Join BAPT 1

Join BAPT

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Why make BAPT your professional organisation?

Assurance of your professionalism is now essential for those of you who work within the United Kingdom. We are the UK’s first and foremost Play Therapy organisation; currently representing over 400 individuals interests,  Full Members, Students and Associates of BAPT , both nationally and within the international arena. By choosing BAPT you will be demonstrating to professionals and the general public that you practise responsibly and professionally to high standards.

On joining BAPT you will benefit from our professional support, not only from BAPT’s carefully developed service, but also from our professional staff, volunteers and your fellow BAPT members. As a part of the UK’s leading voice for Play Therapy, you will also find yourself with a valuable opportunity to influence the future of the Play Therapy profession.

BAPT’s work is defined by our members. We listen to our members’ views and we act on them, encouraging members to enter into dialogue with BAPT. BAPT encourages its members to participate in shaping the short-term and long-term goals of their own organisation.

BAPT recognises the variety of theoretical approaches within Play Therapy and so BAPT is proficient in nurturing a diverse group of people and therapeutic styles within a common frame whilst pursuing the goal of professional development. We are committed to supporting and encouraging all our members to grow and develop as professional practitioners.

Wouldn’t you like to practise knowing that your professional registration protects you?

BAPT is proud of its high standards, good reputation and its wide range of products and services. We hope that you will take advantage of all that BAPT has to offer, from training information right through to individual registration and further continuing professional development.

The Professional Standards Authority Accredited Register programme was set up to provide assurance on the standards of registers of unregulated health and care occupations. Being accredited by the Authority offers enhanced protection to anyone looking for Play Therapy services – people now have the option of seeking practitioners on a register that has been vetted and approved.

Accreditation offers practitioners working in Play Therapy a means of demonstrating their personal commitment to meeting high standards by joining BAPT or another accredited register.
Accreditation means that BAPT has met the Authority’s demanding standards in the following areas: governance, setting standards, education and training, managing the register, providing information and complaints handling.

BAPT needed to provide evidence and demonstrate to the Authority that it meets the Accreditation Standards. Accreditation will be reviewed annually. Being accredited means that BAPT has satisfied the Authority that it meets its high standards. It is a mark of quality.

Accreditation does not imply that the Authority has itself assessed the merits of individuals on the BAPT register. It remains the responsibility of BAPT to do that. BAPT will require its registrants to meet high standards of personal behaviour, technical competence and, where applicable, business practice.

Accreditation does not imply that the Authority has endorsed the efficacy of a treatment or therapy practised or any other service offered by registrants on the BAPT register.

Accredited Registration is different from statutory regulation because it is voluntary, not compulsory. Practitioners can work in Play Therapy without being on a register.

Registers accredited by the Authority will encompass a wide range of occupations and organisations holding registers. The Authority may accredit more than one register in any particular occupation.
Accredited Registers will be entitled to use the Authority’s accreditation mark so that they can be distinguished easily.

The quality mark will give extra peace of mind for anyone looking for a Play Therapist, letting them know that anyone who holds the mark is committed to the high standards of BAPT.

All Accredited Registers can be accessed through the Professional Standards Authority’s website.

This programme applies to the health sector in the UK and to social care in England.

The title Accredited Registers provides simplicity and clarity for consumers and registrants alike, and reflects feedback we have received. The purpose, principles and practice of the programme are focused on providing users of a range of healthcare services and occupations with assurance and consumer protection.

Full members have access to BAPT Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training courses.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, the sub-committees, the professional staff and all others who make the work of BAPT possible, we offer you a very warm welcome! Please join us, become involved and take advantage of a membership that can truly benefit you and your profession.

