Play therapist
Level 7 · Degree (Master’s)Care services 3 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
This Level 7 master's-level apprenticeship qualifies you as a registered Play Therapist, using the therapeutic power of play to help children and young people process difficult emotions, trauma, and life experiences. You will train in established play therapy modalities and work with children in clinical, educational, or community settings under supervision. Completion leads to eligibility for registration with the British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT) and opens careers in CAMHS, schools, and private practice.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Theoretical foundations of play therapy including non-directive and directive approaches
Child development, attachment theory, and trauma-informed practice
Therapeutic use of play materials, sand tray, art, and creative media
Clinical assessment of children's emotional and psychological needs
Professional ethics, safeguarding, and child protection in therapeutic settings
Clinical supervision and reflective practice as a registered therapist
Research methods and evidence-based practice in play therapy
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Conduct therapeutic assessments of children referred for play therapy
Deliver individual play therapy sessions in a dedicated therapy room
Maintain clinical case notes and write progress reports for referrers
Liaise with schools, social workers, and parents about children's needs
Attend regular clinical supervision to reflect on casework
Manage a caseload of children with a range of emotional and behavioural needs
Engage in continuing professional development and research activity
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 7 (Degree (Master’s)) - roughly Master’s-degree level. Usually needs a relevant degree or Level 6 qualification, or significant experience.
What’s next: Leads into senior and chartered professional roles.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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