Part-time Art or Play Therapist

www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk - Jobboard; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A nurturing educational institution in Hemel Hempstead is looking for a skilled Art Therapist or Play Therapist to support children with social and emotional needs. You will provide therapy using creative approaches and work closely with staff to foster a safe environment. A qualification in Art Therapy or Play Therapy and relevant experience are required. Flexible hours and professional development opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Access to supervision and professional development

Flexible working hours

Well-being support packages

Qualifications

• Registration with HCPC (Art Therapy) or BAPT/PTUK is required.
• Experience with children having SEMH, neurodivergence, or trauma histories is essential.
• Commitment to co-regulation and reflective practice needed.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and small-group therapy using art or play-based approaches.
• Work closely with leadership and safeguarding teams.
• Help create a safe space for children.

Skills

Art Therapy

Play Therapy

Collaboration

Relational Practice

Trauma-informed care

Education

Recognised qualification in Art Therapy or Play Therapy

Job description

What skills and experience we're looking for

Are you passionate about helping children feel safe, seen, and soothed through creative expression?

We’re seeking a warm, relational and skilled Art Therapist or Play Therapist to join our trauma-informed school and support children with social, emotional, and mental health needs (SEMH) and/or learning difficulties.

What You’ll Do

• Provide individual and small-group therapy using art or play-based approaches
• Work closely with the leadership and safeguarding teams
• Contribute to multi-agency plans and EHCP outcomes
• Offer informal reflective guidance to staff around trauma, attachment, and regulation
• Help co-create a safe space for children to express, explore and build resilience

What the school offers its staff

What We Offer

• A nurturing, values-driven team
• Access to supervision and professional development
• Flexible working hours (negotiable days where possible)
• A chance to make a meaningful difference in a setting that understands the power of therapeutic relationship
• Well-being support packages

Further details about the role

You Will Need

• A recognised qualification in Art Therapy or Play Therapy.
• Registration with HCPC (Art Therapy) or BAPT/PTUK.
• Experience working with children with SEMH, neurodivergence, or trauma histories.
• A commitment to relational practice, co-regulation, and play-based engagement.
• The ability to work collaboratively and reflectively within a school environment.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.