Benefits of BAPT Membership

Newsletters

  • Free subscription to British Journal of Play Therapy (annually – Associates need to add this to their Membership at reduced rate)
  • A regular e-newsletter

Reduced BAPT Annual Conference Fee

  • Free Membership Pack, including the regularly-updated folder of documents ‘The Guide to Play Therapy’ and sample copies of all BAPT leaflets

10% discount on key BAPT publications

  • Access to occasional discounts and offers negotiated with relevant suppliers (books,toys etc)

Access to the BAPT website members’ area (Not applicable to Associate Members)

  • Access to current debates and issues surrounding Play Therapy
  • Free registration into British Register of Play Therapists (Full Members only)  – see above

Access to Professional Play Therapy Community

  • Access to Good Practice Frameworks (BAPT Ethical Basis for Good Practice in Play Therapy)
  • Afford safety to the Public (BAPT Complaints Procedure & part of the PSA Accredited BAPT Register)
  • Photo Identity Membership Card (Full & Student Members only)
  • Increased Professional Status
  • Access to Research Community
  • Access to Play Therapy Employment Opportunities (Full Members only)

(NB some of these benefits also apply to Associates – see below)

How to join BAPT

You can join BAPT by downloading and completing the membership forms (see below) and returning the forms and any documents (Scanned DBS and insurance policy) via Email to info@bapt.uk.com. PLEASE DO NOT POST APPLICATIONS AND DOCUMENTS.

  • FULL MEMBERS – £160
  • ASSOCIATES – £55 (£66.50 to include subscription to the British Journal of Play Therapy – please see the application form for non UK subscription prices)
  • STUDENTS – £38
  • RETIRED – £35
  • PORTFOLIO – £260 (£100 administrative fee and £160 full membership fee)
  • INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL – £70

In addition a £10 administrative fee applies to all new applications. Our Membership year runs from 1st October to 30th September for ALL categories of membership. Individuals whose new applications are processed after April 1st in any year are eligible for discounts of 50%.

BAPT Membership categories

You may join BAPT either as a Member (Full, Student or Retired) or as an Associate. Please select by carefully reading the information on each category. All Membership applicants must agree to abide by the BAPT Ethical Basis for Good Practice in Play Therapy and are subject to the Complaints Procedure therein. This does not apply to Associates who are not covered by these policies.

The BAPT membership year runs from 1st October to 30th September annually. You may join at anytime during the year, Fees are adjusted for those joining later than 1/2 way through the membership year.

Full Member

Full Membership is open to any person who fulfills the criteria for membership – i.e they have successfully completed a play therapy qualification on one of the BAPT accredited Qualifying programmes or have successfully completed the BAPT portfolio route*. On application members must identify who will provide their clinical supervision and provide evidence of valid current Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance and an up do date DBS clearance.

Full members have the right to vote at the AGM and to stand for election on to the Board of Directors. Full members receive a photo-identity membership card and access to Play Therapy employment opportunities. Names of all full members will appear on the online BAPT’s Professional Standards Agency Accredited Register of Play Therapists  which will enable members of the public to ensure that their therapists are appropriately qualified.

Full Members can also request to have their name and contact details listed on the Find a Therapist listing of Play Therapists available for private work, which is made available to people and organisations seeking a qualified Play Therapist.

Application form – Full_Membership_Form_-_2024-25 

Students upgrading to Full Membership  – please complete an NQPT  Full member application form baptmembershipformFULL ex Student-and see the Frequently asked questions below 

Recognising that starting work as a Qualified Play Therapist is likely to incur some additional costs, and to reflect on the hard work that you will have completed in order to Qualify, we are offering the first year of Full membership post Qualification at a reduced fee of £110 to those who have been BAPT Student Members.  

Portfolio Route

The Portfolio Route is now accessible for Overseas-Trained applicants working in the UK and for Qualified Play Therapists who trained outside of BAPT Courses in the UK. Information about completing a portfolio application can be by clicking the following link –  Joining BAPT – Portfolio info

Applicants able to demonstrate they meet the rigorous criteria and who hold a Qualification as a Play Therapist may be awarded Membership by completion of a Portfolio Membership Application form and a fully completed Portfolio Log. The multiple components of this portfolio route are explicitly mapped onto the core professional and personal competences of a play therapist as defined by BAPT. The portfolio represents the equivalence of the information a student on a BAPT-accredited Master’s course is expected to evidence in their Competence Log, the final substantial submission at the culmination of their clinical training, thus the portfolio log is expected to be completed in a similar manor with multiple referencing to any documentation sent with the application. The portfolio is thus intended to ascertain parity of professional standard to that of an applicant who has successfully completed a BAPT accredited Play Therapy training programme.

