Health Play Specialist

Course Information

Introduction

The occupation provides therapeutic play to support children and young people in healthcare, helping them understand medical treatments, manage conditions, and promote healthy growth through play-based strategies.

Overview

This occupation, found in hospitals, clinics, hospices, and community settings, provides therapeutic play interventions supporting children from birth to young adulthood throughout their healthcare journey. Play helps children understand medical conditions, treatments, and lifestyle changes, promoting informed consent and emotional resilience. Health play specialists assess, observe, and support children and families, providing reports for safeguarding and legal processes. They collaborate with medical, educational, and social professionals to create supportive environments. Using play, they reduce stress, prepare children for procedures, and aid recovery, supporting children through all stages, including end-of-life care, while maintaining professional standards and ongoing development.

Entry requirements

The employer will agree entry requirements for these apprenticeships and these will depend on the role that they are advertising.

Available apprenticeships and progression options

• Activity Co-Ordinator
• Healthcare Play Specialist
• Learning Disability Health Support Specialist
• Play Leader
• Therapeutic Co-Ordinator
• Youth Support Co-Ordinator