At a Glance
- Tasks: Assess and support children with SEND, creating tailored interventions to enhance their learning and independence.
- Company: Join Danecourt School, a welcoming environment dedicated to making a difference for children.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Be part of an award-winning team committed to inclusivity and child welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while working collaboratively in a dynamic school setting.
- Qualifications: Qualified Occupational Therapist with experience in SEND and strong assessment skills.
The predicted salary is between 20463 - 26170 £ per year.
Join Danecourt School as a Paediatric Occupational Therapist! Use your expertise. Unlock potential. Make a difference every day.
Hours: 22 hours per week (8:30am - 4.30 pm Wed - Thurs; 8:30 - 4:00 Fri)
Contract: Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover) until 30th November 2027
Term Time Only Role: 39 weeks per year
Start Date: 1st December 2026
Actual Salary: Grade PO1 (point 27 - 37) £20,462.85 - £26,170.46 Actual Salary + SEND Allowance
Are you an enthusiastic, creative Occupational Therapist who is passionate about making a difference for children with SEND? Danecourt School is looking for a motivated and collaborative Occupational Therapist to join our Integrated Therapy Team on a maternity cover contract. This is an opportunity to work differently. At Danecourt, therapy is woven into children's everyday school experience. You'll work alongside our Education Team, co-teaching in classrooms, running groups and helping colleagues embed therapeutic strategies throughout the school day. You'll join a fast-paced, dynamic team that responds to the changing needs of our pupils and school - working together to help children develop the skills, confidence and independence they need to thrive both at school and at home.
About the Role
As our Occupational Therapist, you'll manage a specialist caseload of pupils with SEND, assessing their needs and developing practical, evidence-informed interventions that support participation, learning and independence. You'll work closely with teachers, support staff, therapists, families and external professionals, combining your clinical expertise with a collaborative and child-centred approach.
In this role, you will:
- Assess pupils' occupational therapy needs and provide personalised interventions
- Work alongside our Education Team through co-teaching, group work and classroom-based support
- Support pupils with sensory processing, motor development, functional skills and independence
- Use formal and informal assessments to understand needs and monitor progress
- Advise on specialist and adaptive equipment, postural management and manual handling
- Provide practical strategies, guidance and training for colleagues and families
- Contribute to EHCPs, Annual Reviews and multidisciplinary planning
You’ll have professional autonomy to manage your caseload while being surrounded by colleagues who share expertise, ideas and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for every child.
Who you Are
We're looking for someone who:
- Is a qualified Occupational Therapist registered with the HCPC
- Has experience working with children with SEND
- Has a strong understanding of sensory processing difficulties and appropriate strategies
- Is confident using formal and informal assessments and specialist or adaptive equipment
- Can work autonomously while thriving as part of an integrated multidisciplinary team
- Is enthusiastic, creative and able to respond flexibly in a busy school environment
- Builds caring, trusting relationships with children and families
- Enjoys sharing expertise and working alongside education colleagues to make therapy part of everyday learning
Most importantly, you'll be someone who sees the whole child and understands the difference that the right support, relationships and environment can make.
What We Offer
Danecourt offers a welcoming and inclusive environment where support staff are valued as key members of the team. As part of the Maritime Academy Trust, we offer meaningful career opportunities, collaborative working, and the chance to help pupils with SEND thrive. Here’s what you can expect:
- A welcoming and experienced Integrated Therapy Team
- Close collaborative working with our Education Team and other professionals
- A varied role where your professional expertise can make a visible difference every day
- Opportunities to develop and share specialist SEND practice
- High-quality professional development and Trust-wide learning opportunities
- A strong sense of purpose, where your contribution directly impacts pupil progress, confidence and wellbeing
- Local Government Pension Scheme and national terms and conditions
- Enhanced family-friendly policies
- A comprehensive wellbeing offer, including Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and Occupational Health support
- Lifestyle and financial wellbeing benefits including Cycle to Work, eye care vouchers and employee discounts
Join a school that is proud to be the Winner of the Primary Special School Provision category at the Medway Parents and Carers Forum SEND Awards.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Danecourt School and the Maritime Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We embrace diversity and equal opportunity, striving to build a team that reflects a range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. The more inclusive we are, the stronger we become. All appointments are subject to an Enhanced DBS check and online checks in line with the latest safeguarding guidance.
Paediatric Occupational Therapist in Gillingham employer: Danecourt School
Danecourt School is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and nurturing environment where passionate educators can thrive. As part of the Maritime Academy Trust, we provide tailored career growth opportunities, collaborative working, and a strong focus on staff wellbeing, ensuring that our team feels valued and supported. Join us to make a meaningful impact in Early Years SEND education while being part of a community that celebrates diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Paediatric Occupational Therapist in Gillingham
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Danecourt School.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at Danecourt School.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like Danecourt School, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Paediatric Occupational Therapist in Gillingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Danecourt School.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Danecourt School.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Danecourt School. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Danecourt School. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Danecourt School
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Danecourt School’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
