Good Practice for Play

The following are some general guidelines that volunteers should adhere to when playing with children and those with additional needs in a hospital setting:

• All children should be treated equally.
• Always, introduce yourself to the parent and the child and explain who you are and why you are there.
• All children should be encouraged and facilitated to participate in play and recreational activities. However, be aware of a child’s or young person’s level of fatigue and those who have additional needs. See if the activity might be adapted to better facilitate these needs.
• Every effort should be made to create and maintain a positive and reassuring environment for play.
• Always ensure that there is sensitivity towards the needs of children who are particularly shy or reticent. Giving extra time to allow them to watch the play before engaging may help.
• Hospital visits can be difficult time for parents and siblings too. Volunteers can make a real difference through fun and games or even a smile and a chat. Encourage families to play together to pass the time and make the experience a little less stressful.
• Volunteers must not get involved in physical contact such as tickling, wrestling or sitting a child on your knee, unless asked to hold a baby or toddler by a member of staff or parent.
• Volunteers should show respect and understanding to children and young people at all times.
• The religious beliefs and practice of children and their families should be treated with respect.
• Give additional time and patience to communication with children and families who don’t have English as their first language.
• Children and Young people with additional needs:
  • Be conscious of the importance of taking particular care when working with children with additional needs or those more vulnerable. Be sure to ask parents/carer or staff how you can best support and engage with children with additional needs.
  • We know that additional needs is a very broad category and may include those who have:
    • Have physical disabilities
    • Have sensory impairments like vision or hearing loss
    • Have learning or speech and language difficulties
    • Have a health condition
    • Have chronic or terminal illness
    • Are at risk of abuse or neglect
    • Demonstrate behaviours that are more challenging for volunteers to respond to
    • Are experiencing emotional trauma
    • Have a diagnosed condition such as Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Down syndrome or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
    • Are gifted and talented
    • Speak English as a second language