Children\'s Play and Health Care Worker- Stockport and GM Region in Bolton

Join Lagans Foundation as a Childrens Play and Health Care Worker and make a genuine difference in the lives of children with complex health and developmental needs. This is not traditional care work; it is a unique opportunity to support children through play, connection and meaningful engagement, helping them thrive at home, during school transport, and in their community.

You will become part of our dedicated internal care team, where every shift matters and every interaction helps a child feel safe, understood and supported. We are looking for someone passionate, resilient and empathetic, who enjoys working creatively and responding to each child's unique world.

If you want a role where you can bring joy, build real relationships, and be part of a warm, supportive charity that truly values its people, we would love to hear from you.

As a Childrens Play and Health Care Worker, you will support children with health and developmental needs through engaging, play-based interactions. Your duties include:

• Providing safe, high-quality care in the home and community
• Supporting learning and emotional wellbeing through play
• Helping children build confidence and independence
• Following individualised care plans
• Recording key observations
• Communicating effectively with families and colleagues to ensure consistent support

The role also involves attending training, team meetings and regular supervision to help you develop your skills. You will work independently during sessions, while being part of a supportive internal care team who share responsibility for each child's wellbeing. Shifts include after-school and weekend sessions, with the opportunity for additional hours depending on availability and training.

Lagans Foundation is a unique childrens charity that provides specialised in-home and community support for children with complex health and developmental needs. Our work is rooted in compassion, creativity and connection; we believe in supporting children not only through care, but through meaningful play, positive experiences and trusted relationships.

Our team is small, supportive and deeply committed to making a difference. We work collaboratively, value each other's strengths and ensure every employee feels part of the Lagans family. You will be joining a passionate team who celebrate individuality, share knowledge and provide continuous support and encouragement.

We offer ongoing training, professional development and emotional wellbeing support, including access to unlimited counselling, a Health Cash Plan, and flexible benefits. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

At Lagans Foundation, you will never be just a worker; you will be part of a community making real change in children's lives.

Childrens Play and Health Care Worker (6-12 month Experience) Must DRIVE & have OWN CAR. No visa Sponsorship available.

• Use play to connect, support learning, development and emotional wellbeing
• Actively contribute to meaningful, fun, and safe experiences
• Provide high-quality care alongside play, including personal care where needed
• Build trusted relationships with families and colleagues
• Think on your feet and adapt to each child's unique world
• Attend regular team meetings, training, and supervision
• Keep up-to-date records and contribute to excellent communication across the team
• Be a true ambassador of Lagans Foundation; we are one family

We hire people, not just qualifications. We're looking for individuals who naturally live our five values:

• Passion: You care deeply about helping children thrive
• Resilience: You can handle emotional situations with strength and grace
• Integrity: You do the right thing, even when no one is watching
• Good Communication: You listen well, speak kindly, and work as part of a team
• Empathy: You truly understand and connect with the children and families you support

In addition, you'll need:

• Experience working with children and young people
• A love for play-based learning and interaction
• Confidence to work independently and collaboratively
• A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle (with business insurance)
• A willingness to work towards, or already hold, Level 3 Health & Social Care
• Ideally, a qualification in childcare, play work, or similar and Level 2 Health and Social Care
• A clear Enhanced DBS-Child & Adult

To apply for this role, you must:

• Be a UK national, or
• Have settled/pre-settled status, or
• Hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE)
• Have been ordinarily resident in the UK or EEA for at least the past 3 years before the start of the role
• Be aged 16 or over and not in full-time education
• Have the right to work in the UK; we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role

Applicants who do not meet these criteria unfortunately cannot be considered.

Because we are a family; we take care of our own. Here's what you'll get in return:

• 28 days holiday (FTE)
• Health Cash Plan (Hospital Saturday Fund) and Perkbox
• Unlimited Counselling
• Flexible benefits and salary sacrifice options
• On-site parking where applicable
• Ongoing training, professional development, and emotional support

At Lagans Foundation, we welcome you; all of you. We embrace diversity, celebrate individuality, and support every team member to grow. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer, and we're happy to talk about flexible working and any reasonable adjustments you may need.

Ready to Help Children Thrive Through Play? If you want to bring light into the life of a child with complex needs, and you believe in the power of play, care, and connection, we want to hear from you. Send in your CV to applications@lagans.org.uk or call 01204 800304 to have an informal chat.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 6-12 months experience working with children or young people
• A genuine passion for supporting children with health and developmental needs
• Good communication skills and ability to build positive relationships
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Full UK driving licence
• Access to own car for work purposes and willingness to add business insurance
• Right to work in the UK without the need for sponsorship
• Willingness to complete or work towards Level 3 Health and Social Care
• Willingness to undertake personal care tasks where required
• Ability to maintain accurate written records
• Enhanced DBS check (Child and Adult Workforce) or willingness to obtain one
• Availability to work the required shift pattern (after-school and weekend hours)
• Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care, Childcare, Playwork, Early Years or a related field
• Level 2 Health and Social Care (if not already completed)
• Experience supporting children with complex health needs, disabilities or developmental delays
• Experience delivering play-based learning or therapeutic play
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and child development
• Training in areas such as first aid, moving and handling, epilepsy awareness, PEG feeding, or other relevant clinical skills
• Experience working within a homecare or community care environment
• Ability to adapt care and play activities to meet individual needs
• Experience working with families and multi-disciplinary teams
• Understanding of emotional well-being and behaviour support strategies

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.