A New Chapter for the Sector.
The UK National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Playwork have been reviewed, with the updated standards published in September 2026. This marks an important step in supporting the development of the playwork workforce and ensuring that the skills, knowledge and understanding required of playworkers reflect the needs of the sector.
What are National Occupational Standards?
National Occupational Standards describe the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to carry out a particular role effectively. The Playwork NOS set out the competencies expected of playworkers, those in charge of playwork settings and playwork managers.
The standards provide a shared benchmark for good practice across the UK and help ensure that playwork is recognised as a distinct profession, underpinned by the Playwork Principles and a commitment to children’s right to play.
How are the standards used?
The NOS have a range of practical applications across the sector. Awarding organisations use them to develop and update playwork qualifications, while training providers use them to inform learning and development. Employers can also use the standards to support recruitment, develop job descriptions, identify training needs and assess the quality of playwork practice.
For practitioners and managers, the standards provide a useful reference point for professional development, reflective practice and workforce planning.
About the review
Between 2024 and 2026, the UK Playwork NOS Consortium undertook a review of the standards, bringing together the expertise of organisations such as Play Wales, Play Scotland, PlayBoard Northern Ireland, Play England and the Playwork Foundation.
The review provided an opportunity to consider how the standards are used across the four nations and to ensure they continue to reflect the knowledge, skills and professional values needed within contemporary playwork practice.
The updated standards, alongside a Functional Map and Glossary, are now available to support the sector. Awarding organisations can use the revised standards to inform the development and updating of playwork qualifications.
PlayBoard NI is proud to be part of this collaborative work, helping to ensure that the voice and experience of the Northern Ireland playwork sector contribute to the development of standards that support a skilled, confident and effective workforce.