Health play specialist

You can do a healthcare play specialism foundation degree, which you'll need to register with the Society of Health Play Specialists.

To get onto the course, you usually need:

• a childcare qualification at level 3 or above
• GCSEs or equivalent in English and maths
• at least 2 years' experience of working with children – paid or voluntary

This is a 2-year, day-release course. It combines academic study with work placements.

If you're not already working in a healthcare setting, you'll need to arrange a placement during the course. You will need to complete at least 200 hours of work placements for each year.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You may be able to apply for the Health Play Specialist Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship, if you have at least 2 years' experience of working with children. You should also be employed in a healthcare setting, for example a hospital or clinic.

You can find vacancies through NHS Jobs.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• search for apprenticeships on NHS Jobs|https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Volunteering in the NHS is a good way to get work experience in healthcare. This can be helpful when you apply for jobs or training.

You can also find opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Do it .

Registrations

you'll need to register with the Society of Health Play Specialists

Career Tips

You would be expected to have an understanding of how the NHS values would apply in your work.

Further Information

You can find out more about becoming a health play specialist from the Society of Health Play Specialists and Health Careers .

As a health play specialist, you would:

• work closely with children, families, carers and health professionals
• carry out therapeutic assessments
• design play activities to meet children's individual needs
• plan and run play, art and craft activities at the bedside, on the ward or in a hospital play area
• create a safe environment that encourages play
• advise parents and carers about activities they can do with their children
• maintain patient records and data

You could work in an NHS or private hospital, at a health centre or at a hospice.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear a uniform.