Healthcare Play Specialist

Healthcare Play Specialist
- Peterborough

Transform Hospital Stays for Children
- Join Our Dedicated Play Team!

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children during their hospital journey? Do you have the skills and enthusiasm to create a positive, playful environment that supports emotional and physical recovery? If so, we want you to join our expanding Play Team at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust!

The opportunity to work as a registered Healthcare Play Specialist in NHS. Use evidence‑based practice to assess, plan, and deliver therapeutic play interventions tailored to individual needs. You will work across two sites, supporting children and families.

Our Play Service is integral to the holistic care we provide for children and young people aged 0‑17 years across two sites. We strive to create an environment where play is not just an activity but a vital component of healthcare, supporting developmental, therapeutic and recovery needs.

• A Healthcare Play Specialism qualification (Foundation Degree or equivalent).
• Registration as a Healthcare Play Specialist.
• Proven experience working with children in a healthcare setting.
• Strong communication, time management, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team across sites.

• Work collaboratively within the Play Team and the wider multidisciplinary team.
• Use therapeutic and developmental play techniques to meet emotional, physical, and social needs of children and young people.
• Support families in engaging with child’s play and recovery journey.
• Facilitate distraction and preparation techniques for invasive or painful procedures.
• Develop individual play programs for long‑term or specific needs patients.
• Act as an advocate for the importance of play within the hospital setting, showcasing its value to the wider healthcare team.

• Registered & qualified Health Play Specialist holding the Foundation Degree in Healthcare Play Specialism, Edexcel/BTEC in specialised play for sick child or previous HPSC/HPSEB or international equivalent.
• Knowledge of recent, relevant health policy & guidance and NAHPS Guidelines for Professional Practice.
• Knowledge of professional and ethical issues including professional boundaries, clinical governance and safeguarding children policies and practice.
• Knowledge and understanding of therapeutic play and child development.

• Experience working with children and/or young people and their families in a health care setting.
• Experience working effectively as a team member within an MDT.
• Experience working with children and/or young people with special needs including those with neurodiversity or challenging behaviours.
• Experience leading play/recreation activities for babies, children and/or young people.

• Up to date registration with HPSET.

• This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires Disclosure and Barring Service check.
• Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

£28,392 to £31,157 a year, pro rata.