Membership is subject to evidence that the applicant’s professional training qualification and practice are of an equivalent standard to that expected from BAPT trained Therapists. See comprehensive details on the Portfolio Application Log and the Full Member – portfolio application form below. Overseas trained applicants will also need to arrange an UK ENIC Statement of Comparability for Overseas Portfolio Applicants

Further information about completing the application form and  advice from someone who has completed the process is available here Joining BAPT – Portfolio info

All portfolio applicants will need to complete a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate their ability to address the Play Therapy Core Competences –including Core Competences 14 -Utilisation of personal therapy and support for development. Additional evidence may include case study material, personal references from therapist and supervisor, confirmation of therapy hours etc. and would include evidence of sufficient Personal Therapy having been undertaken and that other key criteria are met, and must be referenced to the application log.

The following ratios will be used as a guide for the minimum amount of personal therapy required, according to the level of post qualifying experience. This requirement reflects the importance which BAPT attaches to personal therapy as a core element of therapeutic training for all members.

  • 0 – 2 years – evidence of 60 hours personal therapy, with confirmation from therapist
  • 2 – 5 years – evidence of 30 hours personal therapy, with confirmation from therapist.
  • 5 years plus – evidence of 15 hours personal therapy with confirmation from therapist.

Applicants will also need to submit a Reflective account to demonstrate how their experience of personal therapy has impacted their professional practice as a Play Therapist.

Applicants should submit a personal statement from their therapist confirming there is no known reason why the applicant  should not practice as a Play Therapist with vulnerable children. BAPT will seek confirmation of this statement. If, for any reason, the therapist is not contactable the Panel will use its discretion regarding personal therapy and judgement of risk.

The final decision to offer membership of BAPT on the basis of the application will be made by the Portfolio Panel on the entire portfolio of evidence submitted by the applicant.

You can join BAPT by downloading and completing the membership forms (see below) and returning the forms and any documents (Scanned DBS and insurance policy) via Email to info@bapt.uk.com.

PLEASE DO NOT POST APPLICATIONS AND DOCUMENTS.

Application forms – 

Student Member

This category, at a reduced subscription than Full membership, is open to any person who is registered on an accredited BAPT training programme.

All student Play Therapists must be BAPT  Student members on starting any BAPT accredited Play Therapy MSc course and are required to have a BAPT Approved Supervisor ® from September 2024.

Application form  – Student_BAPT_Membership_Form_-_2024-25 

Graduating Students – NQPT’s 

Firstly Congratulations! In order to join BAPT  and be registered with us as a Newly Qualified Play Therapist you will need to upgrade from a Student to a Full member by completing a NQPT application form.

Application form –  Full_NQPT_Membership_Form_-_2024-25 – and see see the Frequently asked questions below. 

Retired Full Member

This category is open to BAPT Full Members who have retired from all paid work, and also those who have retired from direct work with children but who are still available to offer Supervison. Retired members offering Supervision will be subject to requirements of approved Supervisors, please refer to supervision page for information.

Retired Members enjoy the majority of benefits that Full members have, but are not included on the Register of Qualified Play Therapists. Retired full members remain able to vote at the AGM.

Application form: Retired_Membership_Form_-_2024-25 

Associate

Any person or organisation interested in the field of Play Therapy may apply to become an Associate of the British Association of Play Therapists. Associates receive:

  • A welcome pack including ‘The Guide to Play Therapy’ and sample copies of all BAPT leaflets
  • Free subscription to the BAPT E-Newsletter
  • Reduced fees for the BAPT annual conference
  • a 1/3 discount on the subscription to ‘The British Journal of Play Therapy’

Application form – Associate_Application_Form_-_2024-25 

Approved Supervisor  

Applications to become an Approved BAPT Supervisor are welcome from Qualified Play Therapist’s who are part of a PSA accredited register, with a minimum of 3 years post qualifying clinical practice experience. Please complete the form electronically and send to the BAPT office.

