Job summarycreate a welcoming, safe and caring environment that encourages children to take part in play activities
- act as an advocate for children and young people in their interactions with the healthcare team
- use play to help children and young people settle into life in hospital, to help them prepare for medical procedures and to help calm and distract them during these procedures, facilitating their consent and compliance
- use play to help children reach developmental targets, learn new skills and relearn skills they may have lost during their illness
- facilitate social interaction to help patients and their families to make friends and find support from others in the wards
- observe children playing either in a dedicated playroom, in the ward or at their bedside
- share your assessments and observations with other members of the health team, including speech and language therapists, doctors, nurses and physiotherapists, to support their long-term care plan
- liaise with health play specialists in the community and in hospices to ensure continuity of play interventions
- support families under stress and advise them on how they can use play with their children to help them cope with their diagnosis and treatment
- promote the importance of play and awareness of children's emotional needs during their illness
- ensure all toys and other play facilities are cleaned, maintained and stored safely.
Main duties of the jobact as an advocate for children and young people in their interactions with the healthcare team
plan and implement a range of age-appropriate play, drama, art and craft activities for children and young people, both individually and in groups
use play to help children and young people settle into life in hospital, to help them prepare for medical procedures and to help calm and distract them during these procedures, facilitating their consent and compliance
About usRoyal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) is at the heart of acute and specialist care for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We care for a population of around 470,000 people, a number that increases during visitor seasons. We employ around 6,700 staff, united by a shared commitment to deliver safe, high-quality care. We provide services across three main hospital sites, with around 780 inpatient beds:
- Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro
- St Michael's Hospital in Hayle
- West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance
As a teaching hospital, we're proud to work in partnership with the University of Exeter Medical School, the University of Plymouth School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Peninsula Dental School, supporting the next generation of health professionals. We're committed to staying at the forefront of medical advance; investing in our people, developing our facilities, and expanding the specialist care we can offer locally so more patients can receive the care they need closer to home. We have a growing reputation for research and innovation that helps shape better care for the future. The Knowledge Spa, located on our Truro site, is a vibrant hub for medical, nursing and professional education across clinical and non-clinical roles. It plays a vital role in attracting, developing and retaining highly skilled teams.
We are driven by one clear ambition, Outstanding Care for One and All, care that's safe, kind and high-quality. We are RCHT.
DetailsDate posted: 11 September 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year
Pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: 156-8182772
Job locations: Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, Truro, TR1 3LJ, United Kingdom
Job responsibilitiesPLEASE NOTE: To view the full Job Description and Person Specification, please click the supporting document on the right-hand side.To be an employee of the NHS you need to successfully complete the following:- Identity Checks
- Professional registration and qualification checks
- Employment history and reference checks
- Occupational Health clearance
- Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check
- Right to work in the UK
For further information please visit: Apply through our website
We reserve the right to close this advert early.We may be able to offer flexible working. Please discuss at interview.We may be able to offer sponsorship but this is not guaranteed.Job responsibilitiesPLEASE NOTE: To view the full Job Description and Person Specification, please click the supporting document on the right-hand side.To be an employee of the NHS you need to successfully complete the following:- Identity Checks
- Professional registration and qualification checks
- Employment history and reference checks
- Occupational Health clearance
- Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check
- Right to work in the UK
For further information please visit: Apply through our website
We reserve the right to close this advert early.We may be able to offer flexible working. Please discuss at interview.We may be able to offer sponsorship but this is not guaranteed.Person SpecificationQualifications and experienceEssential- Registered Health Play Specialist
- Edexcel Level 4 Diploma in Specialised Play for Sick Children and Young People or HPSC/HPSEB
Desirable- Membership of professional body (NAHPS
Practical and Intellectual skillsEssential- Knowledge of and ability to apply therapeutic interventions for children experiencing extreme difficulties with hospitalisation, treatment and chronic illness.
DesirableExperienceEssential- Experience of working with complex referrals and managing own caseload.
- Experience of teaching, training, assessment and supervision of students and or volunteers of all levels
Person SpecificationQualifications and experienceEssential- Registered Health Play Specialist
- Edexcel Level 4 Diploma in Specialised Play for Sick Children and Young People or HPSC/HPSEB
Desirable- Membership of professional body (NAHPS
Practical and Intellectual skillsEssential- Knowledge of and ability to apply therapeutic interventions for children experiencing extreme difficulties with hospitalisation, treatment and chronic illness.
DesirableExperienceEssential- Experience of working with complex referrals and managing own caseload.
- Experience of teaching, training, assessment and supervision of students and or volunteers of all levels
Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional informationDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer detailsEmployer name: Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust
Address: Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, Truro, TR1 3LJ, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.royalcornwall.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer detailsEmployer name: Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust
Address: Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, Truro, TR1 3LJ, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.royalcornwall.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact detailsFor questions about the job, contact:Matron for Paediatrics
Carrie Jones
carrie.jones1@nhs.net
07780662652
DetailsDate posted: 11 September 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year
Pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: 156-8182772
Job locations: Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, Truro, TR1 3LJ, United Kingdom
Supporting documentsPrivacy noticeRoyal Cornwall Hospitals Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. 
