Health Care Play Specialism

About this programme

Develop the specialist skills and confidence to support children’s emotional wellbeing through therapeutic play, guided by experienced practitioners and excellent professional learning opportunities. The Health Care Play Specialism foundation degree provides a supportive and practice‑focused route into a specialist profession that makes a real difference to children, young people and their families. This course introduces you to the principles of therapeutic play, child development, emotional wellbeing, and professional care environments, helping you build the confidence and competence required for safe and effective practice. Across the programme, you'll explore how therapeutic play supports children coping with illness, treatment, hospitalisation, and challenging life events. Through expert teaching, simulation, guided practice hours, and placements you'll learn how to assess children’s needs, plan meaningful play interventions, and work collaboratively within multidisciplinary healthcare teams. You'll be taught by an experienced team of health play specialists, nurses, and child‑health practitioners, ensuring your learning is grounded in the realities of modern healthcare. Strong links with NHS trusts and healthcare partners mean your placements and learning experiences are designed to reflect current professional standards and employer expectations. By combining academic knowledge with hands‑on practical experience, this foundation degree prepares you for a rewarding career supporting children’s emotional wellbeing. Whether you aim to progress into the health play s