Course Overview
Students have the choice of being taught in person or remotely. The FdA in Healthcare Play Specialism is awarded by UWL and is mapped to the relevant apprenticeship standard. All apprenticeship-related elements are managed separately by NESCOT. The course is designed for people already employed in a healthcare setting who wish to study for a career as a registered Health Play Specialist. This degree supports the development of professional competencies in the field of therapeutic play for children and young people in hospital and community healthcare settings. Successful completion of the programme leads to registration with the Society of Health Play Specialists (SoHPS).
Entry Requirements
Entry criteria:
- Evidence of current, regular and relevant employment in the sector
- GCSE English at grade 4 or above, or equivalent Level 2 Functional Skills in Literacy and Numeracy
- Minimum of a relevant Level 3 qualification in Childcare or a related field
- Minimum of two years’ post qualification employment, working with children
- Good communication skills
- Evidence of continuous professional development
- Identification of a registered Play Specialist to act as work-based mentor
Applicants will also need to ensure that they have suitable IT equipment (eg. laptop or desktop computer), a quiet study space and internet access sufficient to run video conferencing software (Microsoft Teams and/or Google Classroom). Online learning protocols will be in place, so we urge applicants to consider the suitability of their home environment in advance and commit to setting time aside to actively engage with online taught content.
What the course covers
For a full set of FAQs regarding this course click here.
If you are employed in a related field within an NHS Trust, your hospital may wish you to attend the programme as an apprentice. You will attend one day a week at Nescot where academic studies will inform the summative assessment for each module. Your professional practice will be assessed in the workplace by a registered health play specialist. In addition, at the end of year two, and following successful completion of the foundation degree element of this programme, apprentices will undertake an End Point Assessment consisting of a multiple choice Knowledge Test, an Observation of Practice and a Professional Discussion.
All apprentices must be mentored in the workplace by a designated registered Health Play Specialist.
Module titles at Level 4 (Year 1):
- Reflecting on Practice
- Development of Children and Young People
- Play as a Resource
- Policy and Practice
Module titles at Level 5 (Year 2):
- Resilience
- Management and Leadership
- Special Project
- Professionalism : Preparing to be a Registrant
A Practice Assessment Portfolio will be completed throughout the two years in the apprentice’s workplace.
Fees and funding
A 5% employer contribution fee may be applicable depending on the age of the apprentice and the size of your organisation.
Duration
2 years.
Students have the choice of being taught in person or remotely.
In-person: 1 day attendance per week in college (6 hours : day to be confirmed).
Remote: learners will need to attend in-person for live group and individual presentations 4 times a year.