Children’s Play and Health Care Worker- Band 1

Lagan's Foundation; England; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A children's care provider in the UK seeks a Children's Play and Healthcare Worker to support children aged 0-19 with health and developmental needs. In this role, you will foster joy and engagement through play, offering personalized care in their homes. Key qualifications include experience with children, a passion for play-based learning, and the ability to build strong family relationships. The position offers 28 days of holiday, pension, and ongoing professional development.

Benefits

28 days holiday

Pension scheme

Health Cash Plan

Unlimited counselling

Flexible benefits

Ongoing training and development

Qualifications

• Experience working with children and young people.
• Confidence to work independently and collaboratively.
• A clear Enhanced DBS-Child & Adult.

Responsibilities

• Use play to connect and support learning and emotional wellbeing.
• Provide high-quality care alongside play.
• Build trusted relationships with families.

Skills

Passion for helping children thrive

Resilience in emotional situations

Integrity in actions

Good communication skills

Empathy towards children and families

Education

Level 3 Health & Social Care (or working towards)

Qualification in childcare, play work, or similar

Level 2 Health and Social Care (or working towards)

Job description

At Lagan’s Foundation, we’re not your typical care provider. We work differently because children need different things.

As a Children’s Play and Healthcare Worker, you’ll join our vibrant internal care team, supporting children and young people aged 0–19 with a variety of health and developmental needs, in their own homes and communities. You’ll be there to play, engage, and care — not just provide personal support. We are in families’ homes for a minimum of two hours per visit, and during that time, we don’t just tick off tasks, we create joy, promote development, and build lasting memories for children who may have limited time.

This role isn’t about ticking care plans — it’s about creating moments that matter.

Responsibilities

• 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
• Take part in team bonding, training, and buddying new team members
• Be a true ambassador of Lagan’s Foundation — we are one family

What Makes You a Good Fit?

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 and show up for the family and your colleagues
• Integrity – You do the right thing, even when no one is watching and raise concerns if required
• 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 or working towards it
• A clear Enhanced DBS-Child & Adult

Progression Pathway

• Enrol in and complete Level 2 Health & Social Care qualification.
• Demonstrate reliability, competency, and positive feedback from families and colleagues.
• Progress to Carer Level 2 (Band 2) once competencies and qualifications are achieved.

Why Join Us?

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

• 28 days holiday (FTE)
• Pension scheme
• 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

Be You, With Us

At Lagan’s 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 lives of children 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 [e-mail] or call 01204800304 to have an informal chat.