At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with special needs through tailored therapy programmes and collaboration.
- Company: Join Speech and Language UK's outstanding Meath School, dedicated to quality education and care.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, ongoing training, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Full-time role with 10 weeks off during school closures; start ASAP.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: HCPC registration and experience in paediatrics required; strong communication skills essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
As an Occupational Therapist, you will be responsible for assessing and supporting pupils with special educational needs, delivering tailored therapy programmes, and working collaboratively with families, school staff, and the multi‐disciplinary team to promote independence, participation, and well‐being within the school environment.
Responsibilities
- Manage and prioritise an independent paediatric occupational therapy caseload within a specialist school setting
- Assess pupils' occupational therapy needs and deliver tailored intervention programmes linked to EHCP outcomes
- Work collaboratively with teachers, parents, and the multi‐disciplinary team to support pupils' development and independence
- Implement and monitor evidence‐based therapeutic strategies, including sensory and functional support interventions
- Maintain accurate clinical records, prepare progress reports, and contribute to annual reviews and care planning
- Contribute to service development, staff training, and ongoing professional development within the occupational therapy team
Qualifications
- HCPC‐registered with a recognised Occupational Therapy qualification
- Experience working in paediatrics and within a multi‐disciplinary team
- Excellent clinical, organisational, and communication skills, with the ability to manage a caseload independently
- Strong assessment, report‐writing, and intervention‐planning skills
About the School
Speech and Language UK's Meath School is a four‐times outstanding special school committed to the highest quality integrated education, therapy, and care. It is a non‐maintained day and residential school for pupils aged 4‐11 who have severe and complex speech, language, and communication needs alongside other learning and/or behavioural difficulties.
Benefits
- A collaborative and supportive multi‐disciplinary team
- Ongoing CPD and training opportunities
- The opportunity to shape and influence specialist practice
Working Pattern
Permanent contract, full‐time position (35 hours per week); Monday to Friday; 42 weeks per year (term time plus three additional weeks during the school closure period, including Saturdays as required). Generous leave of 10 weeks during the school closure period. Start date: ASAP.
We are a Disability Confident Committed employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and carry out safer recruitment principles, as well as appropriate vetting and verifications on all school staff. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, the successful candidate's employment is subject to an enhanced DBS and barred list check. All shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online search covering content that is in the public domain. A copy of our Safeguarding policy can be found here: safeguarding policy.
We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. If you require any adjustments or need to apply in a different format, please contact our People Team at hr@speechandlanguage.org.uk and we will be happy to assist you.
Specialist Occupational Therapist in Ottershaw employer: Meath School
At Speech and Language UK's Meath School, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and supportive environment where Occupational Therapists can thrive. With ongoing professional development opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with special educational needs, our team enjoys a fulfilling work culture that prioritises well-being and independence. Located in a four-times outstanding special school, you will be part of a dedicated multi-disciplinary team committed to delivering the highest quality of care and education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Occupational Therapist in Ottershaw
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the occupational therapy field, especially those who work in special education. They might know about openings or can even refer you directly, which gives you a leg up!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your past work with children and any tailored therapy programmes you've developed. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses, especially around collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for passionate Occupational Therapists like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Occupational Therapist in Ottershaw
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with paediatrics and multi-disciplinary teams. We want to see how your skills align with the role of an Occupational Therapist at our school!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your clinical, organisational, and communication skills. We’re looking for someone who can manage a caseload independently, so let us know how you’ve done this in the past!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Meath School
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of occupational therapy, especially in a paediatric context. Familiarise yourself with the latest evidence-based practices and how they relate to the specific needs of pupils with special educational needs.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since you'll be working closely with teachers, parents, and a multi-disciplinary team, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight any experiences where teamwork led to positive outcomes for pupils.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and clinical judgement. Think about specific cases you've handled and how you tailored your interventions to meet individual needs, linking them back to EHCP outcomes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school's approach to service development or how they support ongoing professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and commitment to growth within the team.
