JourneyApprenticeshipsHealth play specialist

Health play specialist

Level 5 · HigherHealth and science 2 yr typical
About this apprenticeship

What it involves

The Health Play Specialist apprenticeship at Level 5 trains you to use play and creative activities to help children and young people cope with the anxiety, pain, and disruption of being in hospital or receiving healthcare. You will design and deliver therapeutic play programmes, support children through medical procedures, and work as part of the multidisciplinary healthcare team. Completion leads to registration with Healthcare Play Specialist Education Trust (HPSET) and roles across paediatric wards and community health.

On the job

What you’ll learn

Child development theory and the role of play in wellbeing
Therapeutic and procedural preparation play techniques
Psychological impact of hospitalisation on children and families
Safeguarding children - legislation, recognition, and referral
Distraction, relaxation, and coping strategies for medical procedures
Working within multidisciplinary teams in paediatric settings
Inclusive play for children with disabilities and complex needs
On the job

What you’ll do day to day

Plan and deliver therapeutic play sessions for hospitalised children
Prepare children for medical procedures using play-based techniques
Support children and families to understand and cope with treatment
Collaborate with nurses, doctors, and clinical psychologists
Maintain play areas and ensure resources are safe and age-appropriate
Observe and record children's emotional responses during care
Advocate for children's developmental and emotional needs within the team
The deal

How this apprenticeship works

You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there

What you need to start

Level 5 (Higher) - roughly Foundation-degree level. Usually needs Level 3 (A-levels, a T-Level, or an Advanced apprenticeship) or relevant experience.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 6 (Degree) apprenticeship or a senior role.

Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.

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What it’s really like

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