This CPD-accredited Play Therapy Course Level 3 provides structured training in therapeutic play to support children’s emotional wellbeing and mental health. Designed for UK education, care and support settings, the course equips you with practical knowledge, trauma-informed frameworks and safeguarding-aware techniques to work confidently with children through play.

This Play Therapy Level 3 course focuses on therapeutic play as a recognised child-centred intervention used to support emotional regulation, anxiety, behavioural difficulties and recovery from adverse experiences. You will develop a clear understanding of how play therapy works, when it is used, and how it supports children across schools, SEN provision and care environments.

Through this online play therapy training, you will learn how to plan and deliver structured play-based sessions, interpret emotional themes expressed through play, and apply supportive strategies for vulnerable children affected by trauma, grief, neglect or instability.

If you are looking for a play therapy course, play therapist course, or therapeutic play training that provides a recognised Level 3 foundation, this programme offers a strong CPD pathway into child mental health and wellbeing support roles.

What Is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a child-centred approach that uses play as a therapeutic medium to help children express emotions, process experiences and develop coping strategies. It is commonly used in UK education, SEN and care settings to support children who may struggle to communicate verbally due to emotional distress, trauma or developmental stage.

This Play Therapy Course Level 3 introduces therapeutic play principles and safe practice boundaries, helping learners understand how play-based support is used responsibly within professional roles.

How Play Therapy Works in UK Child Support Settings

Play therapy uses play as a developmentally appropriate way for children to express feelings they may not be able to explain in words. In UK settings, therapeutic play can be used to support children in schools, early years provision, SEN environments and care contexts by helping to:

• Build emotional vocabulary and self-regulation

• Reduce anxiety and improve coping strategies

• Explore experiences safely through symbolic play

• Strengthen confidence, relationships and behaviour support

• Identify when children may need additional support or referral

This Level 3 course helps you apply therapeutic play principles responsibly within professional boundaries, with an emphasis on safe practice, safeguarding awareness and supportive intervention.

Course Overview

This Play Therapy Level 3 Certification is structured into professionally designed modules covering therapeutic play principles, child-centred approaches and trauma-support strategies, including:

• Core principles, aims and outcomes of play therapy

• Models and approaches used in therapeutic play practice

• Creating safe play settings and selecting appropriate materials

• Supporting children experiencing anxiety, grief and behavioural difficulties

• Trauma-informed strategies for emotionally vulnerable children

• Play therapy considerations for children affected by abuse and neglect

• Therapeutic play support for homelessness, instability and displacement

• Disaster and crisis-informed play interventions

• Case studies, practice insights and emerging trends

By the end of this Play Therapy Course Level 3, you will be able to:Understand the foundational principles and aims of play therapy and therapeutic play

• Explain how play therapy supports children’s emotional development and wellbeing

• Apply recognised play therapy models and child-centred approaches within appropriate support roles

• Plan and structure therapeutic play sessions within safe practice boundaries

• Respond to emotional distress and behavioural barriers using supportive, trauma-informed strategies

• Use play-based approaches to support children affected by trauma, grief, abuse or instability

• Apply safeguarding-aware practice when working with vulnerable children

• Observe, reflect on and review play sessions to support positive emotional outcomes

• Therapeutic play intervention skills to support children’s emotional wellbeing

• Trauma-informed practice foundations for working with vulnerable children

• Behaviour regulation and emotional support strategies

• Planning and structuring therapeutic play sessions within safe practice boundaries

• Observation, reflection and outcome review skills for play-based support

• Safeguarding awareness when working with children and young people

• Effective communication with parents, carers and professionals

• Creating safe, supportive play environments for children experiencing emotional difficulty

This Play Therapy Course Level 3 is ideal for individuals who want to support children’s emotional wellbeing through structured therapeutic play, including:

• Teaching assistants, early years practitioners and SEN support staff

• Youth workers and social care support professionals

• Child wellbeing, mental health and family support workers

• Foster carers, adoptive parents and child support volunteers

• Aspiring therapeutic play practitioners seeking a recognised CPD foundation

• Career changers interested in child mental health and wellbeing roles

No previous qualifications or experience are required — only empathy, commitment and a genuine interest in supporting children in a safe and responsible way.

There are no formal entry requirements for this Play Therapy Course Level 3, making it accessible to learners from a wide range of backgrounds.

To enrol, you should:

• Have an interest in children’s mental health, emotional wellbeing and development

• Have a basic understanding of the English language

• Be motivated to support vulnerable children in a responsible and ethical manner

No previous qualifications, professional experience or therapeutic background are required.

The assessment is straightforward; you need to complete the assignment questions that will be provided to you at the end of this  course, you can complete the assignment anytime you want. After you complete and submit your assignment, our tutors will assess your assignment and give you feedback if needed. 

After your assignment has been assessed and you have passed, you will be qualified and will be able to apply for a course completion certificate.

Upon completing the course and passing the final assessment, you will be eligible to receive a CPD QS Accredited Certificate from The Teachers Training, which demonstrates your professional knowledge, practical skills, and career readiness. You can select your preferred certificate option at discounted rates, with the Digital CPD Certificate (PDF) available for only £6.99, the Printed Hardcopy Certificate for only £9.99, or both the Digital and Printed Certificates together for just £11.99. This certification will significantly strengthen your CV and enhance your credibility within the education sector. Please note that discounted certificate pricing is available for a limited time only, so be sure to secure your certificate before the offer ends.

Completing this Play Therapy Course Level 3 can support progression into a range of child wellbeing and support roles, including:

Therapeutic Play Assistant / Play Therapy Assistant
Support play-based emotional wellbeing activities under professional guidance
Average UK salary: £20,000 – £25,000

Child Mental Health Support Worker
Support emotional wellbeing and early intervention programmes for children
Average UK salary: £22,000 – £30,000

SEN Teaching Assistant
Support children with additional emotional, behavioural and communication needs
Average UK salary: £18,000 – £28,000

Youth Worker / Social Care Support Worker
Support vulnerable children and young people in community and care settings
Average UK salary: £21,000 – £32,000

Therapeutic Support Worker / Wellbeing Practitioner
Deliver structured wellbeing and emotional support activities
Average UK salary: £22,000 – £32,000

Please note: Becoming a licensed or registered play therapist typically requires additional specialist qualifications and supervised clinical practice.