At a Glance
- Tasks: Organise and deliver fun play activities for children aged 0-19 in a hospital setting.
- Company: Join the welcoming Play Service at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible working hours, including evenings and weekends, with great career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a caring team that supports children's development and well-being.
- Qualifications: Level 3 childcare qualification and experience working with children required.
The predicted salary is between 28392 - 31157 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the established Play Service at Sheffield Children’s Hospital on a part‑time basis. This is a varied and rewarding role that requires flexibility, as you will work across the Helena Specialist Nursing Team and Ryegate House, as well as supporting children and families through home and school visits. You will be joining a welcoming and experienced hospital play team.
As a Play Leader, you will be responsible for organising and delivering engaging, age-appropriate play and recreational activities for children and young people aged 0‑19 years who attend Ryegate House or receive support in the community from the Helena team.
About You- Access to own car
- Provide play services across all areas where children and young people are seen, with working hours aligned to their needs, including evenings and weekends.
- Deliver play activities that are tailored to the age, stage, and individual needs of children and young people across the Trust.
- Maintain a welcoming, safe, and age‑appropriate environment for all children and young people accessing the service.
- Work alongside the Play Specialist to deliver a range of play and distraction programmes that support both developmental and therapeutic needs.
- Actively promote and contribute to the ongoing development of the play service across the organisation.
- English Language GCSE A‑C or Level 2 equivalent
- Level 3 Diploma in Childcare & Education / NNEB Diploma in Nursery Nursing
- NVQ Level 3 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development or other professional qualification
- Childcare Qualification at Level 3 or above
- Hospital Play Certificate
- Play‑work Sector Endorsed Foundation Degree (PSEFD)
- 1 year experience working in a child care setting
- Documented evidence of Continued Professional Development
- Working with children
- Ability to support volunteers and play assistants
- Caring responsibilities within a health service
- Family‑friendly environment
- Maintaining a safe environment
- Basic knowledge of Safeguarding/Child Protection
- Understanding the importance of play to minimise the effects of hospitalisation on the child and family
- Promotion of child development
- Written, verbal and non‑verbal communication
- Organisational skills
- Numeracy and literacy skills
- Basic key‑board/IT skills to use hospital information systems, including data entry
- Up‑to‑date mandatory training in moving and handling techniques, including wheelchairs, hoists and trolleys
- Knowledge of child protection and safeguarding Level 1
- Knowledge of infection prevention and control measures
- Knowledge of issues relating to consent, child protection and confidentiality
- Knowledge of developmental, therapeutic play, preparation and distraction for all age hospitalised children
- Ability to evaluate and reflect on own practice and food handling
- Commitment to a caring environment
- Flexibility within stated hours and areas of work
- Demonstrates Trust Values: Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975; a Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required.
£28,392 to £31,157 a year pro rata
Play Leader in Sheffield employer: Sheffield Children's
Sheffield Children’s Hospital is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and family-friendly work environment where compassion and respect are at the core of our values. As a Play Leader, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people while benefiting from professional development opportunities and a collaborative team culture. Located in Sheffield, you will enjoy a flexible work schedule that accommodates the needs of the children and families we serve, making this role both rewarding and fulfilling.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Play Leader in Sheffield
✨Get Hands-On with Local Clinics
One of the best ways to land a part-time nursing role is to visit local clinics and hospitals. Drop by or call in to inquire about opportunities—many places value a personal touch and are often searching for part-time staff to assist in patient care.
✨Join Nursing Community Groups
Engage with local nursing community groups or online forums. They can be valuable resources for finding out about part-time roles and networking with other professionals in the field who might know of openings at places like Sheffield Children's.
✨Stay Sharp with Continuous Learning
Part-time roles sometimes demand specific skills or certifications. Keep an eye on workshops or webinars that enhance your nursing skills, and don't forget to share your achievements on your social media or professional profiles to catch the eye of employers.
✨Apply Online with Us!
Don’t forget to apply for the part-time nursing positions directly through our website. We make it easy to connect with employers like Sheffield Children's who are looking for fantastic patient care professionals, so get your application in and showcase your passion for nursing!
We think you need these skills to ace Play Leader in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Clinical Skills:When you’re crafting your CV for a nursing role, make sure to focus on your clinical skills and hands-on experience. Detail any specific areas of patient care you excel in, such as wound management or patient education.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:In nursing, strong communication is key, both with patients and fellow staff. Use your cover letter to tell us about a time you effectively communicated with a patient or a team member, showing your ability to work well in a part-time capacity.
Tailor Your Availability:As you’re applying for a part-time position, specify your availability clearly in your application. Highlight how your schedule can support the team's needs at Sheffield Children's, making you an ideal choice for flexible shifts.
Include Relevant Certifications:Don’t forget to mention any nursing certifications or training you’ve completed that are relevant to the role. This could make your application really stand out, especially for a part-time position at Sheffield Children's where specific skills might be in demand.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sheffield Children's
✨Show Off Your Empathy Skills
As a nursing intern, you'll need to convey your empathy and patient care skills. Use specific examples from your studies or previous experiences where you made a positive impact on a patient's experience. This is a great way for us to highlight our interpersonal skills and show that we're tuned into patient needs.
✨Know Your Clinical Knowledge
Expect some technical questions related to nursing practices, patient management, and healthcare ethics. Make sure we brush up on key clinical competencies or procedures, so we're ready to discuss how to handle patient scenarios confidently.
✨Flexibility is Your Friend
Part-time roles often require us to adapt to varying schedules. Be prepared to talk about our availability and flexibility in taking on shifts, as this is crucial for nursing positions. Showing that we're willing to be available when needed can set us apart!
✨Bring a Reflective Portfolio
Since this is a part-time nursing role, it’s a great chance to showcase any relevant work or volunteer experiences. Create a reflective portfolio that includes notes, feedback from mentors, or case studies. This allows us to demonstrate our learning journey and commitment to improving our patient care skills.