Also please read the ‘Preparing to become a BAPT Approved Supervisor‘ and ‘BAPT Guidance for Clinical Supervision‘ documents.

Application form: Supervisor_Application_Form_-_2024-25 

International Professional Play Therapist 

If you are a fully qualified Play Therapist living and working outside of the UK, then you can apply to be an International Professional Play Therapist.

The International Professional Features are: 

  1. Reduced fee to BAPTs Annual Conference
  2. Play Therapy E-Newsletter
  3. Copy of BAPTs Journal of Play Therapy
  4. 10% discount on key BAPT publications
  5. International Sub-Committee Participation
  6. Discounts
  7. Support & advice and transition to Full Membership if moving to work and live in the UK
  8. Access to a multilingual translation application to translate BAPT website (and also possibly some of BAPT resources)
  9. If you have completed a BAPT approved course, then you can use the wording “BAPT Approved International Professional Play Therapist” as part of your email sign off or on your website

Please note that as this offering is for Play Therapists who live and practice outside of the UK, you will not be covered by BAPTs Complaints Procedure. You will also NOT be a BAPT registered Play Therapist and will therefore not appear on our PSA register. You can only use the sign off on emails of “International Professional Play Therapist” or “BAPT Approved International Professional Play Therapist” if you have completed a BAPT approved course.

As this is a new offering, we hope to offer more benefits/features in the future.

Application Form – International_Professional_Application_Form_-_2024-25 

Other Forms:

DBS information - All Full & Student Members of BAPT are expected to have an enhanced DBS check for their Play Therapy work. 

A self-employed person who is eligible for an enhanced DBS check can ask the organisation that wishes to contract their services, to apply for their check.

Alternatively, you can obtain an Enhanced DBS via the link to BAPTs uCheck Applicant Portal

Other organisations that offer individual DBS appplications are also available – just type DBS for individuals or PVG for individuals into your search engine.

Alternatively, please contact BAPT info@bapt.uk.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Only individuals who are applying for Student or Full Membership need send Evidence of DBS/PVG Enhanced Disclosure documentation. For Full members who are in private practice, details of how to obtain a DBS/PVG as an individual are available here http://www.charitybackroom.org.uk/crb-checks-for-individuals-and-the-self-employed” other organisations that offer individual DBS/PVG appplications are also available – just type DBS for individuals into your search engine.

Individuals applying for Student or Retired Membership or to become an Associate need to enclose the relevant fee with their completed application form. However, those applying for Full Membership should not forward their membership fee until they have received notification that their application has been successful. All initial applicants must pay the administrative fee of £10 when submitting their membership form.

No, in order to register as a BAPT Student, Full Member or Approved Supervisors you are required to submit evidence of your Disclosure & Barring Service Enhanced Diclosure/PVG.

Individuals who have successfully completed a qualifying course in play therapy which is recognised and accredited by BAPT will be eligible to apply for Full Membership by completing the standard Full member application form .

Overseas-trained applicants practicing in the UK will have to provide evidence of equivalence of their training qualification by completing the NAIRIC equivalency in addition to the Full membership application form and the portfolio Route to Full membership application form.

The Portfolio Route to Full membership is intended as an alternative path to Full membership for practitioners who have completed a course of training which results in the Qualification of Play Therapist but is not accredited by BAPT, and / or who have substantial practice experience, and are currently practising in the UK. The portfolio route incurs a £200 ‘scrutiny fee’.


Click here to view BAPT accredited training courses.

At present, students who are registered on BAPT accredited Play Therapy courses are the only individuals eligible for Student Membership.

Applications for Full Membership, Student or Retired Membership or to become an Associate are normally processed within 2-3 weeks.

