At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with autism and developmental needs through tailored occupational therapy.
- Company: First Bridge School, a specialist SEND school in Chelsea, London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, funded training, 34 days holiday, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a purpose-built environment with clear career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Degree in Occupational Therapy and experience with children in SEND settings.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
- Occupational Therapist | SEND School
- Working
- Pattern: Monday to
- Friday
Setting: Specialist SEND / Autism School About the Role First Bridge School is looking for an experienced Occupational Therapist (OT) to join our multidisciplinary team.
This is an excellent opportunity for a paediatric Occupational Therapist to work in a specialist SEND school supporting children aged 2 to 11 with autism and complex developmental needs.
Our Occupational Therapist works as an integral part of the school team, collaborating closely with Teachers, Speech and Language Therapists and Behaviour Specialists.
Therapy is embedded within the school day and designed to directly support children's learning, development, communication, independence and participation.
About First Bridge School First Bridge School is a Df E-registered specialist SEND school based in Chelsea, London.
We support children with autism and complex developmental needs in a purpose-built environment where education and therapy are closely integrated.
Our multidisciplinary approach means that therapists work directly alongside teaching and classroom teams, helping ensure that therapeutic strategies are consistently applied throughout the school day.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct occupational therapy assessments and deliver evidence-based individual and group interventions for pupils with autism, sensory processing difficulties and developmental delays.
- Develop sensory strategies, sensory diets and environmental adaptations to support regulation, learning and engagement.
- Assess and support sensory, motor, functional and daily living skills.
- Work collaboratively with Teachers, Speech and Language Therapists, Behaviour Specialists and classroom staff to embed therapeutic strategies into daily practice.
- Contribute to EHCP assessments, annual reviews and multidisciplinary planning, including preparation of professional OT reports.
- Provide advice and training to staff and communicate effectively with parents and carers regarding pupil progress and recommendations.
- Maintain accurate clinical records in accordance with professional standards and follow safeguarding and child protection procedures. Essential Requirements
- Degree in Occupational Therapy and current HCPC registration.
- Experience working with children in a paediatric, SEND, education or related setting, including experience supporting children with autism and/or developmental needs.
- Knowledge and practical experience of sensory processing assessment and intervention.
- Good understanding of SEND and EHCP processes.
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Commitment to safeguarding and child-centred practice. Desirable Experience
- Postgraduate training in sensory integration, such as Ayres Sensory Integration.
- Experience within a specialist SEND or autism school, early years or paediatric community setting.
- Knowledge of autism-specific approaches and structured teaching, with experience supporting non-verbal or pre-verbal children. What We Offer
- Competitive salary with progression opportunities.
- Funded CPD, specialist training, clinical supervision and strong staff support.
- Purpose-built specialist SEND environment with daily multidisciplinary working and genuine clinical autonomy.
- 34 days' holiday, inclusive of bank and public holidays.
- Laptop provided for work and home use.
- Clear career progression opportunities within a growing specialist school.
Who We Are Looking For This role would suit an Occupational Therapist who wants to specialise in paediatric OT and is passionate about supporting children with autism and complex developmental needs.
You will value collaborative multidisciplinary working and want to see therapeutic strategies embedded into children's everyday learning and development.
You will be motivated by meaningful, long-term developmental outcomes rather than a high-throughput clinical model.
Safeguarding First Bridge School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment.
All appointments are subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, including professional references and an enhanced DBS check.
Our vacancies are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Having a criminal record will not necessarily prevent employment.
Each case will be considered in relation to the nature of the role and the circumstances and context of any offences.
An online search will be conducted on all shortlisted candidates as part of our safer recruitment process.
How to Apply Please submit your CV together with a brief statement explaining why you would like to work at First Bridge School and how your experience makes you suitable for the role.
Following an initial review, suitable applicants will be invited to an initial screening call and asked to complete our application and self-disclosure forms.
Shortlisted applicants will subsequently be invited to attend an assessment and formal interview day
Occupational Therapist employer: First Bridge School
First Bridge School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for Occupational Therapists passionate about making a difference in the lives of children with autism and complex developmental needs. Located in the vibrant area of Chelsea, London, we provide competitive salaries, funded professional development opportunities, and a purpose-built specialist SEND environment that fosters both personal and professional growth. Our commitment to multidisciplinary teamwork ensures that you will have the autonomy to implement therapeutic strategies effectively while enjoying a healthy work-life balance with 34 days of holiday.
