Childhood Practice & SVQ Provision
SVQ 4 Playwork
Campus Sighthill Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 9
Study mode Open learning
Start date
Aug 2026
Course enquiry form
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 need to develop your practice as a leader in the setting and support your team in providing 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. It will include a range of learning opportunities, such as 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 £832 (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 (see the Part-time Funding Guide - SAAS).
Contact katie.kent2@edinburghcollege.ac.uk for more information.
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
- You should be employed in a suitable playwork setting, in a senior role.
- 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 the Sighthill campus.
Entry requirements
- A practice qualification such as the SVQ 3 in Playwork, the SVQ 3 in Social Services (Children and Young People), or the HNC in Childhood Practice.
- You must be working within a playwork or childcare setting in a supervisory role. Please give details 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 to assess if this is the correct course for you.
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, contact Katie Kent at katie.kent2@edinburghcollege.ac.uk.Progression and Articulation Routes
- PDA Childhood Practice at SCQF 9
- BA Childhood Practice
Career options
- Manager or senior practitioner in a play-based setting.
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Sighthill Campus | Open learning | 31/08/26 |
