Job overview
The post holder will be one of a team of play specialists. You will work to ensure high quality play provision for patients and siblings. Prepare the child and family for treatments and procedures. Facilitate emotional support and help to establish coping strategies. The post will be predominantly in the children’s unit, but also you may be required in other areas of the hospital where children are being cared for.
This is an apprenticeship role, and the post holder will be required to gain substantial new knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) as part of the apprenticeship standard and undertake a range of duties relevant to the role. *The post holder will complete a Level 5 Health Play Specialist Apprenticeship Standard with Southampton Solent University.
Successful candidates will be appointed at Band 3 , 2 year secondment /Fixed term contract while undertaking the Play Specialist Apprenticeship. On successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will progress to a permanent Band 4 Play Specialist position.
Main duties of the job
A hospital play specialists main duties include implementing therapeutic and developmental play to help children cope with illness and hospitalisation, preparing them for medical procedures through age-appropriate explanations and play techniques, and supporting their emotional well-being by reducing anxiety and distress. They also work to maintain cognitive, social, and physical development during hospital stays, collaborate with families and healthcare teams to improve communication and involvement, and advocate for the child’s needs to ensure a positive, child-centered care experience.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Provide and maintain a safe, child‑friendly, welcoming environment that promotes play, normality, and routine during hospital admission. Create, plan, and implement individual and group play programmes, adapting activities to accommodate the child’s medical needs, frequent interruptions, and any physical, environmental, or emotional limitations.
Please see attached full Job Description
Person specification
Experience
Essential
- Post qualification experience within a childcare or healthcare setting
Desirable
- Experience of working with children with special needs or challenging behaviours
Qualifications
Essential
- Professional childcare qualification level 3 or equivalent and a willingness to work towards the HPS qualification.
- English and Maths GCSE A- C or Levels 9-4 or equivalent qualifications
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Apprentice Hospital Play Specialist with Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Swindon, South West, England. It is listed as a Band 3 Healthcare support worker role. The advertised salary is £25,760 - £31,157 per annum pro rata. The contract type is Secondment: 24 months (Permanent on successful completion of apprenticeship). The application deadline is 04 Aug 2026.
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