Play Therapist

Qualified Play Therapist

Location: Liverpool
Salary: £220 - £250 per day
Hours: Part time - 3 days per week
Start Date: September 2026

About Us

im 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.
[Pension scheme and other benefits].

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)
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed