Certificate in Playwork Practice
Certificate in Playwork Practice has been updated to include both foundation and senior levels to ensure a greater capacity to deliver high-quality playwork practice.
The course is based on Play Wales internationally recognised playwork training and provides a sound knowledge base of; the playwork principles, using a playwork approach, loose parts theory, the play cycle, playwork intervention, dynamic risk benefit assessment and the United Nations Convention on the rights of the Child. The course also explores wider and deeper themes around childhood development, strategic risk management, reflective practice, advocacy and practical playwork skills.
This is delivered in a 2 day face to face workshop, supported by a series of 6 online sessions plus a series of self paced activities and a final assessment.
This training has been refined into a single programee of learning taking 4-6 months to complete, following extensive piloting of this approach in 2024/25.
Session by session delivery:
Webinar dates:
All webinars are 7-9 pm (Sydney/Melb time zone)
Webinar 1 (online) Monday 31st August 2026 - delivery by Play Australia. Introduction to course and playwork principles, UNCRC and national context.
Webinar 2 (online) Monday 14th September 2026 - delivered by Play Wales - orientation and setting the scene, the importance of play, recent research into benefits of play, links to child development.
Webinar 3 (online) Monday 12th October 2026 - delivered by Play Wales - what do playworkers do, playwork principles, into to the role, beginning to think about playwork.
Webinar 4 (online) Monday 19th October 2026 - the importance of reflective practice and reflective practice models 2.
Workshop Dates: Workshops dates and locations are subject to numbers being reached in the various locations.
2 day workshops (face to face) delivered by Play Wales - group dynamics, playwork theory, putting it all into practice, practical playwork skills (ropes, knots and fire), playwork relationships, advocacy, dynamic risk assessment.
Webinar 5 (online) Date to be confirmed - delivered by Play Wales - post workshop. Initial reflections on learning in practice, the risk management cycle, more playwork theory (intervention styles, playwork curriculum).
Webinar 6 (online) Date to be confirmed - delivered by Play Wales and Play Australia - pulling it all together, final reflections and understanding assessment tasks.
Face to face workshops:
Melbourne
Monday 16th 9:00am to 4:00pm and Tuesday 17th November 9:00am to 3:00pm
Venue: Day 1 - The Venny. Day 2 - The Cubbies
Brisbane
Wednesday 18th 9:00am to 4:00pm and Thursday 19th November 9:00am to 3:00pm
Venue: Runcorn State School
Perth
Monday 23rd 9:00am to 4:00pm and Tuesday 24th November 9:00am to 3:00pm
Venue: TBC
All sections of the course and assessment must be completed to receive the certificate and badge.
Prerequisites:
At least 2 years experience working with children or youth.
Working with children clearance.
Child Protection training (desirable).
Commitment to implementing a playwork approach in your workplace.
Cost:
Play Australia Members - $1400.00 (payable in 3 instalments) GST inclusive
Non Play Australia Members - $1650.00 (payable in 3 instalments) GST inclusive
A non-refundable deposit of $400 for Play Australia members and $650 for non Play Australia members is required to secure a place in the course. Payable upon invoice.
1st instalment is the deposit on enrolment, 2nd instalment is due by 30 September 2026, and 3rd and final instalment is due November 30, 2026.
Payment in full by direct deposit are eligible for a 10% discount.
Overdue instalments incur a 10% administration fee unless prior arrangements made with Play Australia for delayed payments.
Can I talk to someone for more information?
Yes, of course, please contact:
- (e) info@playaustralia.org.au
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