Children’s Play and Health Care Worker-Tracheostomy Competent

Job Description

Role Overview

Lagan’s Foundation is seeking a compassionate Children’s Play and Healthcare Worker with experience supporting children who have complex health needs, including tracheostomy care.

This role combines clinical care with play-based developmental support. You will help children engage with the world around them through creative activities while also ensuring their medical and emotional needs are met.

Support will be provided in home settings, community environments, and during school transport, creating safe and enriching experiences that help children develop confidence, independence, and wellbeing.

About the Organisation

Lagan’s Foundation is a specialist charity supporting children with complex health and developmental needs across Greater Manchester.

Unlike traditional care services, the organisation combines healthcare support with play, creativity, and emotional connection to help children thrive in familiar environments such as their homes and communities.

The team is known for its supportive culture, strong collaboration, and commitment to helping both children and staff grow. Employees benefit from structured training programmes, wellbeing initiatives, and professional development opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Play and Development Support

• Use play-based activities to encourage learning, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.
• Create engaging experiences tailored to each child’s developmental needs.
• Support children during community outings and school transport when required.

Clinical Care

Depending on competency and training, you may assist with:

• Tracheostomy care and airway management
• Gastrostomy / PEG feeding support
• Epilepsy management
• Oxygen therapy and respiratory monitoring
• All care must be delivered safely and in line with established clinical guidelines.
• Family and Team Collaboration
• Build trusting relationships with families and carers.
• Communicate clearly with colleagues to ensure continuity of care.
• Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and supervision.

Record Keeping

• Maintain accurate care notes and documentation.
• Follow safeguarding and organisational policies at all times.
• Support quality improvement through consistent reporting and communication.

Working Pattern

• The role initially offers approximately 20 hours per week, with opportunities to increase hours.

Typical shift patterns may include:

• Day shifts: Monday – Saturday, 10:00am – 6:00pm
• Night shifts: 10-hour waking night shifts
• Flexible working arrangements may be discussed during the recruitment process.

Essential Requirements

Candidates should demonstrate:

• At least 12 months of experience supporting children or young people with health or developmental needs.
• Experience working with complex paediatric care.
• Confidence or training in tracheostomy care.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work independently.
• Understanding of safeguarding procedures.
• Willingness to undertake further professional training.

Applicants must also have:

• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle with business insurance.
• Eligibility to work in the UK without visa sponsorship.
• An Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one).

Desirable Qualifications

Although not mandatory, the following would be beneficial:

• Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care, Childcare, Playwork, or Early Years.
• Experience supporting children with tracheostomies in home or community care settings.
• Knowledge of child development, sensory needs, or behavioural support strategies.
• Additional training in paediatric care such as suctioning, seizure management, or nebuliser use.

Employee Benefits

Staff working at Lagan’s Foundation receive a range of benefits including:

• 28 days annual leave (pro-rata)
• Pension scheme
• Health Cash Plan after probation
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with counselling support
• Staff discount schemes
• Ongoing clinical and professional training opportunities
• Supportive supervision and mentoring
• The organisation is also recognised as a Disability Confident employer, encouraging inclusive and flexible working practices.

Compliance and Safeguarding

This role requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check because it involves working with children and vulnerable individuals.

For more information about relevant regulations and rights in the UK, please refer to:

• Disclosure and Barring Service guidance
• Right to work in the UK requirements
• Safeguarding children in the UK
• Employment rights and working conditions
• Health and social care workforce information

Workplace Location

Flexspace
Manchester Road
Bolton
Greater Manchester
BL3 2NZ
United Kingdom