At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver specialist occupational therapy to children with autism and developmental needs.
- Company: First Bridge School, a dedicated SEND school in Chelsea, London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 34 days holiday, funded training, and career progression.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with strong support and supervision.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through integrated therapy in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Occupational Therapy, HCPC registration, and experience with children.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 42000 £ per year.
Location: Imperial Wharf, Chelsea (Hammersmith & Fulham), London
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Contract: Full-time, Permanent (Monday to Friday)
Setting: SEND / Autism Specialist Primary School
At First Bridge School, we are hiring for an Occupational Health Therapist (OHT). This is a fantastic opportunity to deliver specialist OT in a school built entirely around children with autism and complex developmental needs.
About First Bridge School
First Bridge School is a DfE-registered specialist SEND school for pupils aged 2 to 11 with autism and complex developmental needs, located in Chelsea, London. We are not a mainstream school with SEND provision. We are a fully integrated therapeutic school where Occupational Therapists work daily alongside Teachers, Speech and Language Therapists, and Behaviour Specialists. Therapy is part of how we teach, not an add-on.
The Role
As our Occupational Therapist, you will deliver high-quality, needs-led OT assessment and intervention for pupils whose sensory processing, motor development, and daily living skills directly affect their ability to learn and engage. You will be embedded in the school day, working within a multidisciplinary team and alongside classroom staff to ensure therapeutic approaches are integrated, consistent, and measurable.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct occupational therapy assessments for pupils with autism, sensory processing difficulties, and developmental delays
- Design and deliver evidence-based individual and group OT interventions
- Develop sensory diets and environmental adaptations to support regulation and learning
- Collaborate with Teachers, SaLT, and Behaviour Specialists to embed therapeutic strategies into classroom practice
- Contribute to EHCP assessments, annual reviews, and multi-agency planning
- Write clear, professional OT reports for EHCPs, annual reviews, and external professionals
- Advise and train classroom staff on OT strategies and equipment use
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date clinical records in line with RCOT standards
- Communicate effectively with parents and carers regarding pupil progress and home recommendations
- Uphold safeguarding and child protection procedures at all times
Requirements
- Degree in Occupational Therapy and HCPC registration
- Experience delivering OT with children, including those with autism or developmental needs
- Confident in sensory integration assessment and intervention
- Strong working knowledge of EHCPs and SEND legislation
- Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
- Clear verbal and written communication skills
- Commitment to safeguarding and child-centred practice
- Postgraduate training in sensory integration (e.g. Ayres Sensory Integration)
- Experience in a specialist SEND school, early years, or paediatric community setting
- Knowledge of autism-specific frameworks and structured teaching approaches
- Experience supporting non-verbal or pre-verbal pupils
What You Get
- Competitive salary with progression
- Daily multidisciplinary collaboration in a purpose-built SEND environment
- Funded continuing professional development and specialist training
- Manageable caseload with genuine clinical autonomy
- Strong staff support and supervision structures
- 34 days holiday (inclusive of bank and public holidays)
- Laptop for work and home use
- Clear career progression pathways within a growing specialist school
Who This Role Is For
- OTs who want dedicated specialist paediatric practice, not a mixed or generic caseload
- Clinicians who want to work within a school, not visit one
- Therapists who value real collaboration with teachers and other clinical colleagues
- OTs motivated by long-term developmental outcomes, not throughput metrics
Who This Role Is Not For
- OTs seeking a community or hospital outpatient setting
- Those uncomfortable with a school-based, team-embedded way of working
- Clinicians who prefer working in isolation from educational practice
Safeguarding
We expect everybody to share our commitment to safeguarding. Our vacancies are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Pre-employment checks are carried out, professional references sought and successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and other relevant checks. We comply with the DBS code of practice. As such, having a criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with us; the nature of the position and the circumstances and context of your offences will be considered.
Online Searches
An online search is carried out on all shortlisted candidates.
Referral Awards
We offer referral awards to existing colleagues for recommending people who come to work with us.
Occupational health therapist employer: Breath HR
Breath HR in Chadwell St. Mary is an excellent employer that prioritises a supportive and nurturing work environment for its staff. With flexible hours tailored for parents, grandparents, and students, the company fosters a culture of growth and development, offering comprehensive training to ensure all employees feel confident in their roles. Join us to make a meaningful impact on young children's lives while enjoying the unique advantages of working in a community-focused nursery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Occupational health therapist
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at Breath HR. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Breath HR.
We think you need these skills to ace Occupational health therapist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Breath HR:Take some time to research Breath HR and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Breath HR
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Breath HR's values and approach.
