Play Therapist (Self-Employed) - Part-time

St Michael's Prep School, Otford

• Ref:KCC886-6016-355S
• Posted:03/06/2026
• Pay:0.00
• Start Date:01/09/2026
• App Close Date:19/06/2026 at 12:00
• Interviews:TBC

Advert

We are seeking a qualified and experienced Play Therapist to provide support to pupils within a Prep school setting from age 2 – 13 and help them reach their full potential. The role involves delivering individual and/or small group play therapy sessions to support children’s emotional wellbeing, social development, and mental health.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with pastoral staff, teachers, and parents, while maintaining professional autonomy as a self-employed practitioner.

This is a self-employed position; the therapist will be responsible for their own tax, National Insurance, and professional indemnity insurance. Hours, session frequency, and fees will be agreed in advance. The therapist will supply their own materials unless otherwise agreed.

If you have the skills and qualities we're looking for, we would love to hear from you.

We reserve the right to interview and / or appoint prior to the closing date.

Information about the school

St Michael’s is academically successful while remaining proud of its non‑selective, inclusive ethos and strong sense of community. Our academic and co‑curricular provision ensures that children flourish.

Our purpose‑built Pre‑Prep, with specialist spaces and wraparound care, provides a stimulating start to school life. The Early Years (Nursery to Reception) offer a nurturing foundation before pupils move into Years 1 and 2.

From Year 3, pupils join the Prep and benefit from excellent facilities and increased specialist teaching. Subject expertise grows progressively, with a more structured specialist model from Year 5, ensuring pupils are well prepared - academically, personally and organisationally - for senior school.

Our St Michael’s Learning Behaviours - Creativity, Independence, Resilience, Collaboration and Engagement - are introduced from Reception and embedded throughout the curriculum.

In Years 7 and 8, pupils benefit from the St Michael’s Diploma, an enquiry‑based programme designed to develop curiosity, confidence and creativity alongside Common Entrance and KS3 study.

Pupils move on at 11 and 13 to a wide range of leading independent, state and grammar schools, with recent offers including: Sevenoaks School, Tonbridge School, Caterham School, The Judd School, Kent College Pembury, Eastbourne College, King’s School Rochester, Ardingly College, Hurstpierpoint College, St Paul’s, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, The King’s School Canterbury, The Skinners’ School, Tonbridge Girls’ Grammar School and Brighton College.

In May 2024, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) published an excellent report recognising the strength of school life at St Michael’s, including a ‘significant strength’ for our culture of collaboration and mentorship.

St Michael’s is a standalone independent prep school governed by a Board of Governors responsible for strategic oversight. Day‑to‑day operational management is delegated to the Head and the Senior Leadership Team. The Board brings a breadth of professional expertise from sectors including law, finance, HR, engineering and education, providing strong, knowledgeable governance for the school.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Emma Blakiston
• Address:Otford Court, Row Dow, Otford, Kent, TN14 5RY
• Telephone: 01959 522137
• Email: recruitment@stmichaels.kent.sch.uk

Fax: 01959 522137

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Play Therapist - Job Description May 2026