Play Leader

Job summary Fixed Term | 12 Months 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 Childcare level 3 qualification Access to own car Main duties of the job Reporting into the Play specialist and Play Service Manager some of your responsibilities will include: o Provide play services across all areas where children and young people are seen, with working hours aligned to their needs, including evenings and weekends.o Deliver play activities that are tailored to the age, stage, and individual needs of children and young people across the Trust.o Maintain a welcoming, safe, and age-appropriate environment for all children and young people accessing the service.o Work alongside the Play Specialist to deliver a range of play and distraction programmes that support both developmental and therapeutic needs.o Actively promote and contribute to the ongoing development of the play service across the organisation. About us At Sheffield Children's, our purpose is clear: to provide healthier futures for children and young people. Our three strategic aims are Outstanding Patient Care, Brilliant Place to Work, and Leaders in Children's Health. We work with partners across local, regional, and national levels to deliver physical and mental healthcare in both acute and community settings. Many of our clinicians are nationally and internationally recognised for their expertise. We're proud that 73% of colleagues would recommend Sheffield Children's as a place to work, placing us among the top five NHS trusts in England -- and the top-ranked trust in the North East and Yorkshire -- in the latest NHS Staff Survey. Our nearly 4,000 colleagues bring our CARE values -- Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence -- to life every day, creating a kind, welcoming environment where patients and families feel safe and supported. As we approach our 150th anniversary this year, we're excited to keep building our leadership in children's health, improve experiences for patients and staff, and focus on our communities and population health. We also offer excellent benefits to support your wellbeing, with generous annual leave and pension schemes, health and wellbeing programmes, and exclusive discounts -- helping you thrive at work and beyond. Details Date posted 11 June 2026 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 4 Salary £28,392 to £31,157 a year per annum pro rata Contract Fixed term Duration 12 months Working pattern Part-time Reference number 425-26-8014311 Job locations Ryegate Children's Centre Tapton Crescent Road Sheffield S10 5DD United Kingdom Job description Job responsibilities For more information on the main responsibilities for this post, please refer to the job description and person specification. *** This role has been assigned the occupation code 6117 using the CASCOT coding tool. To check the eligibility of this code for sponsorship and right to work please visit - UKVI web address https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations-and-codes Diversity Statement At Sheffield Childrens, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and supports everyones success. We prioritise Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in our recruitment practices, creating a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ members. Recognising that inclusivity is an ongoing effort, we review our processes and welcome feedback to enhance our practices. A diverse team strengthens our organisation and the quality of care we deliver. For ideas on how we can improve, please contact our Recruitment Manager at scn-tr.recruitment.team@nhs.net. Together, were building a workplace where everyone belongs. #LI-Onsite Job description Job responsibilities For more information on the main responsibilities for this post, please refer to the job description and person specification. *** This role has been assigned the occupation code 6117 using the CASCOT coding tool. To check the eligibility of this code for sponsorship and right to work please visit - UKVI web address https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations-and-codes Diversity Statement At Sheffield Childrens, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and supports everyones success. We prioritise Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in our recruitment practices, creating a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ members. Recognising that inclusivity is an ongoing effort, we review our processes and welcome feedback to enhance our practices. A diverse team strengthens our organisation and the quality of care we deliver. For ideas on how we can improve, please contact our Recruitment Manager at scn-tr.recruitment.team@nhs.net. Together, were building a workplace where everyone belongs. #LI-Onsite Person Specification Qualifications/Training Essential 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 Childcare Qualification at Level 3 or above Desirable 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 Experience Essential Working with children Able to support volunteers and play assistants Desirable Caring responsibilities Working within health service Knowledge and skills Essential Family friendly environment Maintaining a safe environment Basic knowledge of Safeguarding/Child Protection To understand the importance of play to minimise the effects of hospitalisation on the child and family To promote development of child Written, verbal and non-verbal communication Organisational skills Numeracy and literacy skills Time-management skills To have basic key board / I.T. skills to effectively use hospital information systems, including inputting data To have up to date mandatory training in moving and handling techniques including wheel chairs, hoists and trolleys To have knowledge of child protection and safeguarding Level 1 To have knowledge of Infection prevention and control measures Desirable Infection Control 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 Food Handling Personal Attributes Essential Commitment to: Caring environment Flexible working Desirable Ability to be flexible within stated hours and areas of work. Demonstrates Trust Values Essential Compassion Accountability Respect Excellence Person Specification Qualifications/Training Essential 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 Childcare Qualification at Level 3 or above Desirable Hospital Play Certificate Play-work Sector Endorsed Foundation degree (PSEFD) 1 y