Full job descriptionPlay AssistantNHS AfC: Band 3Main area

Play Assistant
Grade

NHS AfC: Band 3
Contract

Permanent
Hours

Part time - 25.5 hours per week (Not applicable)
Job ref

321-NOTSS-7981434-B3
Site

Horton General Hospital
Town

Banabury
Salary

£25,760 - £27,476 Per annum pro rata
Salary period

Yearly
Closing

07/09/2026 23:59
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research.
The Trust comprises of four hospitals - the John Radcliffe Hospital , Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.
Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community. We call this Delivering Compassionate Excellence and its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence.
Many of our recruitment programmes use Value Based Interviewing to identify those who have the skills we seek, who share our values and who are able to deliver compassionate excellence from the outset. We know that this makes a significant difference to your job satisfaction and above all the outcomes and experience of our patients and their families. For more information about our Values and Value Based Interviewing please visit
Job overviewPLAY ASSISTANT BAND 3
Play Assistant Full time post
This posts is based on the Children’s Ward at the Horton General Hospital in Banbury. You will work alongside our experienced Health Play Specialist and the ward team offering normalised play for the Hospitalised child. This opportunity will be based on an inpatient ward but you may also be asked to support children in A&E, and clinics.
Main duties of the jobThe Play Team and the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust recognises the importance of play and the impact it can have on a patient’s experience, so we are looking for someone who is committed to meeting the needs and engaging effectively with children and young people showing care and compassion in their work.
The successful applicant can learn and develop new skills with the support of the play team and help to promote the play services .
We look forward to hearing from you if you are interested in joining this great team.
Working for our organisationOxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research. Find out more here
The Trust comprises four hospitals - the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.
Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community. We call this Delivering Compassionate Excellence and its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence. These values put patients at the heart of what we do and underpin the quality healthcare we would like for ourselves or a member of our family. Watch how we set out to deliver compassionate excellence via the OUH YouTube channel.
Detailed job description and main responsibilitiesFor this post we require
*A Child care qualification equivalent to the NVQ Level 3
*minimum 1 year post Level 3 qualification experience of working with children
*or
*Undertaking the Foundation degree in Hospital Play specialism.
Person specificationCriteria for the Play Assistant roleEssential criteria*Experience and evidence of further development
*Evidence of working within a MDT team
Desirable criteria*Experience with adolescents and children with challenging behaviour
Sexual Safety Charter : In 2023 NHS England launched its first sexual safety charter, and our Trust proudly signed it. We pledge zero tolerance for inappropriate sexual behaviour and commit to the ten core principles
Oxford University Hospitals promotes a safe, respectful hiring environment.
If you want to make a difference with us, come and join our team. Together, we will uphold the highest standards of care and professionalism.
Vacancy Closures: Please note, this vacancy may close early if a high volume of applications are received.
Visa and Immigration : Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is able to offer Certificates of Sponsorship for all eligible roles for a Skilled Worker Visa without exception, provided the role meets the minimum salary and skill level criteria set by the Home Office (UKVI). All eligible candidates will be considered with equal consideration at all stages of the application and recruitment process. Skilled worker: Health and Care Visa | NHS Employers / Work in the UK - GOV.UK
COVID-19: The COVID-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and of course our patients from the virus when working in our healthcare settings. Whilst COVID-19 vaccination is not a condition of employment, we do encourage our staff to get vaccinated. If you are unvaccinated there is helpful advice and information at Oxfordshire County Council Website where you can also find out more about how to access vaccination.
Probation Period: This post is subject to a 6 month probationary period. If you currently hold a contract of employment with the Oxford University Hospitals, this will not apply. This statement does not apply to Medical staff or Executive Appointments.
Referencing: When providing employment reference details please provide correct work related email addresses so references can be sought promptly when we are looking to progress your application. Your first referee will need to be your line manager, supervisor or clinical lead from your current or most recent post or place of study. Please note that if you have previously worked for the Trust we will require a reference from your last Manager, this information is essential if your offer of employment is to be confirmed.
To note: Applicants must write their own applications. If AI tools are used, the application may be rejected as...