
Celebrate Play and Make a Real Difference in Children’s Lives!
If you’re passionate about childcare playwork and want to make a real difference in children’s lives, the Level 2 Playwork Diploma is the perfect course for you. Whether you’re aiming to work in after-school clubs, holiday schemes, or community programs, this qualification is designed to equip you with everything you need to create fun, safe, and inclusive play spaces for children aged 4-16.
This isn’t just theory; you’ll get hands-on experience with real-world play scenarios and discover how to offer child development support and wellbeing. Every unit is designed to help you work with heart, authenticity, and professional confidence. By the end, you’ll be ready to step into exciting playwork training roles and make a real impact on children’s development.
Throughout your journey, you’ll build essential skills in child development support, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and creative planning, all of which are highly valued in today’s fast-paced, child-centred environments. You will get a solid foundation for further study or more advanced roles in children’s and youth work.
You’ll study online with total flexibility, and you’ll never feel alone. Our expert tutors provide one-to-one mentor support, a full induction, ongoing assignment guidance, Turnitin access, and 24/7 online support. You’ll have full support for up to 12 months. The team is always available to keep you on track and motivated. It is RQF-listed, Ofqual-regulated, and NCFE-accredited.
By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped, inspired, and ready to help children explore, learn, and grow while making a meaningful difference in their lives.
This diploma can open doors to a variety of roles and serve as a strong foundation for further learning or more advanced qualifications in childcare playwork.
Ready to dive into the world of playwork training and make a real impact? This is your first step!
This course is delivered by South London College via Aspirex UK – NCFE Approved Centre (11000447)
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Get the best value on our competitive course – backed by a Price Match Guarantee.
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Access professionally designed course materials created by industry experts.
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Enjoy the dedicated support of your personal tutor and key account manager.
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Study online, skip the commute, and learn on your terms.
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Our online learning portal is available anytime, with 12 months of unlimited access.
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Have a question? Our friendly and professional customer support team is here to help you.
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We offer instructor-led virtual group discussions.
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Learn how to support children, spark creativity, and create fun, safe & inclusive play spaces.
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Take advantage of interest-free instalment plans, making it easier to get started right away.
From the moment you begin this course, you’ll have access to the guidance and encouragement you need to succeed. Our dedicated tutors will walk alongside you, helping you understand the material, giving constructive feedback, and celebrating your progress as you grow in confidence.
| Course Highlights |
Excited but unsure? We’re just a call away! |
| Learning Outcomes |
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| Who is the Course For? | Step into playful leadership in children’s settings
Ready to spark change through play? The Level 2 Diploma gives you the foundational know‑how, practical edge and authentic confidence to make a real difference in children’s play environments. This course is tailored for those who might progress into roles such as:
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| Certification | Once you successfully complete this course, you’ll be awarded the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma in Playwork, a nationally recognised qualification regulated by Ofqual. |
| Entry Requirements |
Not sure if this course is for you? Speak to an advisor today! |
| Average Completion Timeframe | The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma in Playwork requires 457 GLH. You can complete this course in just 6-9 months or take up to a year; it’s flexible to suit your schedule. Most learners finish within a few months, but if you have more time to study or relevant experience, you may complete it sooner. We offer full support for up to 12 months, so you can work at a pace that’s right for you. |
| Method of Assessment | The assessment methods for the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma in Playwork include a range of assessment approaches designed to reflect real-world leadership and management practice.
All units are assessed internally.
You will have comprehensive access to support from assessors via various channels including telephone, WhatsApp, online discussions, email, and web chats. For further details or any specific questions about the assessment process, please click the ‘Enquire Now’ button below to get in touch with us. |
| Academic Progression | Progress through play-work & leadership
The Level 2 Diploma in Playwork will help you gain the practical know‑how, confidence and creative skills to support children aged 4‑16 in vibrant, inclusive play settings. Next Steps for a Possible Academic Progression Pathway:
Alternative directions:
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| Career Progression | Step into Playwork Leadership
Ready to make a real difference in children’s play settings? This Level 2 Diploma gives you the practical skills, confidence, and knowledge to support children aged 4–16, create safe and inclusive play environments, and help teams deliver fun, engaging experiences. Here are some careers you can pursue as you gain experience and qualifications, along with their average salaries (Source: UK Glassdoor).
With stronger skills, you can also progress to higher-level qualifications, paving the way to more senior roles and increased earning potential over time. |
| Regulated by | OFQUAL
The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) is a non-ministerial government department responsible for regulating qualifications, exams, and assessments in England. Ofqual ensures that all qualifications offered by recognised awarding organisations meet rigorous national standards, giving you confidence that any Ofqual-regulated certificate is high-quality and widely accepted by employers and universities. RQF The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is the system used in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to standardise qualifications by level and size. Overseen by regulatory bodies such as Ofqual, the RQF ensures qualifications are consistent, transparent, and easily understood by learners, employers, and higher education institutions. All qualifications listed on the RQF are approved and awarded by recognised awarding organisations. |
Take Charge of Your Future with South London College
At South London College, we believe in the transformative power of education and lifelong learning. As a respected name in UK online learning, our mission is to help you reach your personal and professional goals. We offer high-quality study materials and dedicated support every step of the way, ensuring your learning experience is rewarding and effective. Our focus is on empowering you to gain new skills, strengthen your knowledge, and stay ahead in your career. We’re here to help you succeed and excited to be part of your journey forward.
NCFE (Northern Council for Further Education) is a nationally and internationally recognised awarding organisation with over 175 years experience in education. Regulated by Ofqual and other key UK bodies, NCFE offers a wide range of vocational and technical qualifications across areas such as English, mathematics, health & social care, business, and more. NCFE qualifications are trusted by employers and colleges across the UK and provide learners with recognised pathways to further study, career progression, and real-world skills.
NCFE CACHE is a specialist division of NCFE focused on qualifications in health, social care, and early years education. With programmes ranging from Entry Level to Level 5, NCFE CACHE equips learners with the practical skills, knowledge, and professional standards needed to work effectively with children, young people, and vulnerable adults. These qualifications are widely recognised by employers, training providers, and higher education institutions, ensuring learners gain both career-ready skills and a strong foundation for further professional development.
Still have more questions about this course? Give our team a call on


Taking the Lead
This diploma helped me step up in play sessions. I now feel capable of guiding activities and supporting children with ease.
Career Ready
After completing the course, I landed my first playwork role! The skills I learned made me ready for real work straight away.
Practical & Real-World
I liked that it wasn’t just theory. Everything I learned, I could use the next day in my play setting. It really prepared me for the job.