Therapeutic Play in Education

Course introduction

What we will cover throughout the day

• Explain the core principles of therapeutic play and its relevance within educational settings.

• Identify how play supports children’s emotional, social, and developmental wellbeing across different ages and abilities.

• Recognise signs of stress, trauma, and unmet emotional needs, and respond using therapeutic play approaches.

• Implement practical low-cost therapeutic play strategies to foster emotional expression, regulation, and resilience in the classroom.

• Design and maintain play-informed, inclusive classroom environments that promote safety, healing, and wellbeing for all learners.

Target audience

Headteachers, Education Welfare Officers, Attendance Officers, Teachers, Deputy =Headteachers, SENCo/ALNCo, Pastoral Leads, Classroom Assistants, Support Staff, Family Liaison Officers, Mental Health Leads, Safeguarding Leads, Family Support Workers

Trainers for this course

Kelly Hannaghan

Kelly puts wellbeing at the heart of education. She is an award-winning motivational speaker and school improvement advisor, published author and founder of ‘Family Matters’ empower...ment programme.

Kelly has worked systemically with some of the most challenging communities, helping families thrive in difficult circumstances. She advises in the development of staff wellbeing to improve teacher retention and embeds purposeful strategies to support School Leader’s emotional health. Kelly is an advocate for Senior Mental Health Leads and helps drive school development processes forward, whilst creating outstanding outcomes and awards for many organisations. She is a trailblazer within the Wellbeing Lead Network for supporting pastoral teams. Her work is recognised by the DfE, NCB, The Anna Freud Centre and The Education Support Partnership as a lead influencer of mental health and wellbeing in education.

Kelly is currently leading on the DFE Wellbeing for Education Return Programme within Kent County Council.Read more

See what others have to say about us

"Excellent and very well-informed presentation. Thoroughly enjoyed the advanced pastoral lead course. Thank you so much NSMTC."

"I would say I will feel confident in my ability to fulfil my role as a Pastoral Lead effectively with the added experience from attending this course. I will definitely consider NSM Training & Consultancy again in the future for further training."

"I really enjoyed the course. Learnt lots. The best part was the break out rooms where we had opportunities to discuss different aspects of the role. Such an informative course! Thoroughly enjoyed the course. Trainers knowledge is amazing and what a lovely woman who makes you feel comfortable and keeps the course very interesting!"

About the venue

Stay at home, get comfortable and enjoy our live interactive course via Zoom! You’ll receive the link a few days before the course date so you can get prepared (and excited) ahead of time.

Handy course logistics

• The course will run via Zoom from 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, however, the trainer will be available 15 minutes before and after the course times to answer any questions.
• You’ll receive mid-morning, lunch and afternoon breaks to re-energise.
• This course is designed to be interactive and inclusive. We welcome questions and discussions throughout and we want you to be comfortable and stress-free no matter where you join us from!
• Your course handouts will be emailed to you on the morning of the course.
• Additional links and information will be emailed to you before and during the course.
• This course is also available as an in-house / INSET training session at your school. Contact us for details.
• Please note – the cost is per person
• Please note – the early bird rate of £185+ VAT ends 28 days prior to the course date, after this the standard rate of £215+VAT will be charged.