Healthcare Play

Foundation Degree Healthcare Play Specialism

Overview

The Foundation Degree in Healthcare Play Specialism is awarded by the University of West London and delivered at Bolton College’s state-of-the-art campus in Deane Road.

It is designed for individuals with experience of working with young people, who want to develop professional competence in the field of therapeutic play for children in a hospital or community setting.

In addition to a Foundation Degree, the course leads to registration with the Hospital Play Staff Education Trust (HPSET), the registration body for the profession of Healthcare Play Specialism.

Entry requirements

  • GCSE Maths and English or equivalent
  • Level 2 or above qualifications in Literacy and Numeracy
  • Minimum of a current Level 3 qualification in childcare or a related field
  • Minimum of two years’ employment working with children after gaining the Level 3 qualification
  • Good communication skills
  • Evidence of continuous professional development
  • Evidence of current, regular and relevant employment in the sector
  • Identification of a registered play specialist to act as work-based mentor
  • Commitment to negotiate and complete a 200-hour placement each year, if not already employed in a hospital

Module titles

Level 4

  • Using evidence in health and social care
  • SEARCH for health
  • Child development
  • Children and Young People: policy and practice, play and recreation
  • Reflective skills and practice assessment

Level 5

  • Children and Young People: leadership and management, health in children and young people
  • The child, family and society
  • Enhancing resilience in children and young people
  • Investigating resources and practice assessment

Assessment is by academic essays, literature reviews, written reports, folder of evidence and exercises through the VLE (Moodle). Assessment of practical skills is undertaken in the workplace through both Level 4 and Level 5.

How much work is involved?

This is a two-year part time course. It runs one day a week at the College’s Deane Road campus in the town centre, from September to June. Students are also required to undertake a 200 hour hospital placement during each year of the course.

What can I do with this qualification?

Completion of the course enables learners to register with HPSET as a registered Healthcare Play Specialist; apply for management posts in the NHS; and develop opportunities to complete a Level 6 ‘top up’ Bachelor’s Degree course followed by Post Graduate opportunities.

How do I apply?

To apply for any of our Higher Education courses, please use the online HE application form.