Unlocking the Power of Play: A Level 5 Health Play Specialist Apprenticeship
Imagine a world where children can express themselves, learn, and heal through the power of play. That’s the world of health play specialists.
A Level 5 Health Play Specialist Apprenticeship is a work-based program that allows you to earn a professional qualification while working full-time in a healthcare setting. The apprenticeship typically takes two years (24months) to complete and includes a combination of on-the-job training and off-the-job study.
Job Summary
Health play specialists play an essential role in supporting children through the use of play strategies to help children, young people, and their families cope with the challenges of illness and hospitalisation.
Health play specialists use different play-based techniques to get children and young people’s permission as their condition changes, their cognition develops, they transition to adult services, or they approach the end of life.
These play strategies include:
- Storytelling
- Role-playing
- Art
- Games and activities
Health play specialists work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, hospices, community health centers alongside educational settings. Undoubtedly, they play a vital role in ensuring that children receive the best possible care and support.
Health Play Specialists assess, observe, and play with children to understand their relationships with their families, skills, and behaviours. Additionally, They provide professional reports for the safeguarding process and may be required to testify in family court.
Therefore a non-judgement approach is required as children are admitted to hospitals at a time of family crisis which has resulted in an injury or significant neglect to the infant child or young person.
Entry Criteria
To be eligible for a Level 5 Health Play Specialist Apprenticeship, you must typically have at least five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English and Maths as well as a Foundation Degree in Healthcare Play Specialism.
Furthermore, you may also need to have some experience working with children or young people.
If you’re looking at this apprenticeship but have been resistant due to the lack of GCSE’s, do not fret as apprentices without level 2 English and maths are still eligible. Granted that you achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment.
On the other hand, for those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3.
On the other hand, a British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.
Key Responsibilities
As a health play specialist, you will be responsible for:
- Providing therapeutic play interventions for children, young people, and their families
- Working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement care plans
- Assessing and observing children’s development to help plan short- and long-term interventions
- The HPS will be responsible for the management of budgets, including resources and staff. Therefore, specific HPSET training and registration requirements must be met to be able to mentor play specialist students on the higher apprenticeship.
- Understanding what each child needs and creating play activities that are just right for them.
- Promoting children’s emotional well-being and coping skills
Main Competencies
The main competencies for health play specialists include:
- Knowledge of child development and play theory
- Understanding of the impact of illness and hospitalisation on children and their families
- Ability to assess children’s needs and develop individualised play-based interventions
- Skill in using a variety of play-based techniques
- Ability to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals
- Commitment to ethical and professional practice
- Ability to recognise and analyse behaviours and create suitable plans for all parties
Modules and Exams
The Level 5 Health Play Specialist Apprenticeship typically includes the following modules:
- Introduction to Health Play
- Play Theory and Child Development
- Therapeutic Play Interventions
- Assessment of Children’s Needs
- Working with Children and Families
- Ethical and Professional Practice
On top of that, you will also be required to complete a number of assessments including a portfolio of work, a practical observation, and a written exam.
Conclusion
Above all, a Level 5 Health Play Specialist Apprenticeship is a rewarding and challenging opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and their families.
In conclusion, if you are passionate about using play to help children heal, then this apprenticeship is the perfect way to start your career.