Play Assistant
The closing date is 26 May 2026
The post holder will work alongside a qualified Health Play Specialist to provide age and stage appropriate play opportunities and give support to the hospitalised Children, Young People (CYP) and their families. Throughout this job description we refer to Children, Young People age 0-18 years as CYP, covering CYP with a wide range of developmental abilities and sometimes complexities.
Main duties of the job
Clinical / Therapeutic
* Develop and participate in planning of play programmes to incorporate normality and routine.
* Observe and evaluate the play programmes to meet the needs of CYP and family.
* Provide support for CYP and family.
* Create a safe and welcoming environment for all CYP to experience play whilst in hospital.
* Support effective patient flow by identifying and accompanying appropriate CYP to theatre to reduce delay; this CYP must have been prepared and ready by the nursing staff.
* Have an awareness of hospital communication passports and ensure that all CYP and families have the relevant access to ensure passports in place as required.
* Assist with theatre admission flow team with any actions co‑signed safely by registered nurse in the admission team.
Communication and Documentation
* Participate as a member of the multi‑disciplinary team within the Hospital.
* Be an advocate for CYP and family.
* Provide and document play‑based observations and actions to influence and support the overall assessment of CYP.
* Ensure that up‑to‑date electronic records and activity data are maintained in accordance with professional and Trust standards.
* Participate in patient feedback and work with ward management team to obtain real‑time CYP and families' views.
* Support ward management with CYP and families experience projects such as parent group meetings.
Job responsibilities
Professional Ethics and Clinical Governance
* Respect the individual, values, cultural and religious diversity of patients and their families, and contribute to the provision of services sensitive to these needs.
* Be aware and respect the Rights of the child as laid down by Children Act 2004 and UNICEF.
* Only undertake activities and procedures where relevant training and competency have been obtained and the post holder has been deemed safe to undertake.
Personal and Professional Development
* Gain experience within the play team and further your knowledge of the care of hospitalised CYP.
* Review and reflect on your own practice through effective use of supervision and appraisal.
* Develop and keep an up‑to‑date portfolio.
* Attend courses and update training to reflect current trends.
Staff and Students
* Within the play team support and work alongside new staff and students.
Responsibilities and Resources
* Monitor play resources and inform senior member of the team when equipment is needed.
* Be responsible for maintaining play equipment in accordance with Trust, Health and Safety standards.
Person Specification
Analytical and Judgement
* Able to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service.
* Evidence of previous other health care experience to include observations.
Communication
* Good interpersonal skills.
* Evidence of working within a team.
* Able to function effectively in challenging, emotive situations.
* Experience of hospital communication passports.
Knowledge and Training
* NVQ level 3 or CACHE.
* Evidence of working in a hospital setting or community with CYP.
* Good IT skills and experience of using Teams, electrical documentation.
* Experience of working within a MDT.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Benefits
* 24/7 access to wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme.
* A Rewards & Recognition platform, offering opportunities to thank colleagues, send gifts, and access exclusive discounts.
* A dedicated Staff Wellbeing Hub, providing a space to relax and recharge away from the work environment.
* Salary sacrifice schemes for transport (season ticket loans, car and bike), electrical goods, and childcare.
Contract & Working Pattern
Permanent; Part‑time.
Salary
£30,630 to £32,346 a year pro‑rated per annum.
Location
Coxen ward, The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.
#J-18808-Ljbffr