Verified Skilled Worker sponsor

Play Leader

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust

Reading, RG1 5AN £25,760 – £27,476 a year Permanent Posted 1 September 2026 Apply by 13 September 2026

Home Office register entry: Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, Reading

Visa sponsorship

This role is listed by an employer that holds a live Home Office sponsor licence on the Skilled Worker route.

NHS roles fall under the Health and Care Worker route. Public reference figures for that route: the general salary minimum is £25,000 a year, and salaries set by national pay scales (NHS bands) at or above the relevant band rate typically meet the occupation's requirement. Individual eligibility depends on personal circumstances. These figures are public reference information, not advice or a verdict on this job.

Role description

Job summary

To assist the nursing and multidisciplinary team in meeting the needs of children and their families by undertaking delegated duties that support and enable the delivery of family centred care.
To utilise play as a means of improving children's understanding and ability to process elements of hospital admission.
To provide distraction and activities during the hospital stay to maximise the wellbeing of the child and family.
To support the nursing team with elements of clinical care, including completing observations and other investigations.

Main duties of the job

Undertake play and provide activities with children of all ages in a hospital setting.
Provide distraction to reduce distress during procedures and investigations.
Undertake clinical observations and investigations.
Communicate with families and update them on care.
Escalate concerns through nursing and multidisciplinary team.
Clearly document all care given.
Be involved in safeguarding and child protection.
Transfer patients between departments within the hospital.
Work alongside staff in resus to provide emotional support.
Ensure needs of child and family are met.
Be wiling to learn and undertake new skills.
Attend training including mandatory training and other study days relevant to your role.
Bring ideas and enthusiasm to help improve the experience of children and young people in the Paediatric Emergency Department.

About us

Diversity makes us interesting... Inclusion is what will make us outstanding.

Inequality exists and the journey to eliminate it is not easy. Every step we take will be a purposeful step forward to deliver a truly inclusive culture where all our people are enabled to deliver outstanding care, where background is no barrier, and where everyone can be their authentic self and we truly represent our patient community.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where possible. All applicants who have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the post can opt for a guaranteed interview.

If you need additional help with your application please get in touch by calling the recruitment team on 0118 322 6997 or 0118 322 5342.

Our primary method of communication will be via email. However, if you would prefer to be contacted through a different method, please inform the recruitment team.

Date posted

01 September 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£25,760 to £27,476 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

193-8202105UCGB3-PLAYLDR

Job locations

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust

London Road

Reading

RG1 5AN

United Kingdom

Job description

Job responsibilities

To maintain and supervise play activities for individual and groups of children and young people in hospital, according to their individual needs and as part of the overall care plan. Using knowledge of child development when selecting play activities.

To work as part of the play team, to select and apply therapeutic play techniques to include preparation for invasive and non-invasive procedures, distraction therapy, and post procedural play.

To provide support to families under stress and in crisis.

To undertake learning to enable them to perform observations on children/young people. To be able to interpret these in comparison to normal values and indicators and communicate them accordingly. Understands and follows correct escalation procedure when any concerns arise.

Demonstrate willingness in learning/performing clinical skills for example ECGs, urinalysis, venepuncture and cannulation.

Be aware of the importance of safeguarding children/families and will report any concerns following departmental and Trust policies and procedures.

Works a range of shifts, which will cover evenings, weekends and holidays, in order to meet the needs of the Paediatric Emergency Department as a 24 hour service.

To ensure that up to date written records and activity data are maintained in accordance with Professional and Trust standards.

Works as an effective team member. Understands the importance of team working in the delivery of high quality care.

Demonstrates good communication with children, families and colleagues. Effectively communicates in both verbal and written form.

Involves children and families in decisions about their care and wellbeing and advocates for them amongst the multidisciplinary team.

To respect the individuality, values, and cultural and religious diversity of patients and their families, and contribute to the provision of a service sensitive to these needs.

Practices within Data Protection/ Confidentiality/ Caldicott principles and follows relevant policy and procedure.

Be responsible for maintaining equipment in accordance with Trust health and safety standards.

Is able to identify how complaints may arise and how they should be dealt with.

Assist in the monitoring and maintenance of the health, safety and security of self and others in work area. The post holder must ensure that he/ she works within risk management/ occupational health legislation and Trust procedures for safe working practices.

Demonstrate a commitment to continued personal development and attend booked study days.

Person Specification

Training

Essential

Child Care qualification NNEB or NVQ/ Diploma Level 3 Child Care

Experience

Essential

Recent experience of working with children/ young people.

Experience

Desirable

Experience working in a healthcare setting.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

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.