Play Assistant - Huntingdon

Transformation Unit; Huntingdon; Remote; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

DBS check funded

Job summary

North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust is looking for a Play Assistant (Band 3) to join the Holly Ward team. The role is part-time (22.5 hours per week) across 3 shifts, supporting play and development for children aged 0-17 years in hospital.

You will work in a MDT setting, providing play, distraction and preparation, with cross-site opportunities at Peterborough or Hinchingbrooke. Appropriate level 3 childcare qualifications are required.

Qualifications

• Must hold a Level 3 childcare qualification.
• Experience of working with children/young people.
• Experience of working within a hospital setting.
• CPD evidence and ongoing development appreciated.

Responsibilities

• Provide child-focused play and activities appropriate to age.
• Maintain and prepare play areas and resources across wards.
• Work across Holly Ward and related clinical areas; cross-site working as needed.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Reliability

Patient care

Education

NNEB

NVQ Level 3 childcare

Job description

Main area Play Assistant Grade Band 3 Contract Permanent Hours Part time - 22.5 hours per week (3 shifts per week) Job ref 176-F-8203746

Employer North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Hinchingbrooke Hospital Town Huntingdon Salary £25,760 - £27,476 Per Annum pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 09/10/2026 08:00

Band 3

Job overview

The Play Team at North West Anglia Trust is expanding and recent developments have led to a stronger focus on providing play as an integral part of care across two sites.

Our service provides children and young people from 0-17years with support and interventions, contributing towards their holistic care, and experience. Our aim is to showcase the importance of play to the Multi-disciplinary team, working towards a healthy recovery for the child and young person.

We reserve the right to close this advert earlier than the closing date indicated should we feel we have received sufficient applications.

Main duties of the job

As a Play Assistant working within our Trust the expectations within your role are to be motivated and enthusiastic in providing child focused play with an awareness of child development and the emotional needs of a child in hospital.

To meet the challenges of this post you must hold a level 3 childcare qualification.

The Play Team works on Holly ward a 17 bedded children ward, providing play, distraction and preparation, covering Children's Outpatients, Paediatric Assessment unit and a Day case area.

If you are and overseas candidate wishing to apply and would require sponsorship, you can determine the likelihood of obtaining a CoS for this post by assessing your circumstances against criteria specified on the gov.uk website

Working for our organisation

Priority will be given to colleagues identified as at risk through the Trust’s redeployment process.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Play Team cover 7 days a week, maintain play areas and provide activities and resources that are developmental and age appropriate.

Cross site working at Peterborough or Hinchingbrooke.

Person specification

Education and Qualifications

• NNEB
• NVQ Level three childcare

Experience

• Experience of working with children/young people
• Documented evidence of Continuing Professional Development
• Experience of working as a team member.
• Experience of working within a hospital setting
• Experience of working with Adolescents and Young people

Key Skills

• Reliable and Trustworthy
• Effective verbal and written communication skills

Disclosure & Barring Check Fee

Where your role requires a DBS check, the Trust will pay the fee upfront and reclaim the cost (including a £5 admin fee) from your first month’s salary. Volunteers are exempt.

Our Values – At the heart of all we do
We recruit not just for skills but for behaviours aligned with our core values: dedication, care, courage, and innovation. Show us how you live these values in your application and interview.

International Applicants & Sponsorship
Applications from candidates requiring UK sponsorship are welcome where the role is eligible for sponsorship under current UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) rules.

Please note that not all roles will meet the eligibility requirements for Skilled Worker sponsorship. Eligibility is determined by factors including occupation code, skill level and salary thresholds in line with UKVI guidance.

Most non-UK/Republic of Ireland nationals require a visa to work in the UK. Candidates are encouraged to review current visa requirements and eligibility before applying:
Check UK visa eligibility

If applying from overseas, you may also be required to provide a criminal record certificate for any country in which you have lived for 12 months or more during the past 10 years.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.