Hiring and Sponsoring Playworkers (SOC Code 6117)

Playworkers, classified under SOC Code 6117, are dedicated professionals who play a vital role in supporting children's development through play. They facilitate and supervise activities that promote physical, social, and language skills among children, creating an engaging and safe environment. The demand for qualified playworkers is growing as more educational institutions, community centers, and child care facilities recognize the importance of play in child development. This guide will assist HR professionals in understanding the recruitment and sponsorship processes for playworkers under the UK’s immigration system.

• Role Responsibilities:
  • Supervise children's games and activities.
  • Encourage the development of physical, social, and language skills.
  • Provide play areas and prepare materials for a variety of activities.
  • Organize excursions and supervise children during these trips.
  • Ensure all activities adhere to Health and Safety regulations.
  • Manage injuries and emergencies effectively.
  • Clean and organize equipment and premises after use.
  • Liaise with parents, carers, and colleagues, maintaining appropriate records.

As the importance of play in childhood development becomes increasingly recognized, the role of playworkers is integral to fostering a nurturing and enriching play environment for children.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Playworkers?

SOC Code 6117 refers to playworkers who supervise children's games and encourage the development of essential skills through play. Their responsibilities can include:

• Supervising children's play: Ensuring a safe and engaging environment for children's games and activities.
• Developing skills: Encouraging the development of physical, social, and language skills through varied play experiences.
• Preparing materials: Providing play areas and setting up materials for a wide range of children’s activities.
• Promoting independence: Helping children build self-confidence and encouraging social interaction among peers.
• Organising excursions: Planning and supervising outings to enhance children's experiences outside of their usual environment.
• Ensuring safety: Organising and supervising activities in accordance with Health and Safety regulations; responding appropriately to injuries and emergencies.
• Maintaining cleanliness: Putting away equipment and cleaning premises after use to ensure a tidy and safe play environment.
• Liaising with stakeholders: Communicating with parents, carers, and colleagues to keep them informed and involved, as well as maintaining appropriate records.

Playworkers play a vital role in promoting children's development through play, fostering their social skills, independence, and overall well-being.

Eligibility to Hire Playworkers (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Playworkers must possess the skills and qualifications necessary to effectively supervise and engage with children in a variety of play settings. The following criteria apply:

• Experience: Relevant experience in childcare, youth work, or playwork is essential. Prior experience supervising children during play activities is highly regarded.
• Skills: 
• • Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with children, parents, and colleagues.
  • Ability to promote physical, social, and language skills through creative play activities.
  • Knowledge of Health and Safety regulations pertaining to children's play and welfare.
• Qualifications: While formal qualifications may vary, certifications in childcare, First Aid, or playwork (e.g., Level 2/Level 3 Playwork qualifications) are highly desirable.
• Organisational abilities: Capability to plan, set up, and facilitate a diverse range of play activities that encourage children’s independence and social interaction.
• Emergency Response: Proficiency in dealing with injuries and emergencies, as well as maintaining a safe and clean play environment.
• Record Keeping: Ability to maintain accurate records and effectively liaise with parents and colleagues regarding children's progress and activities.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 6117 and that the playworker’s experience and work meet the expectations for the role.

1. Salary Thresholds
2. Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

Sponsoring Playworkers: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring Playworkers under SOC Code 6117.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Playworkers, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Playworkers under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more information. 
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £574, while larger institutions pay £1,579. For more information, visit the sponsor licence fees guide. 
• Processing Time: Applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, which allows you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a CoS to the Playworkers. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Playworkers applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide. 
• Required Documents: Provide details such as the Playworkers’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship for a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Playworkers can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and visa length—use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs. 
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge as part of sponsoring non-UK workers. This is separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Playworkers

Before the Playworkers begins working, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents such as the Playworkers’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Playworkers holds an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right-to-work status.

For more details on how to perform these checks, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting  
2. • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Playworkers’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Playworkers’s role—such as promotions or salary increases—via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance
4. Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor future Playworkerss.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Playworkers

Sponsoring Playworkers under SOC Code 6117 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Guiding you through the application process and ensuring all required documents are submitted correctly. 
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process to make hiring easier. 
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring Playworkers, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Playworkers under SOC Code 6117 can be a rewarding way to enrich the cultural landscape of your organisation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For further guidance, Borderless is ready to assist you with all your sponsorship needs. Contact us for expert advice.