Hospital Play Specialist


Company:	NHS Jobs
Salary:	£34,186 to £37,389 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	London, EC1V 9EZ
Job type:	Contract
Posting date:	16 Sept 2026
Closing date:	28 Sept 2026

Apply for this job

Summary

MAIN RESPONSIBILTITES Create a suitable environment with the co-operation of other staff in which play occurs naturally for children and young people participating in research and the clinical areas they move through: the Clinical Research Facility, the 2nd floor research area, the Day Ward area, Theatres, Paediatric Accident and Emergency and Paediatric Outpatient Clinics. To supervise play environment in the satellite locations as directed by the Paediatric & Research Service, as required. Participate in the assessment of play development needs of individual children. Provide organised play and/or stimulation within the restrictions of the environment and the individual child's condition. Participate in the provision of play preparation and distraction for clinical procedures and for children undergoing surgery. Be responsible for the selection of materials, toys and play equipment and see that the equipment and toys are safe, clean and maintained in good order. Liaise with multi - disciplinary team with regard to appropriate play and observe and report on individual children's response to play. Participate in safeguarding children and young people within the Trust to ensure their safety and to adhere to the safeguarding policy. Supervise students undertaking childcare courses from educational Institutes. Welcome and make each family as comfortable as possible in the waiting and play areas. Communicate to parents in a manner that they understand with regards to their child. Provide support to families under stress and in crisis. Devise individual play programmes for children and young people in the hospital and provide play and distraction within clinics and satellite clinics. Respect the individuality, values, cultural and religious diversity of the child and their families and contribute to the provision of a service sensitive to these needs. Keep abreast of trends by attending study days and conferences at the discretion of the Senior Play Team staff and senior Paediatric and Research Nursing staff. Review and reflect on own practice through the effective use of clinical supervision and appraisal.

Apply for this job