Therapy Trainee – Infant and Early Years Practitioner

Therapy Trainee – Infant and Early Years Practitioner

Please note you need to complete 2 applications. One for applying for the position with our team, and the other for the University Course for the UCL/Anna Freud course team to review.

Anna Freud has an exciting opportunity for a CYP Psychological Trainings: Therapy Trainee (Infant and Early Years Practitioner) to join its Specialist Clinical Services as part of the NHS England (NHSE)-funded Children and Young People (CYP) Psychological Training Programmes.

This government-funded initiative supports the development of the child mental health workforce. NHSE funds the salary and training costs for this one-year, full-time position. It offers the opportunity to put weekly teaching into practice through supervised clinical assessments and interventions with children aged 0–5 and their parents or carers.

About Anna Freud

Anna Freud is a world-leading mental health charity for children, young people and their families. Our mission is to close the gap in wellbeing and mental health by advancing, translating, delivering and sharing the best science and practice with everyone who impacts the lives of children, young people and their families. More information about Anna Freud is available on our website.

Our EDI commitment 

Anna Freud is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, with equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) at the heart of our recruitment practices. We welcome applications from all candidates who meet the job criteria, regardless of ethnic origin, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, socioeconomic background, caring responsibilities or care experience.

As a Disability Confident employer, disabled candidates who meet our criteria are guaranteed an interview. Applications are submitted anonymously and assessed fairly against the criteria outlined in our job profiles. We also invite candidates to share their diversity information to help us identify and address potential bias. This information is held securely by our Recruitment team and is not shared with hiring managers or interview panels or used in selection decisions.

We Aim to provide reasonable adjustments whereever operationally possible to ensure an accessible and inclusive recruitment process. All employees are expected to uphold Anna Freud's safeguarding, confidentiality and information governance policies.

What we offer

We offer a range of staff benefits, including an all-in-one rewards and recognition platform called Perkbox and wellbeing offers such as finishing early on Fridays and free counselling through our Employee Assistance Programme. We are proud to have staff-led Diversity Networks offering unique opportunities for learning, connection and impact.

Training information

The UCL/Anna Freud postgraduate training begins in January 2027. Trainees are employees of Anna Freud and enrolled students of UCL/Anna Freud. The programme requires a demanding combination of academic teaching, self-study, supervised clinical casework and assignments. Successful completion leads to a UCL Postgraduate Diploma.

Teaching takes place in person at Anna Freud in Central London (4–8 Rodney Street, N1 9JH). Clinical practice takes place within Anna Freud’s Specialist Clinical Services and relevant community settings, so trainees must be able to meet the travel requirements of the role.

What you will do

• Assess referrals, observe infants and young children within their family and caregiving contexts, and deliver evidence-informed IEYP interventions under supervision.
• Work collaboratively with families, the multidisciplinary team and services such as health visiting, early help, social care and early years settings.
• Embed the voice and participation of children and families, collect routine outcome measures, and maintain accurate and confidential clinical records.
• Attend weekly clinical supervision and regular managerial supervision, complete all postgraduate training requirements, and follow Anna Freud’s safeguarding and clinical governance procedures.

What we are looking for

We are seeking highly motivated candidates who want to support the emotional and relational wellbeing of children aged 0–5 and their families through inclusive, evidence-based practice. Applicants should be committed to the CYP Psychological Training Programme core principles of accessibility, accountability, participation, awareness and evidence-based practice.

• Core professional training in a mental health-related profession and current registration with the relevant professional body.
• A minimum second-class bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. Applicants without this qualification but with relevant professional experience will be considered case by case.
• At least two years’ experience supporting children aged 0–5 and their families, including multi-agency working, and knowledge of early development, parent–child relationships and safeguarding.
• Ability to communicate sensitively, reflect on emotionally challenging work in supervision, manage records and caseload demands, and balance postgraduate study with clinical practice.
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, collaboration and the travel requirements of the role.

Application process

This is a dual application process. You must apply separately for the Anna Freud employment post and the UCL training course, and be successful in both. The UCL Course Team will review academic eligibility during recruitment. A UCL training place will only be offered if you secure the employment post and meet the university’s requirements.

UCL course application: Apply through the UCL online application portal

Candidates should also read the ‘UCL CYP PT: Therapy – Application Guidance for Candidates’, including NHS England’s two-year post-graduation funding rule, before applying. This guidance should be supplied with the advert.

Before you apply

Please watch the Infant & Early Years introductory video and review the course information and application guidance.

Further information: UCL/Anna Freud CYP Psychological Trainings: Therapy postgraduate course  |  Prospective trainee FAQs

The full essential criteria and assessment methods are set out in the accompanying Job Profile.

Key details

Employer and contract: Anna Freud, Full-time, one-year fixed-term training and employment post

Salary and benefits: £47,951 FTE per annum, plus a 6% contributory pension scheme; 27 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (FTE)

Location: Anna Freud’s Specialist Clinical Services and community settings; 4–8 Rodney Street, London N1 9JH

Working pattern: Usually Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:00; around 2–3 days per week for teaching/personal study and at least 2.5 days for clinical work

Anticipated employment start date: Monday 4 January 2027 (or Monday 11 January 2027 by agreement), within Anna Freud's Specialist Clinical Services.

Course start date: Monday 18 January 2027, including in-person induction at Anna Freud, King's Cross.

Pre-employment check: Enhanced DBS with Adult and Child checks

How to apply: click on the 'apply now’ button to apply online which will direct you to our careers page. We are unable to accept CVs and kindly request no contact from agencies.

Questions?

Please email us with any job enquiries, or if you require assistance or experience difficulties when applying. Please note that successful candidate(s) will be asked to evidence their Right to Work in the UK post-job offer – we do not hold a sponsor license therefore we are unable to provide Visa sponsorship.

Data protection

Information submitted in your application (including your name and contact details, qualifications and relevant experience) will be shared with relevant Anna Freud staff as part of the recruitment process to assess eligibility for the training. As this is a joint Anna Freud and UCL programme, your data may also be shared with UCL for the purposes of shortlisting and, if successful, enrolment onto the programme. Please refer to the relevant privacy notices.