Band 3 Play Assistant
Due to an exciting development we are looking to recruit a Band 3 play assistant to join our play team in supporting children and young people through their hospital journey. Candidates must hold a Level 3 child care qualification or equivalent to provide and maintain a safe, friendly and child‑focused environment. The successful candidate will have excellent knowledge, skills and experience in child development, play and communication skills and demonstrate the ability to document and participate in developmental assessments.
For an informal discussion please contact Sally Shepherd or Helen Hayles on 0116 258 7549
Responsibilities
* Provide a safe and welcoming environment, demonstrating a caring and relaxed attitude towards any child and family entering the ward or departments.
* Work with children of all ages, individually or in groups, in a variety of settings.
* Organise and supervise play activities for individual and groups of children and young people in hospital according to their individual needs and as part of their overall plan.
* Provide play‑based observations to support the overall assessment of children and young people.
* Establish effective communication, both verbally and written, with children, families and the multi‑disciplinary team.
* Understand and use play documentation to communicate relevant information and/or progress, being aware of the need for confidentiality.
* Ensure that all toys, play equipment and facilities are clean, in good repair and stored safely.
* Ensure that a safe environment is created for children, their families and staff in accordance with the Trust's safety policy.
We are a national and regional centre for specialist treatment, a renowned biomedical research facility and the local hospital for communities in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. We have an established international reputation for research excellence in cardiovascular, respiratory, diabetes, renal and cancer medicine. Together with University of Leicester, Loughborough University and De Montfort University we provide world‑class training for the future NHS workforce. Our three acute sites are the Leicester Royal Infirmary, the Leicester General Hospital and the Glenfield Hospital. We provide services in seven community hospitals as well as in people’s homes and virtually. As a large health and care provider, we are also a significant local employer. More than 18,000 people from over 70 different nationalities work at UHL, making us the largest employer in the city and one of the largest in the region. We use our economic influence to improve the health and wellbeing of our community through purchasing local goods and services and being a good civic partner. We work with local partners in the health and social care, local authority, voluntary and charitable sectors to improve health outcomes, foster economic and social development and reduce the health inequalities that some groups experience.
The detailed job description and main responsibilities are included as an attachment to this advert.
Additional Responsibilities
* Be responsible for achieving standards of care set by example and direction.
* Be involved in Personal and Development reviews.
* Support play audits.
* Demonstrate flexibility when required to work in other areas.
* Participate in play team meetings.
* Review and reflect on own practice and performance through the effective use of clinical supervision and appraisal.
* Attend mandatory training, keep abreast of current trends in play through reading literature and journals and be supportive to change.
This advert closes on Wednesday 25 Mar 2026.
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