At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide therapeutic play sessions to support children's emotional wellbeing and development.
- Company: Specialist SEN school dedicated to nurturing children with diverse needs.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, professional development opportunities, and employee wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Join a multidisciplinary team and contribute to a positive educational experience.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Recognised Play Therapy qualification and experience with children and young people.
The predicted salary is between 66000 - 82500 £ per year.
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 to (url removed).
Play Therapist employer: Tradewind Recruitment
Join a dedicated team at our specialist SEN school in Liverpool, where we prioritise the emotional wellbeing and personal development of children with special educational needs. We offer a supportive and collaborative work culture, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on young lives through evidence-based therapeutic interventions. With access to employee wellbeing initiatives and a commitment to nurturing talent, we are an excellent employer for those passionate about making a difference.
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 job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get social! Join relevant groups on platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook where professionals in play therapy hang out. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and keep an eye out for job postings. It's a great way to stay in the loop and show off your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to play therapy and SEN. Think about how you can showcase your experience and skills in a way that aligns with the school's values. Confidence is key, so rehearse with a friend or in front of the mirror!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to submit your application. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team. So, get your application in and let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Play Therapist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Make sure to personalise your cover letter for the Play Therapist role. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the needs of children with SEN. We want to see your passion for supporting emotional wellbeing shine through!
Showcase Your Qualifications:Don’t forget to mention your recognised qualification in Play Therapy and any registrations you hold. We’re looking for someone who meets the essential criteria, so make it easy for us to see that you do!
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and skills. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tradewind Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of play therapy techniques and the specific needs of children with SEN. Familiarise yourself with the latest evidence-based practices and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in your previous roles.
✨Show Your Compassion
This role is all about supporting emotional wellbeing, so be prepared to share examples of how you've demonstrated compassion and empathy in your work. Think of specific instances where you've made a positive impact on a child's life.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Since you'll be working closely with teachers, families, and external professionals, highlight your teamwork skills. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully collaborated in the past and how you plan to contribute to a multidisciplinary approach.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the school's therapeutic approach and how they support their staff. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
