Job summary
The Play Specialist supports the emotional wellbeing and development of children and young people admitted to the acute paediatric ward by providing developmentally appropriate play and activities. The role focuses on helping children cope with hospitalisation, promoting normalisation, and supporting positive healthcare experiences in line with the NHS Play Well Toolkit.
The Play Specialist works as a key member of the multidisciplinary healthcare team , providing high-quality therapeutic play, preparation, and distraction to support children and young people.
Play Specialists use developmentally appropriate play to support children from infancy through adolescence, ensuring care is child-centred, inclusive, and tailored to individual needs. They work closely with families, nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals to enhance the overall patient experience and contribute to positive clinical outcomes.
Main duties of the job
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Provide therapeutic and developmentally appropriate play to support children's psychological, emotional and developmental needs during hospital admission and treatment, in line with Play Well standards for health play services.
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Use play to prepare, support and distract children before, during and after clinical procedures, helping reduce anxiety and potential trauma.
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Create and maintain safe, child-friendly environments that support normalisation, choice and autonomy for children and young people.
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Advocate for the child's voice and preferences within the clinical setting, ensuring their needs and views inform care planning and delivery.
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Work collaboratively with families and the multidisciplinary team to enhance child-centred care and integrate therapeutic play into overall treatment plans.
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Observe, record and communicate children's responses, behaviour and coping strategies to inform ongoing care and service quality.
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Support inclusive play by attending to diverse needs (age, developmental stage, cultural background, communication needs) and using resources appropriately.
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Maintain accurate documentation, uphold health and safety, infection prevention and safeguarding policies, and ensure play equipment is clean and appropriate for purpose.
About us
A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries. staff restaurants and accommodation.
In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year.
There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, submit your application today.
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Using AI for your application may not accurately represent your knowledge, skills, and experience and may result in a disconnect between your qualifications and our assessment of your application.
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Details
Date posted
13 March 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 4
Salary
£27,485 to £30,162 a year per annum, pro rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
374-LL0214
Job locations
Kipling Ward, Conquest Hospital
The Ridge, St Leonards-on-Sea,
Hastings
TN37 7RD
Employer details
Employer name
East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
Address
Kipling Ward, Conquest Hospital
The Ridge, St Leonards-on-Sea,
Hastings
TN37 7RD
Employer's website
http://jobs.esht.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Supporting documents
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