Children's Play and Health Care Worker

Join Lagans Foundation as a Childrens Play and Health Care Worker and make a genuine difference in the lives of children with complex health and developmental needs. This is not traditional care work it is a unique opportunity to support children through play, connection and meaningful engagement, helping them thrive at home, during school transport, and in their community. You will become part of our dedicated internal care team, where every shift matters and every interaction helps a child feel safe, understood and supported. We are looking for someone passionate, resilient and empathetic, who enjoys working creatively and responding to each childs unique world. If you want a role where you can bring joy, build real relationships, and be part of a warm, supportive charity that truly values its people, we would love to hear from you., As a Childrens Play and Health Care Worker, you will support children with health and developmental needs through engaging, play-based interactions. Your duties include providing safe, high-quality care in the home and community, supporting learning and emotional wellbeing through play, and helping children build confidence and independence. You will follow individualised care plans, record key observations, and communicate effectively with families and colleagues to ensure consistent support. The role also involves attending training, team meetings and regular supervision to help you develop your skills. You will work independently during sessions, while being part of a supportive internal care team who share responsibility for each childs wellbeing. Shifts include after-school and weekend sessions, with the opportunity for additional hours depending on availability and training., As a Children's Play and Healthcare Worker, you'll join our vibrant internal care team, supporting a child with health and developmental needs at home, during school transport, and in the community. You'll be there to play, engage, and care not just provide personal support. This role isn't about ticking care plans its about creating moments that matter. Shifts and Availabilitiy:Shift lengths may vary depending on the needs of the children and families we support and can range from approximately 2 to 6 hours. Shifts may include early mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends. We are looking for individuals who can offer clear and consistent availability during the following core hours: Monday to Friday: 6:00 am 10:00 pm Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 am 10:00 pm Applicants should be available to work at least two weekends per month. As the needs of the families we support can change, shift patterns and rotas may occasionally need to be adjusted. We work on a rolling rota basis and aim to provide regular communication and reasonable notice wherever possible. We are committed to supporting staff wellbeing and ensuring appropriate rest breaks are taken. Staff will not be scheduled to work seven days a week. Due to the nature of the role and the importance of continuity for families, reliable and consistent availability is essential. What You'll Do

• Use play to connect, support learning, development and emotional wellbeing
• Actively contribute to meaningful, fun, and safe experiences
• Provide high-quality care alongside play, including personal care where needed
• Build trusted relationships with families and colleagues
• Think on your feet and adapt to each childs unique world
• Attend regular team meetings, training, and supervision
• Keep up-to-date records and contribute to excellent communication across the team
• Be a true ambassador of Lagans Foundation we are one family
  
  We hire people, not just qualifications. Were looking for individuals who naturally live our five values:
• Passion You care deeply about helping children thrive
• Resilience You can handle emotional situations with strength and grace
• Integrity You do the right thing, even when no one is watching
• Good Communication You listen well, speak kindly, and work as part of a team
• Empathy You truly understand and connect with the children and families you support
In addition, you'll need:
• Experience working with children and young people
• A love for play-based learning and interaction
• Confidence to work independently and collaboratively
• A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle (with business insurance)
• A willingness to work towards, or already hold, Level 3 Health & Social Care
• Ideally, a qualification in childcare, play work, or similar and Level 2 Health and Social Care
• A clear Enhanced DBS-Child & Adult, Be a UK national, or
• Have settled/pre-settled status, or
• , Hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE), Minimum 612 months experience working with children or young people
• A genuine passion for supporting children with health and developmental needs
• Good communication skills and ability to build positive relationships
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Full UK driving licence
• Access to own car for work purposes and willingness to add business insurance
• Right to work in the UK without the need for sponsorship
• Willingness to complete or work towards Level 3 Health and Social Care
• Willingness to undertake personal care tasks where required
• Ability to maintain accurate written records
• Enhanced DBS check (Child and Adult Workforce) or willingness to obtain one
• Availability to work the required shift pattern (after-school and weekend hours), Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care, Childcare, Playwork, Early Years or a related field
• Level 2 Health and Social Care (if not already completed)
• Experience supporting children with complex health needs, disabilities or developmental delays
• Experience delivering play-based learning or therapeutic play
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and child development
• Training in areas such as first aid, moving and handling, epilepsy awareness, PEG feeding, or other relevant clinical skills
• Experience working within a homecare or community care environment
• Ability to adapt care and play activities to meet individual needs
• Experience working with families and multi-disciplinary teams
• Understanding of emotional well-being and behaviour support strategies
  
  Lagans Foundation is a unique childrens charity that provides specialised in-home and community support for children with complex health and developmental needs. Our work is rooted in compassion, creativity and connection we believe in supporting children not only through care, but through meaningful play, positive experiences and trusted relationships.
Our team is small, supportive and deeply committed to making a difference. We work collaboratively, value each others strengths and ensure every employee feels part of the Lagans family. You will be joining a passionate team who celebrate individuality, share knowledge and provide continuous support and encouragement. We offer ongoing training, professional development and emotional wellbeing support, including access to unlimited counselling, a Health Cash Plan, and flexible benefits. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. At Lagans Foundation, you will never be just a worker you will be part of a community making real change in childrens lives., At Lagan's Foundation, were not your typical care provider. We work differently because children need different things.


• Have been ordinarily resident in the UK or EEA for at least the past 3 years, before the start of the role
• Be aged 16 or over and not in full-time education
• Have the right to work in the UK we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role
Applicants who do not meet these criteria unfortunately cannot be considered. Why Join Us? Because we are a family we take care of our own. Here's what you'll get in return:
• 28 days holiday (FTE)
• Pension scheme
• Health Cash Plan (Hospital Saturday Fund) and Perkbox
• Unlimited Counselling
• Flexible benefits and salary sacrifice options
• On-site parking where applicable
• Ongoing training, professional development, and emotional support
Be You, With Us At Lagan's Foundation, we welcome you all of you. We embrace diversity, celebrate individuality, and support every team member to grow. Were proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer, and were happy to talk about flexible working and any reasonable adjustments you may need. Ready to Help Children Thrive Through Play? If you want to bring light into the life of a child with complex needs, and you believe in the power of play, care, and connection we want to hear from you.