At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide play therapy to support children's emotional wellbeing in schools.
- Company: Join a multidisciplinary team dedicated to making a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Supportive environment, ongoing training, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on inclusive and neurodivergent-affirming practices.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's emotional health through therapeutic play.
- Qualifications: Qualified Play Therapist with experience in child development and emotional wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
Words First is a multidisciplinary team of Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Educational Psychologists, Counsellors, and Play Therapists working across schools in London. We are looking for a qualified Play Therapist to join our growing team and support children and young people across a range of educational settings. This role is ideal for someone passionate about supporting children’s emotional wellbeing through therapeutic play approaches within schools. You will work closely with pupils, families, SENCOs, pastoral teams, and the wider multidisciplinary team to help children feel safe, regulated, understood, and able to access learning.
About the Role
You will provide play therapy interventions for children experiencing social, emotional, behavioural, and wellbeing challenges. This may include supporting children with anxiety, trauma, attachment difficulties, emotional regulation needs, school-based distress, bereavement, neurodivergent profiles, and adverse childhood experiences. The role combines direct therapeutic work with collaboration, consultation, and contribution to wider wellbeing support within schools.
Responsibilities
- Deliver individual and small-group play therapy sessions within school settings
- Complete assessments, formulations, and therapeutic planning
- Maintain accurate clinical notes and reports
- Work collaboratively with SENCOs, school staff, families, and multidisciplinary professionals
- Contribute to safeguarding and wellbeing planning where appropriate
- Create safe, supportive, and therapeutic environments for children
- Participate in supervision, CPD, and team meetings
- Support schools in developing emotionally supportive and trauma-informed practices
Essential Criteria
- Recognised qualification in Play Therapy
- Registration with one of the following professional bodies: 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, and emotional wellbeing
- Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and professional boundaries
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams
- Commitment to inclusive, child-centred, and neurodivergent-affirming practice
Desirable
- Experience working within schools or educational settings
- Experience supporting neurodivergent children and young people
- Understanding of trauma-informed approaches
- Experience working collaboratively with families and external professionals
What We Offer
- A warm, supportive, and collaborative multidisciplinary team
- Regular supervision and opportunities for reflective practice
- Ongoing CPD and training opportunities
- Structured onboarding and induction
- Opportunities to collaborate with therapists, psychologists, and school staff
- A role where you can genuinely impact children’s emotional wellbeing and access to learning
At Words First, children are at the centre of everything we do. We believe strong relationships, collaboration, and emotionally supportive environments create the best outcomes for children, families, and schools.
Play Therapist in London employer: Words First
Words First is an exceptional employer that prioritises the emotional wellbeing of children through a collaborative and supportive work culture. As a Play Therapist, you will benefit from regular supervision, ongoing professional development, and the opportunity to work within a multidisciplinary team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in schools across London. With a strong commitment to inclusive practices and a focus on building relationships, Words First offers a fulfilling environment for those passionate about supporting children's growth and development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Play Therapist in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and therapy sectors. Attend workshops, seminars, or local meet-ups where you can chat with other professionals. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can introduce you to someone at Words First!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your play therapy techniques and success stories. This could be a great conversation starter during interviews and will help us see how you can make a real impact on children's emotional wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching Words First and our approach to therapy. Familiarise yourself with our values and how we support children. This will help you tailor your answers and show us that you're genuinely passionate about joining our team.
✨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 us that you’re keen on being part of our community from the get-go!
We think you need these skills to ace Play Therapist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children's emotional wellbeing shine through. Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to therapeutic play and how it has positively impacted children in the past.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the role of Play Therapist at Words First. Use keywords from the job description and demonstrate how your qualifications and experiences align with what we're looking for in a candidate.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to understand. We want to see your skills and experiences without having to sift through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Words First!
How to prepare for a job interview at Words First
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of play therapy techniques and child development. Be ready to discuss specific therapeutic approaches you've used in the past and how they’ve helped children with various challenges.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for supporting children's emotional wellbeing shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives, especially in educational settings.
✨Collaboration is Key
Since this role involves working closely with multidisciplinary teams, be prepared to talk about your experience collaborating with other professionals. Highlight any successful partnerships you've had with teachers, families, or other therapists.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, the school environment, and how they approach trauma-informed practices. This shows you're genuinely interested in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
