At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver play therapy to support children's emotional wellbeing and personal development.
- Company: Specialist SEN school dedicated to nurturing children with diverse needs.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on trauma-informed practices.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.
- Qualifications: Qualified Play Therapist with experience in therapeutic settings.
Location: Liverpool
Salary: £220 - £250 per day
Hours: Part time - 3 days per week
Start Date: September 2026
About Us
We are working on behalf of a specialist SEN school dedicated to supporting children and young people with a range of special educational needs, including autism, social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, communication difficulties, and complex learning needs. We are committed to providing a nurturing, therapeutic environment where every pupil can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
The Role
We are seeking a compassionate and qualified Play Therapist to join our multidisciplinary team. The successful candidate will play a vital role in supporting pupils' emotional wellbeing, mental health, and personal development through evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
Working closely with teaching staff, families, and external professionals, you will assess pupils' needs, deliver individual and group play therapy sessions, and contribute to the school's therapeutic approach.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver high-quality play therapy interventions for children and young people with SEN.
- Undertake assessments and develop appropriate therapeutic plans.
- Maintain accurate and confidential records, reports, and evaluations.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, teaching assistants, families, and external agencies.
- Support the development of trauma-informed and therapeutic practices across the school.
- Attend multidisciplinary meetings and contribute to EHCP reviews where appropriate.
- Monitor and evaluate the impact of therapeutic interventions on pupil outcomes.
- Ensure safeguarding, professional, and ethical standards are maintained at all times.
Person Specification
Essential
- Recognised qualification in Play Therapy.
- Registration with a relevant professional body, such as the 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, trauma, and emotional wellbeing.
- Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and professional boundaries.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and report-writing skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Desirable
- Experience working within an SEN, SEMH, or specialist educational setting.
- Knowledge of autism spectrum conditions and neurodiversity-affirming practice.
- Experience contributing to EHCP processes and multi-agency working.
- Additional therapeutic qualifications or training.
What We Offer
- A supportive and collaborative working environment.
- Opportunities for professional development and supervision.
- The chance to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people.
- Access to employee wellbeing initiatives.
Safeguarding Statement
Tradewind is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS clearance, satisfactory references, and relevant safeguarding checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit a completed application form and covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.
Play Therapist in Liverpool employer: Tradewind Recruitment
Join our dedicated team at a specialist SEN school in Liverpool, where we prioritise a nurturing and therapeutic environment for children with special educational needs. As a Play Therapist, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that values professional development and collaboration, allowing you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people while enjoying access to employee wellbeing initiatives and a competitive salary.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Play Therapist in Liverpool
✨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 job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get social! Follow organisations and professionals in the SEN field on platforms like LinkedIn. Engage with their posts, share your insights, and showcase your passion for supporting children with special educational needs. This can help you stand out and get noticed.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to play therapy and SEN. Think about how you can demonstrate your experience and skills in a way that aligns with the school's values. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and making a difference in the lives of children and young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Play Therapist in Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Play Therapist. We want to see how you can contribute to our nurturing environment, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant qualifications and experiences!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with children and young people shine through in your covering letter. We’re looking for someone who genuinely cares about emotional wellbeing and can make a real difference, so share your motivation and any personal stories that reflect this.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read, so make sure your key points stand out!
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. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the instructions on the application page!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tradewind Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in play therapy techniques and the specific needs of children with SEN. Brush up on your understanding of trauma-informed practices and how they apply to your role. This will show that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences working with children and young people, especially in therapeutic settings. Have specific examples ready that highlight your skills in assessment, intervention, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. This will help demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the school’s approach to therapy, their team dynamics, and how they measure the impact of interventions. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way in interviews, especially in a role focused on emotional wellbeing. Let your personality shine through and share your passion for supporting children’s mental health. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can connect with their pupils as much as they are for qualifications.
