Therapeutic SEND Practitioner

Therapeutic SEND Practitioner (Play-Based) – Lowestoft (NR33)

Location: Lowestoft, NR33 (home and community settings)
Pay: £35 per hour
Start date: Monday 2nd November 2026
Contract: Self-employed

About SunPlay Therapy
SunPlay Therapy provides trauma-informed, therapeutic support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We work closely with local authorities, schools and families to deliver personalised, relationship-based interventions that help children feel safe, regulate, engage and thrive.

We are a warm, supportive and growing team, and we are looking for an experienced, compassionate and proactive practitioner to join us from November.

About the Role
This role will mainly involve supporting a younger child with complex SEND and SEMH needs in their home and in the local community.

Many of the children we support have experienced trauma, anxiety and emotional dysregulation, and find it difficult to access education. We are looking for someone who can build trusting, playful relationships while keeping clear professional boundaries.

You will be part of a 1:1 therapeutic provision, working closely with another practitioner to deliver consistent, high-quality support.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver play-based therapeutic sessions in the home and community
• Build positive, trusting relationships with the child and their family
• Plan and lead therapeutic activities that support emotional regulation, confidence and independence
• Work as part of a 1:1 support model alongside another practitioner
• Communicate professionally with parents, schools, local authorities and other professionals
• Keep accurate session notes, observations, risk assessments and progress reports
• Read EHCPs and use therapeutic strategies that meet the child’s needs
• Adapt activities to individual sensory, emotional and learning needs
• Maintain safeguarding, confidentiality and professional standards at all times

Essential Requirements

• Experience working with children and/or young people with SEND, SEMH or autism
• A good understanding of play-based and therapeutic approaches
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Confident working independently and as part of a team
• Experience writing reports and keeping accurate records
• Ability to support challenging behaviour using calm, positive, therapeutic approaches
• Full UK driving licence and access to a car
• Enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain one before starting)

Desirable

• Play Therapy qualification or training
• Therapeutic or creative arts background
• Background in psychology, counselling, social care, education or youth work
• Mental health or behaviour support experience
• Safeguarding training
• Team Teach, MAPA or similar de-escalation training

What We Offer

• £35 per hour
• Clinical supervision and ongoing professional support
• CPD and specialist SEND training opportunities
• A kind, supportive and passionate team
• The chance to make a real, lasting difference in a child’s life

If you are a compassionate, reliable and experienced practitioner who believes in the power of play and therapeutic relationships, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today and join SunPlay Therapy in making a meaningful difference to children and young people across Suffolk and Essex.

Pay: £35.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• On-site parking
• Referral programme

Work Location: In person