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 Detail:
SMART Education Recruitment 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. Let them know you're on the lookout for a Play Therapist role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local community events or workshops related to child development and emotional wellbeing. This not only boosts your visibility but also shows your commitment to the field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential employers!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of social media! Follow organisations and professionals in the play therapy space. Engage with their content and share your insights. It’s a fantastic way to showcase your passion and expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
When you find a role that excites you, apply through our website! Tailor your approach to highlight how your skills align with supporting children’s emotional wellbeing. Show us how you can make a lasting impact through play!
We think you need these skills to ace Play Therapist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your love for helping children shine through in your application. Share specific examples of how you've used play to support emotional wellbeing in the past. We want to see your enthusiasm for making a difference!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in educational or therapeutic settings. We’re looking for those 6 months of UK experience, so don’t forget to mention it clearly. Customising your CV can really make you stand out!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Use it to explain how your skills and experiences align with our mission to empower children through play. Keep it engaging and personal!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the Smart Education family!
How to prepare for a job interview at SMART Education Recruitment
✨Know Your Play Therapy Techniques
Make sure you’re well-versed in various play therapy techniques and how they can be tailored to meet individual needs. Be ready to discuss specific methods you've used in the past and how they helped children express their feelings or overcome challenges.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, demonstrate your empathy and understanding of children's emotional wellbeing. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your ability to connect with young people and support them through their struggles.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Since collaboration is key in this role, prepare examples of how you’ve worked with teachers, SEND teams, or parents in the past. Discuss how you integrated therapeutic support into school life and the positive outcomes that resulted from these partnerships.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Don’t forget to prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewers. Ask about their approach to supporting emotional wellbeing in schools or how they measure the success of their play therapy sessions. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
