesday morning at our Sighthill campus.
- Regular support meetings with your assessor.
Entry requirements
- Experience working with children.
- Pass in a relevant NC at SCQF Level 6 or SVQ Level 2 in Playwork or SVQ Level 2 Children’s Care Learning and Development/Social Services Children and Young People.
- You must be working within a playwork or childcare setting in an appropriate role.
- If you do not have the entry requirements but have significant experience working with children, you are welcome to apply. Please detail this in your Personal Statement.
Writing a personal statement
Your Personal Statement is an important part of your application, and it can help us to decide if you are suitable for the course.
To make sure that you are giving us all the information we need to consider your application fully, please include the following:
- Your reasons for applying for this course. Why does it interest you? Why are you suitable for this course?
- Details of any relevant qualifications that you have to meet the course entry requirements.
- Information about any courses or training you have done that are relevant – this can include certificated training such as First Aid or CPD courses.
- Where do you currently work? (e.g. name of nursery, school, out-of-school care, childminder, ASN setting)
- What is your job title or role?
- Why do you feel this SVQ level is right for you at this stage?
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
- You may be invited to attend a group interview.
English Proficiency Requirements
To give our students the best opportunity to succeed in this course, applicants for whom English is an additional language require an English language certificate at IELTS Level 5.5 or equivalent. Alternatively, applicants from non-English-speaking countries will be required to undertake an English Language Assessment at College. There will be a cost of £20 for this test unless you are in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance, Working Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Disability Benefit or Income Support or if you are an asylum seeker or refugee. English proficiency at IELTS Level 5.5 or equivalent is a course requirement. If you would like any more information on this, please contact Katie.Kent2@edinburghcollege.ac.uk.Progression and Articulation Routes
- SVQ Level 4 in Playwork
- PDA Childhood Practice at Level 8
Career options
- Registration with SSSC as a practitioner within a playwork or childcare setting.
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Sighthill Campus | Part time | 31/08/26 |
