Overview
This Level 5 Health Play Specialist apprenticeship provides the opportunity to develop specialist skills in supporting children and young people within a hospital environment while working towards a nationally recognised qualification. Apprentices will work alongside experienced Health Play Specialists to use therapeutic play and distraction techniques that help reduce anxiety, encourage normal development, and improve the overall hospital experience for children and their families.
The role involves planning and delivering age-appropriate play activities, supporting children before and during medical procedures, maintaining safe and stimulating play environments, and working closely with families and multidisciplinary healthcare teams. Apprentices will also develop an understanding of safeguarding, child development, infection prevention, patient confidentiality, and professional healthcare practice. The programme is suited to individuals with previous childcare or early years experience who are passionate about supporting children in healthcare settings and are committed to completing the Level 5 Health Play Specialist qualification.
About the Employer
We provide hospital services from two acute sites – Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients’ homes.
Training to be Delivered
- Learn to plan and deliver therapeutic play activities that support children’s emotional wellbeing, development, and hospital experience.
- Develop skills in using play and distraction techniques to help children and young people prepare for and cope with medical procedures.
- Gain knowledge of safeguarding, child development, infection prevention, confidentiality, and multidisciplinary healthcare practice.
- Complete a nationally recognised Level 5 Health Play Specialist qualification through workplace learning and academic study.
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