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- Tasks: Support children through one-to-one drama therapy sessions and collaborate with a dedicated team.
- Company: Join the Mulberry Bush, a therapeutic community transforming children's lives since 1948.
- Benefits: Enjoy school holidays off, wellbeing support, pension contributions, and subsidised meals.
- Why this job: Be part of a caring family-like environment that values creativity and emotional exploration.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate qualification in Drama Therapy and experience with children and families required.
- Other info: This is a maternity cover role for 11 months, working 15 hours a week during term time.
Location: Mulberry Bush School, Standlake, Witney, Oxfordshire.
Salary: £19,900 - £22,519 (FTE £49,749 - £56,298).
Job type: Maternity cover (Sept 2025 - end July 2026)
Hours: 15 hrs a week
Shift pattern: 2 days a week, term-time only (either Tues/Weds or Weds/Thurs)
About the role: Covering a planned 11-month maternity leave, as a Drama and Movement Therapist, you will support a small group of children with individual therapy, helping them explore their emotions and experiences through drama. You will also work closely with the wider team to build a deeper understanding of each child's world. Warmth, flexibility and a love for working creatively are key. If you are ready to be part of an extraordinary story, we would love to hear from you.
Responsibilities:
- Deliver one-to-one drama therapy sessions and assessments.
- Keep clear records and write reports as needed.
- Attend treatment team meetings and share therapeutic insights.
- Work collaboratively with school teams and external professionals.
- Join clinical discussions, supervisions and reflective sessions.
- Support the development of the Therapies and Networks team.
- Prioritise safeguarding and child wellbeing at all times.
- Contribute to the wider Mulberry Bush community where you can.
Benefits:
- Annual leave during school holidays.
- A comprehensive range of informal and formal wellbeing support.
- Employer contribution pension of 6%.
- Enhanced parental leave benefits.
- Subsidised meals.
About you:
- Postgraduate qualification in Drama Therapy.
- HCPC registered as a Drama Therapist.
- Experience working with children and families.
- Confident understanding of symbolic and non-verbal communication.
- Clear and effective communication skills, written and verbal.
- Able to manage your own caseload and workload.
- Evidence of ongoing professional development.
- Knowledge of HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics.
- Ability to be robust and resilient when dealing with children's challenging behaviours and emotions.
About the Mulberry Bush: The Mulberry Bush is a therapeutic community, registered as a children's home and a non-maintained residential special school. We also provide therapeutic outreach services to schools and other community-based organisations, along with research and consultancy services. Since 1948, we have been helping to transform the lives of children who have experienced trauma with specialist therapeutic services and fulfilling activities. You are not just part of a team here, you are part of a family. Support echoes through our community, and your colleagues are always there to lend a hand or share a smile. We believe we offer something special - and we would love you to be part of it.
The Mulberry Bush is an equal opportunity employer. It is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable people and expects all staff and students to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore candidates must be prepared to undertake a DBS criminal background check.
Application process:
- Closing date for CVs: Friday 13th June 2025
- Come and meet the team (2hrs): Thursday 26th June 2025
- Application forms returned: Wednesday 2nd July 2025
- Interviews: Thursday 10th July or Tuesday 15th July 2025
Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 11 months
Pay: £49,749.00-£56,298.00 per year
Application question(s): Do you have the legal right to live and work in the UK?
Work Location: In person
Contact Detail:
The Mulberry Bush Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Drama and Movement Therapist (Maternity Cover)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Mulberry Bush School's ethos and values. Understanding their commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your experience with non-verbal communication and how it relates to drama therapy. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've used these skills in past roles, especially when working with children.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with the wider community of drama therapists and professionals. Networking can provide insights into current practices and trends, which you can bring up during your interactions with the team at Mulberry Bush.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ongoing professional development by discussing any recent training or workshops you've attended. This demonstrates your commitment to growth and staying updated in the field of drama therapy.
We think you need these skills to ace Drama and Movement Therapist (Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in drama therapy and working with children. Emphasise your postgraduate qualification and HCPC registration, as these are crucial for this role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for drama therapy and how it can help children explore their emotions. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to connect with children and work collaboratively with teams.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since clear communication is vital for this role, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with children and families in previous positions. Highlight any experience with non-verbal communication techniques.
Prepare for the Interview: Research the Mulberry Bush School and its therapeutic approach. Be ready to discuss your understanding of safeguarding and child wellbeing, as well as how you would handle challenging behaviours in a therapeutic setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Mulberry Bush
✨Show Your Passion for Drama Therapy
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for drama therapy and how it can help children explore their emotions. Share personal experiences or insights that highlight your commitment to this therapeutic approach.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with a team, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles. Highlight your ability to share insights and contribute to team discussions.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle challenging behaviours and emotions in children. Think of specific scenarios from your past experience and how you managed them effectively, showcasing your resilience and adaptability.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HCPC Standards
As an HCPC registered therapist, it's crucial to understand the standards of conduct, performance, and ethics. Be ready to discuss how you uphold these standards in your practice and ensure child wellbeing at all times.
