Community Playwork Practice & Extended Provision

About the course

Designed in full consultation with employers and the Sector Skills Council, Skills Active, the Community Playwork Practice & Extended Provision Foundation Degree is a Higher Education course that represents the first part of an important developing career pathway, which recognises the existing skills and abilities of practitioners in Playwork, Extended Services and Active Leisure sectors, and enables you to enhance professional development to move upwards or onto related sectors. It is Sector endorsed by Skills Active. It enables you to progress to the role of a Senior Practitioner in this field of work.

First Year modules include: the bigger picture - the context of play; understanding the needs of children and the role of play; safeguarding children & young people; exploring playwork and extended school environments (workbased module 1). Second Year modules include: extended provision and community development; managing and leading community play and extended provision; creating quality playwork and extended community environments; understanding play deprivation - causes, consequences and solutions (workbased module 2).

Why choose this course?

This course is ideal if you're thinking of moving into the play related sectors or you've already got some relevant work experience.

Study routes

• Part Time, 2 Years

Locations

• Hertford Regional College

Careers

When you complete this programme, you'll be able to progress to the Final Year of the BA(Hons) Education Studies course at the University of Hertfordshire, or you can increase your career opportunities in management and working with a range of children across a variety of services.

Teaching methods

First Year modules include: the bigger picture - the context of play; understanding the needs of children and the role of play; safeguarding children & young people; exploring playwork and extended school environments (workbased module 1). Second Year modules include: extended provision and community development; managing and leading community play and extended provision; creating quality playwork and extended community environments; understanding play deprivation - causes, consequences and solutions (workbased module 2)..

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• Exploring playwork and extended school environments

  The module will focus on the students development and application of the practical skills required in the workplace. The playwork/extended school practitioner should be able to demonstrate their knowledge and ability to complete practical tasks such as; accident reporting, session recording logs, reflective practice diaries, observation, Common Assessment Framework forms, risk assessment forms, registration forms, photographic consent forms, consultation and evaluation tools, creating and disseminating promotional literature, an example of applying current policy into the setting etc. Students will also be encouraged to experience an alternative environment either through a visit or by completing a short course to gain new skills (e.g. Playing on the Range).

• Safeguarding Children and Young People

  The module will focus on students applying their current skills in relation to good practice in risk taking through play whilst ensuring the safeguarding of the children/young people in their care. Through drawing on relevant legislative and regulatory frameworks they will develop their skills in empowering children/young people to know and advocate for their own rights. The student will reflect on their own practice to ensure they cascade knowledge to their multi-agency workforce when involved in identification and/or response to any safeguarding issues.

• The Bigger Picture: The Context of Play

  This module provides students with an underpinning knowledge of the social policies and Government initiatives that influence play, playwork and extended services, for example, the United Nations Charter on the Rights of the Child, Every Child Matters, Childrens Act, Childrens Plan, Early Years Foundation Stage, Brighter Futures

• Understanding the needs of Children and the role of play

  The module will focus on students understanding the role of childrens play within their community. Through knowledge of the different play theories students will be learn how to meet a childs play needs as well an understanding of the play enablers role within a childs play space.

Optional

Fees & funding

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

View detailed information about tuition fees

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

How to apply