Children's Occupational Therapist - Schools OT Sensory Outreach Service in Christchurch

Starting salary for this role is £48,226 (pro rata for part-time colleagues). This role sits within a well-defined pay band, offering clear progression as you grow your career at BCP. Without exception, all new starters begin at the entry point of the band, ensuring fairness and consistency across the organisation.

We are expanding our Schools OT Sensory Outreach Service to support the delivery of the ‘Experts at Hand’ SEND agenda across BCP Council and we would love you to join us! BCP Council are seeking committed and enthusiastic Occupational Therapists to join our established and dynamic team to support the delivery of the ‘Experts at Hand’ SEND agenda across mainstream schools within the local authority.

This is an exciting opportunity to work collaboratively with schools, families and multi-agency partners to improve outcomes for children and young people with sensory processing needs. The successful candidates will play a key role in building capacity within mainstream schools, promoting inclusive practice, and supporting the implementation of evidence-informed strategies that enable children and young people to thrive, belong and fully participate in school life.

The Occupational Therapy outreach service operates a successful model of service delivery, encompassing a universal, targeted and specialist service offer, which includes a consultative approach, whole school and group work opportunities and 1-1 sensory assessments.

We are looking for qualified Occupational Therapists who are:

• Registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Trained in sensory integration, with a minimum of level 1 SI training (or equivalent post-graduate training and experience)
• Experienced in working with children & young people with a range of additional needs and disabilities
• Knowledgeable about safeguarding requirements and current local and national SEND legislation and guidance
• Confident in providing advice, consultation and practical strategies to support sensory processing difficulties/differences within educational settings

What we offer:

• A well-established and successful outreach service
• Regular professional supervision and peer support
• Opportunities for continued professional development (CPD)
• Further SI Training where required
• A collaborative and supportive team environment

Please note this role requires regular travel across the BCP area to visit schools, therefore a full driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential.

The interview will take place on 3 August 2026. Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.

At BCP Council, inclusion is more than a promise – it’s how we work. We’re committed to providing a fully inclusive recruitment process ensuring every candidate and colleague has the support and reasonable adjustments they need to thrive.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply or contact us directly – we’re here to help.

BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career-defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, world-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.

BCP Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the community and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Applicants to this post will be required to complete the appropriate level of Disclosure & Barring Service Check.