At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in hospital through play, helping them cope with treatment and surgery.
- Company: Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, dedicated to child care and support.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and make a real difference in children's lives.
- Other info: Flexible hours, great for students looking to gain experience in healthcare.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and create a positive impact on young patients' emotional well-being.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required, just a love for working with children and creativity.
The predicted salary is between 29970 - 36483 £ per year.
We have a rare opportunity to join our Play Team on the Child and Adolescent Unit and also support the Children’s Out Patient Department. Our Play Team works with children and young people across all areas of Paediatrics, including children having surgery, children admitted as inpatients, children on the Assessment Unit and children in the Out Patient Department.
A typical day may involve meeting a child who needs to have surgery, using play to assess any worries, finding out their interests and providing appropriate distraction toys. The role may also include accompanying the child to the theatre transfer and into the anaesthetic room, advocating for the child and their family.
Key duties:- Provide developmental play and recreation for all ages and diversities to meet emotional, social and developmental needs.
- Work as a member of the multidisciplinary team, contributing to patient treatment and care plans.
- Use play as a tool to communicate and build rapport with children and young people attending hospital.
- Provide interesting and stimulating play programmes for children, young people and their families.
- Promote awareness of the emotional needs of children and young people in hospital and the importance of play within the multidisciplinary team.
- Create a safe and welcoming environment for all children to experience play whilst in hospital.
- Document play interventions and observations in line with Trust policy and procedure.
- Provide play-based observations to influence and support the overall assessment of the child and, where appropriate, report concerns to the play specialist and/or the nurse in charge.
- Contribute to the selection, monitoring and ordering of play resources to reflect the needs of the patient group.
- Maintain play equipment in accordance with trust health, safety and infection prevention and control policies.
- Support the orientation, training and supervision of new staff and students.
- Where appropriate, support and involve parents in their child’s treatment and play plans.
- Assist in establishing communication links with other agencies involved with the child.
- Refer children to local educational authority for educational support where required.
- Ensure up-to-date knowledge of child protection procedures.
- Respect individuality, values, cultural and religious diversity of patients and families, contributing to a service that is sensitive to their needs.
- Ensure compliance with Trust policies, procedures and guidelines for self and others, taking action or alerting senior management if practice appears to contravene policy or if concerned about any aspect of patient care.
- Take responsibility for own learning and development by recognising and taking advantage of all learning opportunities, including participation in appraisal, supervision, action learning and maintaining a professional/personal portfolio of learning.
- Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures relevant to the role.
- Always work in accordance with the values and behaviours of the trust.
This advert closes on Thursday 21 May 2026.
Hospital Play Assistant | Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Crewe employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the emotional and developmental needs of children in a hospital setting. As a Play Assistant, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on young patients' lives while benefiting from ongoing professional development and training. Located in a vibrant community, our Trust values diversity and inclusivity, ensuring a rewarding experience for both staff and families alike.
Contact Details:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hospital Play Assistant | Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Crewe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the healthcare sector, especially those working with children. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for play! When you get an interview, share specific examples of how you've used play to connect with kids. This will show that you understand the role and are genuinely excited about it.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a job that fits, don’t wait around. Apply through our website and follow up with a quick email to express your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the unexpected! In interviews, you might be asked to demonstrate how you'd engage with a child. Think of fun, creative ways to use play as a tool to ease their worries and showcase your skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Hospital Play Assistant | Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Crewe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Play:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your love for play and how it can positively impact young patients.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Hospital Play Assistant role. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what we’re looking for and how you fit the bill.
Highlight Teamwork Skills:Since this role involves working as part of a multidisciplinary team, emphasise your ability to collaborate with others. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams before, especially in healthcare or educational settings.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our Play Team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Know Your Play Techniques
Familiarise yourself with various play techniques and how they can be used to support children in a hospital setting. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've used play to engage with children, especially in stressful situations.
✨Understand the Multidisciplinary Approach
Research how the Play Team collaborates with other healthcare professionals. Be prepared to share your thoughts on how you would contribute to a multidisciplinary team and why teamwork is essential in paediatric care.
✨Show Empathy and Communication Skills
Demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with children and their families. Think of scenarios where you’ve had to advocate for a child or support a family, and be ready to share these experiences during the interview.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Policies and Procedures
Brush up on relevant policies, especially around child protection and infection control. Show that you understand the importance of these guidelines in creating a safe environment for children and how you would adhere to them in your role.
