Play Practitioner
Location: Sendsory (Non-school Alternative Provision)
Contract: Fixed-Term (1 Year)
Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:30
Working Pattern: Term Time Only
How to apply
Applications must be submitted via our website.
Due to our commitment to safeguarding and safer recruitment practices, we are unable to accept CVs. All applicants must complete the official application process through our website.
Join the Sendsory Team
At Sendsory, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Our therapeutic alternative provision supports children and young people with SEND, SEMH needs and those who have experienced barriers to education. Through a trauma-informed, relationship-based approach, we create nurturing environments where children can rebuild confidence, develop emotional resilience and re-engage with learning.
We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Play Practitioner to join our growing team.
About the Role
The Play Practitioner plays a central role within our therapeutic provision, using the transformative power of play to support children's emotional wellbeing, social development and educational engagement.
Working under the direction of the Therapeutic Teacher, you will design and facilitate child-led play experiences that promote emotional safety, self-expression, resilience and positive relationships. This role is ideal for someone who understands the importance of play as a therapeutic tool and is committed to supporting children who may have experienced trauma, adversity or disruption to their education.
Key ResponsibilitiesTherapeutic Support and Learning
- Deliver engaging 1:1 and small-group sessions, including curriculum-based activities.
- Support pupils to achieve individual EHCP outcomes.
- Assist children in working towards AQA Unit Award Scheme Certificates.
- Promote life skills, communication, emotional regulation, independence and social development.
- Encourage confidence, self-help skills, problem-solving and positive peer relationships.
- Provide personal care where required, maintaining dignity and respect at all times.
- Support children during breakfast and lunch periods.
- Prepare and maintain safe, welcoming and therapeutic learning environments.
Behaviour and Wellbeing
- Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils.
- Use trauma-informed and restorative approaches to support behaviour and emotional regulation.
- Record and report behaviour incidents, wellbeing concerns and safeguarding matters in line with organisational procedures.
- Participate in safeguarding briefings, behaviour reviews and team debriefs.
- Contribute to a consistent, attachment-aware and emotionally safe environment.
Play Specialism
- Apply your identified SEND specialism of Play in daily practice, working directly with children and sharing knowledge, strategies and approaches with colleagues to support consistent, high-quality provision.
- Facilitate play opportunities that support emotional regulation, resilience, communication, problem-solving, creativity and positive relationships. This may include sensory play, imaginative play, creative activities, loose parts play and other play-based experiences that are responsive to children's individual needs, interests and EHCP outcomes. Progress should be monitored and observations shared with the Therapeutic Teacher to inform wider support and planning.
- Share effective play strategies, resources and ideas with colleagues. They should support team members by modelling child-led practice, promoting the value of play as a therapeutic and developmental tool and helping others understand how play can be used to support children's emotional wellbeing, learning and overall development.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience working with children with SEND and/or SEMH needs.
- Understands trauma-informed and attachment-aware practice.
- Is passionate about therapeutic play and child development.
- Can build positive, nurturing relationships with children and families.
- Is reflective, flexible and committed to continuous professional development.
- Shares our vision of creating inclusive environments where every child can succeed.
Why Join Sendsory?
At Sendsory, you'll be part of a supportive and innovative team dedicated to transforming outcomes for children and young people. We value creativity, collaboration and therapeutic practice, and we invest in our staff through ongoing training, professional development and opportunities to contribute to the growth of our provision.
Sendsory is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references and safer recruitment procedures.
Pay: £28,862.58 per year
Work Location: In person
