We are delighted to have a resident play therapist at our school, whose role is essential in supporting the emotional and psychological well-being of our students. Through the therapeutic use of play, children are given a safe and creative space to express their feelings, process challenging experiences, and build emotional resilience. Our play therapist, Jo Bolter, works closely with both individual children and small groups, tailoring sessions to meet the unique needs of each child. This approach not only enhances emotional health but also fosters a positive school experience, helping our students grow in confidence, self-awareness, and social skills.

Joanne Bolter commenced her therapeutic journey in 2009 working with children identified as having emotional, social and behavioural difficulties in a mainstream setting. Since 2014 Joanne has been providing full-time therapeutic support in settings such as Specialist Social, Emotional and Mental Health Schools and mainstream settings across both primary and secondary phases, with pupils presenting challenging behaviours and primarily under Local Authority Care. Interventions include 1-1 play therapy, group therapy, outdoor therapeutic interventions and family support. Joanne is a Certified Play Therapist, Clinical Supervisor and Filial Coach.

Using play means that the child can explore their thoughts and feelings in creative and dynamic ways, without having to use words to articulate themselves. In Play Therapy sessions, children explore their own creativity and express themselves using media such as: drawing and painting, water and clay, sand tray and miniatures, guided imagery and relaxation techniques, drama and puppetry, poetry, movement and music.

Talking about problems can be hard for children. A child may not have the words to describe how they are feeling, or why they are behaving as they do. A child may not be able to recognise what they find difficult, or explain it to someone if asked. Play Therapy provides the expertise and time to do this through play. Play Therapy sessions aim to build a child’s ability to develop healthy and resilient relationships, and to work though traumatic experiences which may be preoccupying them. Pre-occupying difficult feelings can make learning at school or managing feelings impossible. Addressing difficult emotions through play provides a layer of story or metaphor to what is being shared and felt. Metaphor can provide a degree of removal from experience for the child. It can feel safer and less intense for a child to express themselves or explore their experiences through play.

Find out more at What Is Play Therapy? - Play Therapy UK