At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver play therapy sessions to support children's emotional and developmental needs.
- Company: Smart Education, a trusted agency dedicated to student wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, free training, holiday pay, and local support.
- Other info: Join a supportive community focused on inclusion and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through the power of play.
- Qualifications: Experience in educational or therapeutic settings and a registered Play Therapist.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Support Emotional Wellbeing. Empower Through Play. Make a Lasting Impact.
Do you have a passion for helping children express themselves, build confidence, and overcome challenges through play? Are you looking for a rewarding role where you can make a tangible difference in the lives of young people?
Smart Education is currently recruiting a dedicated Play Therapist to work across schools and specialist settings in the Teesside area. This is an excellent opportunity for a creative and empathetic professional who thrives on supporting children’s emotional, social, and developmental wellbeing.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Delivering individual and group play therapy sessions tailored to students’ emotional and developmental needs
- Supporting children to express feelings, process experiences, and develop coping strategies through structured play
- Collaborating with teachers, SEND teams, and pastoral staff to integrate therapeutic support into school life
- Monitoring and documenting student progress and outcomes
- Creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all students
- Providing guidance to staff and parents on using play to support emotional wellbeing and personal development
Who We’re Looking For:
- Minimum of 6 months’ UK experience in an educational, therapeutic, or childcare setting – essential
- Qualified and registered Play Therapist (e.g., BAPT, HCPC, or equivalent)
- Experience working with children or young people in schools, SEN settings, or therapeutic environments
- Strong communication, empathy, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to adapt play therapy techniques to meet individual student needs
- Professional, reliable, and solution-focused mindset
- Enhanced DBS (Child or Child & Adult Workforce), or willingness to apply
What You’ll Get in Return:
- Competitive daily pay (£100 – £150, depending on experience)
- FREE access to ongoing CPD and skills training
- Holiday pay entitlement
- Support and guidance from a dedicated consultant familiar with your local schools
- Opportunities to work across a variety of supportive mainstream and SEN schools in Teesside
About Smart Education:
Smart Education is a trusted recruitment agency with over a decade of experience placing exceptional support staff and therapists into schools that value their expertise. We are committed to safeguarding, inclusion, and supporting student wellbeing.
If you’re passionate about using play to help children thrive emotionally and socially, apply today and join the Smart Education family.
Play Therapist employer: SMART Education Recruitment
Smart Education is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture, where Play Therapists can thrive while making a meaningful impact on children's lives in the Teesside area. With competitive pay, free access to ongoing professional development, and a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we empower our staff to grow and excel in their roles, ensuring they feel valued and supported every step of the way.
Contact Details:
SMART Education Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Play Therapist
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at SMART Education Recruitment. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like SMART Education Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Play Therapist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for SMART Education Recruitment:Take some time to research SMART Education Recruitment and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at SMART Education Recruitment
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for SMART Education Recruitment's values and approach.
