Play Team Assistant
At a glance
- Band
- Band 3
- Contract
- Permanent
- Pattern
- Part-time
- Posted
- 10/09/2026
- Closes
- 25/09/2026
Sponsorship verdict
This contract type is not eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship.
NHS Trusts cannot issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for part-time, bank, locum, zero-hours, job-share or short fixed-term (under 12 months) contracts under current Home Office rules. This applies even when the wider Trust holds a Skilled Worker licence.
“Under current Home Office rules, this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.”Quoted verbatim from the source advert
Role summary
This role involves supporting children, young people, and their families during their hospital stay by providing engaging play, recreation, and developmental activities. You will work alongside Healthcare Play Specialists and multidisciplinary teams to create a safe and inclusive environment. The position requires adapting activities to meet diverse needs and providing emotional support. It's an opportunity to make a genuine difference in children's hospital experiences.
Essential criteria
- CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education. NNEB up to Degree Level or equivalent
- Ability to move and handle patients and equipment.
- Demonstrates clarity and breadth in use of English language.
- Ability to communicate and work with parents and or families under stress and in crisis.
- Knowledge and understanding of child development up to the age of 18 years
- Experience of working effectively in a team.
- Commitment to patient/family-centred, non-discriminatory practice
Desirable criteria
- Previous experience of an acute hospital care setting
- Trust Values
- Patient First
- Working Together
- Always Improving
- Qualifications, knowledge and experience
- CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education. NNEB up to Degree Level or equivalent
- Ability to move and handle patients and equipment.
- Demonstrates clarity and breadth in use of English language.
- Ability to communicate and work with parents and or families under stress and in crisis.
- Knowledge and understanding of child development up to the age of 18 years
- Experience of working effectively in a team.
- Commitment to patient/family-centred, non-discriminatory practice
- Previous experience of an acute hospital care setting
- Trust Values
- Patient First
- Working Together
- Always Improving
Useful to know
Agenda for Change 2024/25 pays Band 3 at £24,625 – £25,674 a year, across England.
This advert: £25,760 – £27,476 — outside the standard scale; check for HCAS/London weighting.
Posted 1d ago · Closes in 15d
Plenty of time to prepare a strong application.
Full advert · preview
University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust
Play Team Assistant
The closing date is 25 September 2026
Job summary
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
Job Title: Play Team Assistant
Contract Type: Permanent
Under current Home Office rules, this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
Please be advised that this vacancy may close earlier than stated if we receive a large number of applications
Main duties of the job
This is an exciting opportunity to join our team to support children, young people and their families during their hospital journey by delivering engaging play, recreation and developmental activities that promote wellbeing, recovery and resilience.
Working alongside our experienced Healthcare Play Specialists and multidisciplinary teams, you will help create a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where children can play, learn and thrive. From supporting children to adjust to hospital life, to providing emotional support during difficult times, no two days are the same.
We're looking for someone who:
Has a passion for working with children and young people.Is creative, compassionate and enthusiastic.Enjoys building positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.Can adapt activities to meet a wide range of developmental and individual
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