At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Speech and Language Therapists and Occupational Therapists in delivering impactful interventions.
- Company: Heath Farm School, a supportive environment focused on student wellbeing.
- Benefits: Life assurance, pension scheme, mental health support, and discounts.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to professional growth and pupil welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with special educational needs.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including English; experience in therapy or education is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 25837 - 25837 £ per year.
Location: Heath Farm School - Kent, ME16 0ER
Salary: £25,837.50 FTE DOE
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 16.30pm
Contract: Permanent - Term Time only
Overview: We are seeking a Therapy Assistant to support Speech and Language Therapists and Occupational Therapists at Heath Farm School. The role involves providing evidence‑based assessments and interventions, contributing to communication and sensory profiles, supporting placement plans, and engaging pupils in meaningful activities. The candidate will collaborate with the education team, families and other professionals, observe pupil progress, co‑facilitate staff training, attend multi‑agency meetings, and help develop services.
Responsibilities:
- Support Speech and Language Therapists and Occupational Therapists in delivering evidence‑based assessments and interventions under supervision.
- Collaborate with the education team, families and other professionals to meet individual pupils’ needs.
- Assist in creating communication and sensory profiles, contribute to placement plans, and deliver a range of interventions.
- Conduct observations, co‑facilitate staff training, attend multi‑agency meetings, and support ongoing service development.
- Engage in continuous professional development through internal specialist forums and external training opportunities.
Qualifications:
- 5 GCSEs grade C or above, including English.
- Evidence of relevant post 16 education.
- Willingness to work towards further qualifications as required.
- Experience working as a therapy assistant or similar role (advantageous).
- Experience working within an educational setting (advantageous).
- Skilled in working as part of a team.
- Knowledge and understanding of working with children and young people with SEN.
- Ability to carry out both 1:1 and group sessions under supervision.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbal, including complex, technical and clinically sensitive information, to the specific client group, their carers and families, and a wide range of professionals outside the service.
- Excellent organisational skills and experience completing administration tasks for a team (advantageous).
Benefits:
- Life Assurance.
- Pension scheme with options to increase contributions.
- "Your Wellbeing Matters" – access to a wide range of first‑class mental health support services and physical health checks.
- Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, and paid fertility treatment support.
- A wide range of health, wellbeing and insurance benefits.
- 100's of discount options valid in the UK and abroad.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Electric Car Purchase Scheme.
- Critical illness cover.
Additional Information: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to social media checks and a fully enhanced DBS check. The company reserves the right to close the vacancy early if many suitable applications are received.
School-Based Therapy Assistant – SLT/OT Support employer: Heath Farm School
Heath Farm School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for Therapy Assistants. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, professional development, and a commitment to safeguarding, staff can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with special educational needs. Located in Kent, the school provides unique benefits such as access to mental health support services, family growth initiatives, and a range of health and wellbeing perks, making it an attractive place for those seeking rewarding employment in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School-Based Therapy Assistant – SLT/OT Support
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Heath Farm School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to therapy support. We can role-play with a friend or use online resources to get comfortable discussing your skills and experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for working with children and young people with SEN. During interviews, share specific examples of how you've made a difference in similar roles. We want to see that spark!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we often have exclusive tips and updates there to help you along the way.
We think you need these skills to ace School-Based Therapy Assistant – SLT/OT Support
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Therapy Assistant. We want to see how you can support our Speech and Language Therapists and Occupational Therapists effectively!
Showcase Relevant Experience:If you've worked in a similar role or have experience in an educational setting, shout about it! We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their understanding of working with children and young people with SEN.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to communicate your qualifications and experiences, especially when discussing complex information. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heath Farm School
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Therapy Assistant, especially in supporting Speech and Language Therapists and Occupational Therapists. Familiarise yourself with evidence-based assessments and interventions, as well as how to engage pupils in meaningful activities.
✨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
Collaboration is key in this role. Be prepared to discuss your experience working within a team, particularly in educational settings. Share examples of how you've worked with other professionals, families, or education teams to meet individual pupils' needs.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since you'll be dealing with complex information, practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, as this will be crucial when interacting with pupils and their families.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle real-life situations. Think about scenarios where you've had to adapt your approach to support a child with special educational needs, and be ready to share those experiences.
