Play Worker in London inLondon PUBLISHED MON 10 NOV 2025 Jump to job information section

Band 3: £30,546 to £32,207 a year Per annum inc PERMANENT NO SPONSORSHIP

Barts Health NHS Trust rI1unZvp

Job description

Bring creativity, calm and compassionate support to children and families at The Royal London Children’s Hospital as a Play Worker with Barts Health NHS Trust. You will work alongside Health Play Specialists and fellow Play Workers across both in‑ and out‑patient areas to create a safe, child‑centred space where normalising, sensory and developmental play helps reduce stress and aid recovery. Day‑to‑day you’ll plan and deliver age‑appropriate play programmes, select activities using your knowledge of child development, spot children who need extra support and liaise with Play Specialists and the wider multi‑disciplinary team. This role suits caring, resourceful people who can work on their own initiative and as part of a team, and who enjoy supporting children of varying ages and abilities, including those with additional needs.

This permanent, full‑time Band 3 post is based at the Royal London Hospital (E1) and pays £30,546–£32,207 per year (Agenda for Change). Essential requirements include five GCSEs at Grade C or above (including Maths and English) and NNEB or NVQ Level 3 in childcare (or equivalent), plus proven experience working with children or young people in play, education or a hospital setting; an enhanced DBS check will be required. Barts Health offers a culture of inclusion, practical CPD and a clear focus on improving services — a role that combines hands‑on care with professional development. If this sounds like the right next step, please click the "Apply Now" button next to this advert to submit your application — you can also find and review this vacancy on jobsincare.com. Please check your right‑to‑work and visa eligibility before applying.

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Benefits

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More information related to this job opportunity, from jobsincare:

Useful skills for a Play Worker: Click to view

To work as a Play Worker in the UK, there are several key skills and qualifications that are generally required or beneficial for the role:

1. Understanding of Child Development: Knowledge of the stages of child development and the importance of play in learning is crucial. This includes understanding physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development.

2. Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively with children, parents, and colleagues. This includes listening to children, encouraging them, and explaining activities clearly.

3. Creativity and Imagination: Being able to plan and lead engaging activities that foster children's creativity and encourage imaginative play.

4. Organizational Skills: Planning and organizing play activities, as well as managing time effectively to ensure a safe and structured environment.

5. Flexibility and Adaptability: Ability to adapt to the needs and interests of different children and to be flexible in response to changing situations.

6. Teamwork: Working collaboratively with other staff members and professionals to create a supportive environment for children.

7. Patience and Empathy: Understanding and being sensitive to the needs and feelings of children, and having the patience to deal with challenging behaviors.

8. Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to handle conflicts, challenges, and unexpected situations that may arise during play.

9. Knowledge of Safeguarding Procedures: Understanding the policies and procedures in place to protect children’s welfare and safety.

10. Health and Safety Awareness: Knowledge of relevant health and safety regulations and how to create a safe play environment.

11. First Aid Certification: Having a basic first aid qualification is often a requirement or a highly desirable skill in many roles involving children.

Qualifications:

While formal educational qualifications may not always be mandatory, many employers prefer candidates with specific qualifications, such as:

- NVQ/SVQ Level 2 or 3 in Playwork: These qualifications provide essential skills and knowledge needed in the field.

- Child Care qualifications: Such as a Level 2 or 3 diploma in Child Care and Education or similar.

- CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Playwork: A recognized qualification that covers the principles and foundations of playwork.

Experience:

Having practical experience working with children in various settings (such as schools, nurseries, or community centers) can also be very beneficial. Volunteering or internships can provide valuable exposure.

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51.50740692743041 -0.12772400574286913 London

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