Support Emotional Wellbeing. Empower Through Play. Make a Lasting Impact.
Do you have a passion for helping children express themselves, build confidence, and overcome challenges through play?
Are you looking for a rewarding role where you can make a tangible difference in the lives of young people?
Smart Education is currently recruiting a dedicated Play Therapist to work across schools and specialist settings in the Teesside area. This is an excellent opportunity for a creative and empathetic professional who thrives on supporting children s emotional, social, and developmental wellbeing.
What You ll Be Doing:Delivering individual and group play therapy sessions tailored to students emotional and developmental needs
Supporting children to express feelings, process experiences, and develop coping strategies through structured play
Collaborating with teachers, SEND teams, and pastoral staff to integrate therapeutic support into school life
Monitoring and documenting student progress and outcomes
Creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all students
Providing guidance to staff and parents on using play to support emotional wellbeing and personal development
Minimum of 6 months UK experience in an educational, therapeutic, or childcare setting essential
Qualified and registered Play Therapist (e.g., BAPT, HCPC, or equivalent)
Experience working with children or young people in schools, SEN settings, or therapeutic environments
Strong communication, empathy, and interpersonal skills
Ability to adapt play therapy techniques to meet individual student needs
Professional, reliable, and solution-focused mindset
Enhanced DBS (Child or Child & Adult Workforce), or willingness to apply
Competitive daily pay (£100 £150, depending on experience)
FREE access to ongoing CPD and skills training
Holiday pay entitlement
Support and guidance from a dedicated consultant familiar with your local schools
Opportunities to work across a variety of supportive mainstream and SEN schools in Teesside
Smart Education is a trusted recruitment agency with over a decade of experience placing exceptional support staff and therapists into schools that value their expertise. We are committed to safeguarding, inclusion, and supporting student wellbeing.
If you re passionate about using play to help children thrive emotionally and socially, apply today and join the Smart Education family!
Salary range
- GPB 100 - GPB 150