Nursery Nurse

NHS; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 27,000 - GBP 31,000; Part time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare provider in the UK seeks a part-time Nursery Nurse to provide critical support to children on pediatric wards. Responsibilities include assisting in therapeutic play, supporting families, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team. Ideal candidates should have a Level 3 Childcare qualification and experience with children aged 0-18. The position offers an excellent opportunity for professional growth with a commitment to flexibility and development.

Benefits

Training and educational opportunities

Flexible working

Access to fitness facilities

Qualifications

• Experience of working with children aged 0-18 years.
• Willing to undertake further training related to the role.
• Ability to recognize and prioritize workload.

Responsibilities

• Assist the registered practitioner in providing care and assistance.
• Evaluate therapeutic play interventions in healthcare settings.
• Ensure children have opportunities for play in a safe environment.

Skills

Knowledge of child development

Effective communication skills

Empathy and reassurance

Education

Level 3 Childcare and Education qualification

Foundation Degree in Healthcare Play Specialism

Job description

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust

Nursery Nurse

The closing date is 11 February 2026

Part‑time Nursery Nurse Post (25 hours per week) available on our Paediatric wards.

F64 is a 17‑bedded medical ward (2‑16 years).

An individual is sought, who will be able to participate and assist with the play and care of babies, infants and older children from the age range of 0 to 16 years on our busy in‑patient paediatric wards. You will be expected to provide support to children and their families during their stay in hospital and advance the quality of play that our children receive.

Careers are not able to offer Skilled Worker Sponsorship for this role as it does not meet the UKVI threshold requirements. Applicants are requested to consider this when making their application. Please visit Gov.UK for further information.

Main duties of the job

The Paediatric wards here at Sunderland Royal Hospital have a well‑developed and organised team that offers a 24‑hour service, 365 days of the year. You will be required to work on a rota to meet the Service needs and to ensure the highest standards of play are delivered. Weekly hours to be worked over five days (Monday‑Sunday) including some bank holidays.

Ability to work as part of a team as well as working upon own initiative without constant supervision. To have excellent interpersonal skills. Computer skills are required.

Looking for flexible and reliable individual who can help us achieve high standards of therapeutic play in hospital.

You will be supported in your development, including training and educational opportunities beneficial to your role.

FamilyCare is an exciting place to work that will provide you with an opportunity to grow and develop. Many of our staff work flexibly, including part‑time and we are committed to supporting flexible approaches to work wherever possible for our people. Please enquire to see how we might work flexibly with you in this role.

If you are interested in becoming part of our fantastic team, then we would welcome your Application.

About us

Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.

One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award‑winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.

We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under‑represented groups. Looking after our workforce health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.

The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Care Co‑ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.If you use AI,and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, we may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.

Job responsibilities

To assist the registered practitioner in providing high‑quality compassionate care and assistance to patients/relatives and their carers appropriate to their needs.

To use theoretical knowledge and evidence‑based practice to assess, plan, implement and evaluate therapeutic play and recreational interventions whilst in the healthcare setting.

To work as a member of the multidisciplinary team, ensuring every child/young person has the opportunity, encouragement and facilities for play: in a safe secure environment.

To comply with the Trust's vision, values and behavioural compact.

PLEASE REFER TO ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE.

Person Specification

Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge of child development and the ability to apply therapeutic play intervention for children including distraction preparation and post‑procedural play.
• Recognition of the effects of hospitalisation on the child and family.
• Awareness of child safeguarding processes.
• Know the importance of good infection control practices; health and safety and risk management issues to health play services.
• Knowledge of professional and ethical issues, including professional boundaries, clinical governance and safeguarding children's policies and practice.
• Ability to communicate effectively at the appropriate developmental level of the child/young person.
• Basic skills of empathy and reassurance.
• Basic understanding of confidentiality requirements in a healthcare setting.
• Willing to undertake further training related to role.
• Willing to complete Competency‑Based Assessments and a portfolio of evidence, in order to achieve the Care Certificate.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Childcare and Education qualification e.g. NNEB, NVQ Level 3, BTEC or equivalent Childcare Course(s) essential.
• Foundation Degree in Healthcare Play Specialism (or equivalent), or a willingness to work towards.
• Registered health play specialist, or a willingness to work towards.

Experience

• Experience of working with children aged 0-18 years and understanding their developmental process.
• Experience leading play/recreation activities for babies, children and young people.
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Able to work using own initiative.
• Ability to recognise and prioritise workload.
• Ability to deal with conflict in a professional manner.
• Experience of working with children, young people and their families with SEN.
• Experience of working with young people with mental health conditions.
• Experience of working with children in a healthcare setting.
• Supervisory skills/mentoring students.

Other

• Please provide a contact telephone number.

Physical Skills

• Ability to assist patients to move as per Trust Moving and Handling policy.

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.

Employer name

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust

£27,485 to £30,162 a year pro‑rata for part‑time