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- Tasks: Use creative therapy to support children’s emotional needs and behaviours.
- Company: Join The Mulberry Bush, a therapeutic community transforming lives since 1948.
- Benefits: Enjoy school holidays off, wellbeing support, pension contributions, and subsidised meals.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while being part of a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate qualification in Drama Therapy and HCPC registration required.
- Other info: Flexible hours during term time; be ready for an inspiring journey!
The predicted salary is between 19900 - 22519 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Drama and Movement Therapist (Maternity Cover) role at The Mulberry Bush.
Reporting to: Head of Therapies & Network
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
As a Drama Therapist, you’ll be a vital part of our Therapies and Networks Team, using creative, psychodynamic approaches to help children make sense of their inner world. Covering a planned 11-month maternity leave, you’ll be looking after a small group of children, offering individual therapy, while also supporting the wider team to understand the behaviours and emotional needs behind each child’s story. This is a role that calls for warmth, flexibility and creativity, where no two days are the same. If you’re ready to make a real difference and be part of an extraordinary story, we’d love to hear from you.
We’ll look to you to:
- Provide drama therapy assessments and one-to-one sessions for children identified as needing therapeutic support.
- Keep clear and accurate records of your work and contribute written reports as needed.
- Play an active role in treatment team meetings, sharing insights and helping shape therapeutic plans.
- Work closely with colleagues across the school to support a shared understanding of each child’s needs.
- Build positive relationships with external professionals, agencies, carers and parents – including attending EHCP and LAC reviews.
- Take part in clinical discussions, peer supervision and reflective practice within the Therapies and Networks Team.
- Help develop and shape the Drama Therapy service, contributing ideas to improve and evolve our work.
- Always prioritise the safeguarding and well-being of children in everything you do.
- Get involved in the wider life of the Mulberry Bush community whenever possible.
We’ll care for you too
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
You’ll be someone who brings warmth, empathy and creativity to your work, whilst being robust and resilient in the face of challenging behaviours and emotions. You’ll feel confident working independently, while knowing when to draw on the support of others. You’re reflective by nature and can stay calm and approachable even when things get tough. You’ll be flexible in how you work, open to learning, and driven by making a positive difference.
You’ll Also Need:
- A postgraduate qualification in Drama Therapy.
- HCPC registration as a Drama Therapist.
- Professional experience working with children and families.
- A strong understanding of symbolic and non-verbal communication.
- The ability to communicate clearly, in person and in writing.
- Experience managing your own caseload and organising your workload.
- Evidence of continued professional development.
- Familiarity with HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics.
It’s a Bonus If You Also Bring:
- Knowledge of psychodynamic theory.
- Experience of group work.
- Experience of working in a residential setting.
About The Mulberry Bush
At The Mulberry Bush, we believe that with support and opportunities, children can overcome challenges and shape their future. We see their untold stories, possibilities, dreams, and untapped potential – and we believe in their ability to rewrite their destiny.
The Mulberry Bush is a therapeutic community, registered as a children’s home and a non-maintained residential special school. We are dedicated to transforming the lives of those affected by childhood trauma. Since 1948, we’ve been helping children and those around them through specialist therapeutic services and fulfilling activities.
If you believe that you have the experience and expertise required to succeed in this role or would like to attend one of our visit days, please submit your CV via the 'Apply for this job' button.
All applicants shortlisted must be willing to attend a meet the team session and complete an application form for regulatory purposes.
If you have any questions about the role or the work we do, please email the HR team at careers@mulberrybush.org.uk
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.
Applicants must have the appropriate right to work in the UK. For applicants requiring visas, we can only accept those with visas which allow you to work in the UK indefinitely.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore candidates must be prepared to undertake a DBS criminal background check.
Selection 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
Drama and Movement Therapist (Maternity Cover) employer: The Mulberry Bush
Contact Detail:
The Mulberry Bush Recruiting Team
careers@mulberrybush.org.uk
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's ethos and values. Understanding their commitment to transforming the lives of children affected by trauma will help you align your approach and demonstrate your passion during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of drama therapy. Attend workshops or seminars related to drama therapy and child psychology, as this can help you make valuable connections and gain insights that could be beneficial in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your therapeutic techniques and how they can be applied in a school setting. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've used drama therapy to support children, as this will showcase your practical experience and creativity.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with the Mulberry Bush community online. Follow them on social media and participate in discussions or events they host. This will not only show your interest but also give you a better understanding of their current initiatives and needs.
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, HCPC registration, and any specific skills that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for drama therapy and your understanding of the role. Mention how your creativity and empathy can contribute to the Mulberry Bush community and support the children's needs.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, detail your professional experience working with children and families. Include examples of how you've used psychodynamic approaches or non-verbal communication in your previous roles.
Prepare for the Meet the Team Session: If shortlisted, be ready to discuss your approach to therapy and how you would fit into the team. Think about questions you might have for them regarding their therapeutic practices and community involvement.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Mulberry Bush
✨Show Your Passion for Drama Therapy
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for drama therapy and how it can impact children's lives. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to using creative approaches in therapy.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Child Development
Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of child development and how it relates to the therapeutic techniques you use. Highlight any relevant experience working with children and families, especially in challenging situations.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific scenarios involving children with emotional or behavioural challenges. Think through your responses in advance, focusing on your problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with colleagues and external professionals, be ready to discuss your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've collaborated in the past to create effective therapeutic plans or support systems for children.
