Although the first staff employed to play with child patients began working nearly 50 years ago, it was not until the 1970s that the National Association of Hospital Play Staff (NAHPS) was established and a training course was launched.
'Even today there are only about 1,000 registered and qualified hospital play specialists working in the UK,' says Elaine Bates, administrator of the Hospital Play Staff Education Trust (HPSET), the registration body for hospital play specialists. 'And some of them are working part-time.'
Things are set to change with the introduction of a newly-accredited qualification and the Government's Agenda for Change programme.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here