Hospital Play Specialist Apprentice

To facilitate and resource play activities for individual and groups To plan opportunities for play which consider the child/young persons stage of development, medical and cultural needs To plan opportunities for play which can be facilitated flexibly depending on where the child is e.g. play room, bedside etc To encourage opportunities for children/young people to meet developmental milestones and To provide distraction to children undergoing procedures To assist in the creation of a caring and safe play environment for children of all ages To encourage and support parents to join in play with their children To organise activities which encourage independence and provide the opportunity for parents and patients to spend time independently of each other To attend monthly team and staff meetings to share relevant information related to the Trust and the Play team To be responsible for ordering toys and play equipment and ensure that the equipment is maintained in good order in consultation with the Hospital Play Specialist To ensure that play equipment is cleaned routinely in line with the departments infection control policy and cleaning schedules and keep documentation accordingly

Training:

You will need to commit one day per week to attending the university sessions as well as approximately one day per week on professional practice placement in a healthcare setting.

Ability to travel to Leeds to undertake academic studies.



Training Outcome:

It can be an excellent progression route for Healthcare Support Workers, Nursery Practitioners, Teaching Assistants, Childcare Practitioners, or anyone looking to begin a rewarding career in children's healthcare.



Employer Description:

We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.



Working Hours :
To work flexibly across play teams as needed. Hours of work to be discussed at interview.

Skills:
Communication skills,IT skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Problem solving skills,Presentation skills,Administrative skills,Number skills,Analytical skills,Logical,Team working,Creative,Initiative,Non judgemental,Patience,Physical fitness


  • Location:
  • Type: Permanent
  • Recruiter: LUMINATE EDUCATION GROUP
  • Posted: 04-Aug-2026
  • Posted on: findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk