Health play specialist

Level

Higher

Length

2 yrs

typical

Sector

Health and science

Pay

Paid

you earn while training

In a nutshell

Health play specialists provide therapeutic play interventions to support children from birth to young adulthood in healthcare settings.

Plan and deliver therapeutic play sessions for hospitalised children

Prepare children for medical procedures using play-based techniques

Support children and families to understand and cope with treatment

Collaborate with nurses, doctors, and clinical psychologists

Maintain play areas and ensure resources are safe and age-appropriate

Observe and record children's emotional responses during care

Advocate for children's developmental and emotional needs within the team

Child development theory and the role of play in wellbeing

Therapeutic and procedural preparation play techniques

Psychological impact of hospitalisation on children and families

Safeguarding children - legislation, recognition, and referral

Distraction, relaxation, and coping strategies for medical procedures

Working within multidisciplinary teams in paediatric settings

Inclusive play for children with disabilities and complex needs

Ready to look for a place?

See live Health play specialist apprenticeship vacancies on the official government service.

A Careermash concept · apprenticeship standard from our careers engine · vacancies via gov.uk.