The membership year runs from October 1st to September 30th. Individuals whose applications are processed after April 1st in any year are eligible for discounts of 50%.

In order to change the status of their membership, individuals must complete the BAPT Membership Application Form for Full Membership and enclose the relevant additional documentation and information (please refer to Membership Application Form).

Student members who have completed their training but have not yet had official confirmation of their qualification should renew their membership as a Student and once their play therapy qualification has been confirmed, an application can then be made for Full Membership the fee paid for Student renewal will be deducted from the Full Membership Fee due. The fee for first year of Full Membership post Qualifying is at a reduced rate of £110.

Any individual who is interested in Play Therapy may apply to join as an Associate, regardless of where they reside.  Any individual enrolled on a BAPT accredited qualifying course is eligible to apply for Student Membership.

Individuals who have successfully completed a qualifying course in Play Therapy which is recognised and validated by BAPT will be eligible to apply for Full Membership provided they can produce documentary evidence of this, as well as evidence of a recent UK police check, written information relating to their supervision arrangements, and they reside in the UK.

Individuals who have trained overseas who are currently residing and working in the UK are also now eligible to apply for Full membership, via the BAPT Portfolio Route subject to evidence of equivalence of their professional training qualification, the provision of Embassy references and other criteria (see application document for specific requirements) Individuals who have a Play Therapy Qualification from a course which is NOT accredited by BAPT can apply for Full members via the Portfolio Route.

A Play Therapist’s practice, including their supervision, is governed by the BAPT document ‘Ethical Basis for Good Practice in Play Therapist’. This stipulates:

“All Play Therapists, including Supervisors, are required to receive on-going, appropriate, formal and regular supervision independently of their managerial relationships. Supervisors have a responsibility to maintain the good practice of Supervisees and to protect clients from harm and bad practice.

Supervision must be provided by an appropriately qualified and experienced Play Therapist, except where no such Play Therapist exists in the geographical region. In such circumstances the Play Therapist must receive supervision from an appropriately qualified and experienced Child Therapist.

Supervision must involve face to face contact, except in circumstances where physical distance between the Play Therapist and an available Supervisor precludes such contact.

Play Therapists must receive supervision adequate to maintaining their level of competency, functioning and good practice.”

If it has been more than 3 years since you were last registered as a Full Member of BAPT, you will need to complete a new Full Membership Application.

If it’s been less than 3 years since you were last registered as a Full member, please contact us at info@bapt.uk.com and we can advise you how to proceed.

 

Appeal against Unsuccessful Membership Applications:

If your application for Membership of BAPT is unsuccessful, you have the right to appeal against this decision. There are two grounds on which you can appeal:

  1. That the application procedure has not been correctly followed
  2. The application has not been fairly and properly assessed against the membership criteria

Disagreement with the decision or new information that you want to submit are not grounds for appeal.

How to appeal:

  • You must send your appeal within two months of the date of the letter informing you that you were unsuccessful
  • You should send your appeal in writing to the Chair of BAPT
  • You should tell us why you are appealing (on which grounds)
  • We cannot accept letters from third parties, such as your supervisor or line manager

What happens next:

  • We will acknowledge receipt of your appeal letter
  • Your appeal letter and all relevant documentation will be reviewed by an Appeals Assessor. This Assessor will be a BAPT Registered Member who is not a member of the Board and has been trained for this purpose. They will review the Document and make a decision as to whether the original decision was appropriate or not.
  • They will then advise the BAPT Board of the outcome and we will then forward you their findings along with a copy of their report.
  • The decision of the Appeals assessor is final.
  • If your appeal is unsuccessful, you can still apply for Membership again, but you will have to wait until 12 months from the date of letter telling you that your Appeal was unsuccessful. If you send your application in before this date, we will return it to you. If you do apply again, remember to tell us about this on the application form and send copies of any letters requested. This will be treated as an entirely new application.

Further Information

For further general information and enquiries relating to BAPT membership, please contact BAPT.

If you have any issues with your membership please contact the membership secretary via membership@bapt.uk.com