At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead therapy services and provide hands-on Occupational Therapy for young adults with learning difficulties.
- Company: Great Oaks College, a supportive environment for inclusive education.
- Benefits: Comprehensive training, pension scheme, free healthcare access, and employee rewards.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while shaping the future of therapy in education.
- Qualifications: Experienced Occupational Therapist with leadership skills and a passion for inclusive education.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to exceptional therapeutic experiences for every learner.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Great Oaks College is a specialist independent college providing outstanding further education for young adults aged 19-25 with moderate, severe, and profound and multiple learning difficulties, including physical disabilities, sensory impairments, and autism. We deliver three pathways - Vocational, Life and Living, and Engagement for Life - across two welcoming, well-resourced sites at The Windmill (Sunbury-on-Thames) and The Triangle (Hounslow).
We are seeking a highly skilled Occupational Therapist to take on the senior role of Head of Therapy, combining leadership of our integrated therapy service with hands-on clinical Occupational Therapy. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious therapist who is passionate about inclusive education, functional skills development, sensory regulation, and ensuring therapy is fully embedded within the curriculum.
The successful candidate will provide strategic, clinical, and operational leadership for all therapy services at the College, while delivering high-quality Occupational Therapy aligned with EHCP requirements. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our provision and ensuring therapy is a visible, valued, and integrated part of college life. You will be motivated, reflective, collaborative, and committed to delivering an exceptional therapeutic experience for every learner.
What We Offer
Great Oaks College is a rewarding and supportive place to work. Staff benefits include:
- A comprehensive induction, CPD programme and regular training
- NEST pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Free access to Private Doctors and Nurses (24/7)
- Daily fruit
- Blue Light Card eligibility
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Free eye tests for designated staff
- Employee referral reward scheme
All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS with adult barring, references, and a 26-week probation period.
Closing Date: Friday 6 February 2026 | Interview Date: Wednesday 11 February 2026 | Start Date: ASAP 2026
Full time, Permanent Term time plus 2 weeks (41 weeks per year, 0.91223 FTE) Salary negotiable depending on experience.
How to Apply
To apply, please complete the application form and email it to hr@greatoakscollege.com. CVs will not be accepted. No agencies. Please ensure you clearly demonstrate how you meet the person specification. Visits to the College are warmly welcomed. To arrange a visit, please contact HR on 020 3039 3730.
Head of Therapy & Specialist Occupational Therapist in Hounslow employer: Great Oaks College
Contact Detail:
Great Oaks College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Therapy & Specialist Occupational Therapist in Hounslow
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the college! Before your interview, take some time to research Great Oaks College. Understand their values, the pathways they offer, and how therapy is integrated into their curriculum. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to leadership, clinical practice, and inclusive education. Think about specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills and passion for therapy. We want to hear your story, so make it engaging!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your collaborative spirit! During the interview, highlight your ability to work with other professionals and how you can contribute to a supportive environment at Great Oaks College. Share examples of successful teamwork in your previous roles to illustrate your collaborative approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the college's therapy services or future plans. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you. And remember, apply through our website for a smoother process!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Therapy & Specialist Occupational Therapist in Hounslow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for inclusive education and therapy shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of our learners!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your experience and skills that align with the job description. We’re looking for someone who can lead and deliver high-quality Occupational Therapy, so be specific about your relevant experiences.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address how you meet the person specification. Remember, clarity helps us understand your qualifications better!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out—we're here to help!
How to prepare for a job interview at Great Oaks College
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of occupational therapy, especially as it relates to young adults with learning difficulties. Brush up on relevant legislation and best practices, particularly around EHCP requirements, so you can confidently discuss how your expertise aligns with the college's mission.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about making a difference in students' lives, so let your passion for inclusive education shine through. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to functional skills development and sensory regulation, showing how you can contribute to the college's ethos.
✨Prepare for Leadership Questions
As the Head of Therapy, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership skills. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences in leading teams, managing therapy services, and collaborating with other professionals. Think of specific examples where you’ve successfully implemented changes or improved service delivery.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare some insightful questions about the college’s therapy services and future plans. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the college is the right fit for you. Consider asking about their approach to integrating therapy into the curriculum.