How to become a health play specialist

A health play specialist uses therapeutic play to help children and young people understand their illness, prepare for procedures and cope with treatment. Most work in NHS hospitals, and NHS Health Careers says the specialist grade is usually band 4 or 5, with a senior specialist at band 5. You qualify through a two-year foundation degree in healthcare play specialism or a level 5 apprenticeship, and most employers expect registration with the Society of Health Play Specialists.

What the job involves

The National Careers Service lists the work as carrying out therapeutic assessments, designing play activities to meet each child’s needs, running play, art and craft sessions at the bedside, on the ward or in a play area, and advising parents and carers on activities they can do with their children. You work closely with families and with nurses, doctors and other clinical staff, and keep records.

Most posts are in hospital outpatient or inpatient departments. NHS Health Careers adds that some specialists work in hospices or community settings and a few see children at home. The role is emotionally demanding, and weekend work can be part of it. It sits in the same part of the hospital as children’s nurses, though the two jobs are separate.

Three levels of health play staff

NHS Health Careers describes three levels. A health playworker or play assistant provides play opportunities for children in hospital or attending clinics, typically at band 3. A registered health play specialist uses play to explain illness and treatment, prepares children for procedures and supports them during them. A senior specialist can lead the service and manage playworkers and assistants.

Entry requirements and training

For the foundation degree, the National Careers Service and NHS Health Careers list:

• a childcare qualification at level 3 or above
• GCSEs or equivalent in English and maths
• at least two years’ paid or voluntary experience working with children

The course is part time over two years, mixing study with placements of at least 200 hours a year. If you do not already work in a healthcare setting, you have to arrange your own placement. During workplace training you need a mentor who is an experienced, registered health play specialist.

A level 5 apprenticeship standard has also been approved. You apply for an apprentice post with a healthcare provider through NHS Jobs or Find an Apprenticeship, and you need at least two years’ experience with children. Our NHS apprenticeships guide covers how these work.

Registration and checks

You register with the Society of Health Play Specialists, and registered specialists must keep their knowledge and skills up to date. Enhanced background checks apply because the job involves working with children and vulnerable adults. Our guide to DBS check levels covers what is checked.

Pay and hours

In the NHS, health play specialists are usually on band 4 or 5, and NHS Health Careers gives a standard 37.5-hour week. From 1 April 2026 band 4 in England runs from £28,392 to £31,157 and band 5 from £32,073 to £39,043. The guides to band 4 and band 5 explain the steps. The National Careers Service gives a wider typical range of £28,000 to £39,000, and terms outside the NHS usually differ.

Where the career goes

Specialists can progress to senior play specialist posts leading a team, move into hospice or community paediatric work, or manage a play department. Some retrain as a healthcare professional, such as a children’s nurse, occupational therapist, child psychotherapist or counsellor.

Skills the role calls for

The National Careers Service lists counselling skills, including active listening and a non-judgemental approach, sensitivity and understanding, excellent verbal communication, patience and calmness under pressure, flexibility, teamwork and a strong desire to help people. It also says employers expect you to understand how the NHS values apply to your work, so prepare examples for the interview. Our NHS values-based interview guide shows what panels ask.

The role may involve wearing a uniform, and because the work is emotionally demanding it is reasonable to ask at interview what support the play team and the trust offer staff.

Applying

Posts are advertised on NHS Jobs. Show the childcare qualification, the years of experience with children and, where you have it, SoHPS registration. If you are not yet qualified, apply for play assistant posts to build hospital experience first.