At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide play therapy to support children's emotional wellbeing in schools.
- Company: Join a warm, multidisciplinary team at Words First.
- Benefits: Regular supervision, ongoing training, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Collaborate with professionals to create safe, supportive environments for children.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through therapeutic play.
- Qualifications: Qualified Play Therapist with experience in child development and emotional wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Words First is a multidisciplinary team of Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Educational Psychologists, Counsellors, and Play Therapists working across schools in London. We are looking for a qualified Play Therapist to join our growing team and support children and young people across a range of educational settings. This role is ideal for someone passionate about supporting children’s emotional wellbeing through therapeutic play approaches within schools. You will work closely with pupils, families, SENCOs, pastoral teams, and the wider multidisciplinary team to help children feel safe, regulated, understood, and able to access learning.
About the Role
You will provide play therapy interventions for children experiencing social, emotional, behavioural, and wellbeing challenges. This may include supporting children with anxiety, trauma, attachment difficulties, emotional regulation needs, school-based distress, bereavement, neurodivergent profiles, and adverse childhood experiences. The role combines direct therapeutic work with collaboration, consultation, and contribution to wider wellbeing support within schools.
Responsibilities
- Deliver individual and small-group play therapy sessions within school settings
- Complete assessments, formulations, and therapeutic planning
- Maintain accurate clinical notes and reports
- Work collaboratively with SENCOs, school staff, families, and multidisciplinary professionals
- Contribute to safeguarding and wellbeing planning where appropriate
- Create safe, supportive, and therapeutic environments for children
- Participate in supervision, CPD, and team meetings
- Support schools in developing emotionally supportive and trauma-informed practices
Essential Criteria
- Recognised qualification in Play Therapy
- Registration with one of the following professional bodies: British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT), or Play Therapy UK (PTUK)
- Experience working therapeutically with children and young people
- Strong understanding of child development, attachment, and emotional wellbeing
- Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and professional boundaries
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams
- Commitment to inclusive, child-centred, and neurodivergent-affirming practice
Desirable
- Experience working within schools or educational settings
- Experience supporting neurodivergent children and young people
- Understanding of trauma-informed approaches
- Experience working collaboratively with families and external professionals
What We Offer
- A warm, supportive, and collaborative multidisciplinary team
- Regular supervision and opportunities for reflective practice
- Ongoing CPD and training opportunities
- Structured onboarding and induction
- Opportunities to collaborate with therapists, psychologists, and school staff
- A role where you can genuinely impact children’s emotional wellbeing and access to learning
At Words First, children are at the centre of everything we do. We believe strong relationships, collaboration, and emotionally supportive environments create the best outcomes for children, families, and schools.
Play Therapist employer: Different Technologies Pty Ltd.
Words First is an exceptional employer that prioritises the emotional wellbeing of children through a collaborative and supportive work culture. As a Play Therapist, you will benefit from regular supervision, ongoing professional development, and the opportunity to work alongside a multidisciplinary team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in educational settings across London. With a strong focus on inclusive practices and a commitment to fostering strong relationships, Words First offers a rewarding environment for those passionate about supporting children's growth and development.
Contact Detail:
Different Technologies Pty Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Play Therapist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and therapy sectors. Attend workshops, webinars, or local meet-ups to meet people who might know about job openings or can give you a heads-up on opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your work with children, including case studies or testimonials. This will help potential employers see the impact you've made and how you can contribute to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to play therapy and child development. Think about specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills and passion for supporting children's emotional wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our multidisciplinary team.
We think you need these skills to ace Play Therapist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that align with the role of a Play Therapist. We want to see how your background fits into our multidisciplinary team and how you can support children's emotional wellbeing.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for supporting children shine through in your written application. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in children's lives, especially through therapeutic play approaches. We love hearing about your journey!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Different Technologies Pty Ltd.
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of play therapy techniques and child development. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges children face in educational settings, as well as the therapeutic approaches that can help them. This will show your passion and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences working with children and young people, especially in therapeutic contexts. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported emotional wellbeing and managed challenging behaviours. This will demonstrate your practical skills and understanding of the role.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with multidisciplinary teams, highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Talk about times when you've worked with other professionals, families, or school staff to create supportive environments for children. This will show that you're a team player who values collaboration.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team's approach to trauma-informed practices or how they support neurodivergent children. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values.
