Play Practitioner

JR United Kingdom; Norwich; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization in Norwich is seeking a Play Practitioner to support children with additional needs in a special school environment. You will work collaboratively with teachers and therapists using play-based methods to enhance learning and emotional well-being. The role involves managing individual and group play therapy sessions and creating engaging learning experiences that cater to diverse needs. This position offers competitive salary, benefits, and the chance to make a meaningful impact.

Benefits

Life assurance

Enhanced pension scheme

Free lunch when working

High street discounts

Employee assistance programme

Fully funded training and qualifications

Family Swim

Qualifications

• Certificate or diploma in play therapy or equivalent.
• Evidence of supervision received from approved Play Therapist.
• Experience working with children with additional needs.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of students under supervision of the Play Therapist.
• Collaborate with therapists and staff for effective service delivery.
• Plan and facilitate engaging play sessions.

Skills

Collaborative team work

Communication skills

Play therapy knowledge

Education

Certificate or diploma in play therapy/therapeutic play

Tools

Earwig school management system

Job description

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Job Title: Play Practitioner
Location: Quidenham, Norwich
Actual Annual Salary for Term Time role: £24,103.92 - £27,748.99 (£13.49 - £15.53 per hour) Dependant on experience and qualifications
Hours: Permanent - 40 hours per week
- Term Time only - Monday - Friday - 8.30am - 4.30pm (5pm on Thursday, extra half hour taken off on another day)
Please note: Due to the location of the school, you must hold a driving licence or have a means of transport to get there (public transport does not run here).

We are currently seeking a Play Practitioner to join a multidisciplinary team in a Special Educational Needs (SEN) school supporting students aged 6-16 with communication and associated difficulties or specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

With small classes, typically 7 children and a minimum of 3 staff per class, you can focus on the needs of each student. There is a full clinical team onsite to support at all times, and you will have the support of an experienced and stable SLT.

The Role:

In this role, you'll use play-based approaches to support children with additional needs, enhancing their learning, social development, and emotional well-being. Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and support staff, you'll help create an inclusive environment where children can develop through both structured and free play activities. You'll play a key role in implementing targeted interventions under the direction of our Play Therapist, supporting individual students, small groups, and classes as needed. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to children's development while working within a supportive, multidisciplinary team. You'll help create positive learning experiences that build on each child's strengths and interests.

Main Duties:

• Work under supervision of the Play Therapist to manage an assigned caseload of students
• Collaborate with Play Therapist(s), Therapy Leads, Clinical Lead, and Senior Leadership Team to ensure efficient workload management and effective service delivery
• Liaise with Therapy Assistants, Therapists, and Emotional Literacy Practitioners (ELSA) to ensure appropriate caseload management and skills sharing
• Prioritize caseload under direction of Play Therapist to ensure equitable service delivery

• Support the Play Therapist with student assessments and interventions as directed
• Provide direct and indirect play therapy interventions for individuals and groups
• Plan and facilitate engaging play sessions that support learning, social interaction, and sensory needs
• Adapt play activities to suit children with diverse needs, including Autism, ADHD, SEMH, speech, language and communication needs, and sensory needs
• Measure intervention outcomes against EHCP and Annual Review targets
• Record progress and outcomes using school systems (e.g., Earwig)
• Maintain detailed records in line with professional codes of conduct and policies
• Observe and document children's progress, sharing insights with staff and families

Knowledge and Experience:

• Certificate or diploma in play therapy/therapeutic play e.g., Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills; PTUK / BAPT Practitioner of Play Skills Qualification or similar. Equivalent to a Level 5 qualification.
• Evidence of supervision received from approved and accredited Play Therapist
• ACCPH membership for therapeutic play coaching - Desirable

Benefits:

• Life assurance
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Free lunch when working
• Perkbox - offering high street discounts
• Employee assistance programme
• Car lease scheme and Bike to work scheme
• Fully funded training and qualifications
• Free membership to our Health cashback plan - Claim back money on services such as dental, optical, physio, and many more.
• Family Swim

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