Play Leader
Closing date: 02 July 2026
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the established Play Service at Sheffield Children’s Hospital on a part‑time basis. This is a varied and rewarding role that requires flexibility, as you will work across the Helena Specialist Nursing Team and Ryegate House, as well as supporting children and families through home and school visits. You will be joining a welcoming and experienced hospital play team.
As a Play Leader, you will be responsible for organising and delivering engaging, age-appropriate play and recreational activities for children and young people aged 0‑19 years who attend Ryegate House or receive support in the community from the Helena team.
About You
- Access to own car
Main Duties
- Provide play services across all areas where children and young people are seen, with working hours aligned to their needs, including evenings and weekends.
- Deliver play activities that are tailored to the age, stage, and individual needs of children and young people across the Trust.
- Maintain a welcoming, safe, and age‑appropriate environment for all children and young people accessing the service.
- Work alongside the Play Specialist to deliver a range of play and distraction programmes that support both developmental and therapeutic needs.
- Actively promote and contribute to the ongoing development of the play service across the organisation.
Qualifications / Training
- English Language GCSE A‑C or Level 2 equivalent
- Level 3 Diploma in Childcare & Education / NNEB Diploma in Nursery Nursing
- NVQ Level 3 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development or other professional qualification
- Childcare Qualification at Level 3 or above
- Hospital Play Certificate
- Play‑work Sector Endorsed Foundation Degree (PSEFD)
- 1 year experience working in a child care setting
- Documented evidence of Continued Professional Development
Experience
- Working with children
- Ability to support volunteers and play assistants
- Caring responsibilities within a health service
Knowledge and Skills
- Family‑friendly environment
- Maintaining a safe environment
- Basic knowledge of Safeguarding/Child Protection
- Understanding the importance of play to minimise the effects of hospitalisation on the child and family
- Promotion of child development
- Written, verbal and non‑verbal communication
- Organisational skills
- Numeracy and literacy skills
- Basic key‑board/IT skills to use hospital information systems, including data entry
- Up‑to‑date mandatory training in moving and handling techniques, including wheelchairs, hoists and trolleys
- Knowledge of child protection and safeguarding Level 1
- Knowledge of infection prevention and control measures
- Knowledge of issues relating to consent, child protection and confidentiality
- Knowledge of developmental, therapeutic play, preparation and distraction for all age hospitalised children
- Ability to evaluate and reflect on own practice and food handling
Personal Attributes
- Commitment to a caring environment
- Flexibility within stated hours and areas of work
Demonstrates Trust Values
- Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975; a Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required.
£28,392 to £31,157 a year pro rata
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