...delivering an inspired approach to learning

SVQ Playwork

SCQF levels

Who is it for?

The SVQ Playwork (SCQF Level 6) is a nationally recognised qualification designed for individuals who want to work with children aged 5-16 years in a childcare or out-of-school care setting.

This qualification will develop your knowledge and skills in the role of a Playworker, helping you create engaging and effective play experiences that encourage children to lead their own play. You will also learn how to supervise and support children in a play environment while fostering their learning and development.

The SVQ Playwork (SCQF Level 6) is recognised by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and can be used towards professional registration.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal childcare qualifications required to start the programme. However, it is preferred that applicants have:

  • National 5 (or equivalent) in English preferred (not essential)
  • One other qualification at the same level preferred (not essential)

As the SVQ is a work-based qualification, you must be employed in a suitable childcare environment that enables you to develop the required skills and demonstrate competency in key areas.

If you are not currently employed in a childcare setting, Cairellot Learning Centre can support your recruitment into a suitable role. Contact us for more details!

Programme Duration

The SVQ Playwork qualification is designed to be flexible and tailored to your learning pace. However, most learners successfully complete within 9 to 18 months.

You will be assigned a dedicated assessor who will support you throughout the qualification. They will work with you and your employer to ensure you gain the required experience and are able to provide evidence of your competency and learning.

Progression & Career Opportunities

Upon successful completion, you will be a fully qualified Playworker, ready to support children’s play and development in various settings.

Career opportunities include roles such as:

  • Playworker – working in after-school clubs, holiday clubs, and community play settings.
  • Childcare Practitioner – supporting children in out-of-school care and activity programmes.
  • Youth Support Worker – assisting young people in structured play and activity-based environments.

If you wish to progress in your career, further training opportunities include:

  • SVQ Playwork (SCQF Level 7 or Level 8) – ideal for those looking to advance into supervisory or management roles within playwork settings.

Before progressing onto:

  • BA Childhood Practice – an undergraduate qualification that can lead to roles such as Play Development Officer, Childcare Manager, or Playwork Lecturer.

All qualifications are nationally recognised and provide SCQF credits, which can support your progression into further education and professional development.

For more information on career pathways and funding options, contact Cairellot Learning Centre today!

Who is it for?

The SVQ Playwork (SCQF Level 7) is a nationally recognised qualification designed for individuals who want to work with children aged 5-16 years in a childcare or out-of-school care setting.

Building on previous experience, this qualification provides the opportunity to gain practical experience in a playwork setting while expanding your knowledge and skills. You will learn how to support and enhance children’s learning and development through play experiences, fostering their creativity, confidence, and independence.

The SVQ Playwork (SCQF Level 7) is recognised by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and meets the registration requirements for those working in playwork settings.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal childcare qualifications required to start the programme. However, it is preferred that applicants have:

  • National 5 (or equivalent) in English preferred (not essential)
  • One other qualification at the same level preferred (not essential)

As the SVQ is a work-based qualification, you must be employed in a suitable childcare environment that enables you to develop the required skills and demonstrate competency in key areas.

If you are not currently employed in a childcare setting, Cairellot Learning Centre can support your recruitment into a suitable role. Contact us for more details!

Programme Duration

The SVQ Playwork qualification is flexible and can be completed at your own pace. However, most learners successfully finish within 9 to 18 months.

You will be assigned a dedicated assessor who will provide guidance and support throughout your qualification. They will work with you and your employer to ensure you gain the necessary experience and can demonstrate competency in all required areas.

Progression & Career Opportunities

Completing the SVQ Playwork (SCQF Level 7) qualifies you to work in various playwork and childcare settings, with career opportunities including:

  • Senior Playworker – leading activities in after-school and holiday clubs.
  • Out-of-School Club Coordinator – planning and managing play experiences for children.
  • Youth Worker – supporting young people in structured activity-based environments.
  • Additional Support Needs (ASN) Playworker – working with children who require additional support in play settings.

Further training and career progression opportunities include:

  • SVQ Playwork (SCQF Level 9) – ideal for those looking to progress into supervisory or management roles within playwork settings.
  • Before progressing onto:
  • BA Childhood Practice – an undergraduate qualification leading to roles such as Play Development Officer, Childcare Manager, or Playwork Lecturer.

All qualifications are nationally recognised and provide SCQF credits, supporting further education and career progression.

For more information on career pathways and funding options, contact Cairellot Learning Centre today!

Who is it for?

The SVQ Playwork (SCQF Level 9) is a nationally recognised qualification designed for individuals who want to take on a leadership role in a playwork, childcare, or out-of-school care setting for children aged 5-16 years.

Building on previous learning and experience, this qualification equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to lead a team, manage a setting effectively, and create enriching play experiences that support children’s development. You will develop the ability to supervise and guide staff teams, ensuring high-quality play opportunities that encourage creativity, independence, and social interaction.

The SVQ Playwork (SCQF Level 9) is recognised by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and meets the qualification requirements for registration as a leader within a playwork setting.

Entry Requirements

As this is a work-based qualification, you must be employed in a playwork or childcare leadership role where you can demonstrate leadership and management skills while developing your competencies.

A range of funding options may be available—please speak with your employer or contact us for more details.

Programme Duration

The SVQ Playwork (SCQF Level 9) is designed to be flexible and adapted to your learning pace, you can use 12 to 24 months as a guide to complete this qualification.

Progression & Career Opportunities

Upon successful completion, you will be qualified for leadership and management roles in various playwork and childcare settings, with potential career opportunities including:

  • Out-of-School Care Manager – leading a team in providing high-quality play experiences in after-school and holiday clubs.
  • Senior Playworker – managing play settings and supervising staff to enhance children’s play experiences.
  • Childcare Development Officer – supporting and developing playwork initiatives within local authorities or organisations.
  • Playwork Trainer or Assessor – delivering training to playworkers and supporting professional development in the sector.

Further training and career progression opportunities include:

  • BA Childhood Practice – a degree qualification leading to senior management roles, such as Play Development Officer, Childcare Manager, or Early Years Lecturer.

All qualifications are nationally recognised and provide SCQF credits, supporting further education and professional development.

For more information on career pathways and funding options, contact Cairellot Learning Centre today!


Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.