Speech And Language Therapist & Occupational Therapist

Olive Branch Recruitment is working with a London School based in Stratford in the London Borough of Newham, which is a DfE‑registered school, rated Outstanding by Ofsted, supporting SEND young people aged 11‑19 with Education, Health and Care Plans, typically for SEMH and/or ASC. Both positions require HCPC registration.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this role is to provide Speech & Language and Occupational Therapy assessments and interventions to children and young people. The therapist(s) will deliver interventions to children with significant trauma and adverse childhood experiences, working closely with Learning Mentors, a Therapeutic Education Practitioner, and Class Teachers to help them engage in learning. The role also provides interventions in community settings such as home or library to support independence.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Liaise closely with key colleagues, the multi‑disciplinary clinical team and managers to provide an intensive treatment service for children enrolled.
• Identify all children and young people who have Speech & Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy needs on their Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and ensure these needs are delivered effectively and in a timely way.
• Carry out observations across the setting to identify children and young people who would benefit from therapy but are not listed on their EHCP.
• Engage pupils in innovative, helpful, therapeutic and meaningful activities that support learning and personal development.
• Undertake highly specialised therapy assessment, selecting appropriate tools, and produce detailed assessment reports.
• Assess and manage the complex communication and functioning needs of children and young people to support safety and engagement in group learning.
• Provide a bespoke menu of strategies, including the development of individualised communication passports.
• Produce specialist reports on therapy provision for each pupil, outlining attendance, engagement, expression and communication.
• Develop innovative interventions and strategies for pupils presenting with difficulties in receptive language, expressive language, social cognition, emotional recognition, attention, concentration, social skills, behaviour, and speech/performance, aiming to maximise independent learning.
• Collaborate with parents/carers, education, health, social care and other multidisciplinary colleagues to design and implement evidence‑based intervention and management plans for the school team and the family.
• Contribute to risk assessment and management plans for individual young people and for specific activities, trips or visits.
• Train and support staff to develop skills and knowledge in using classroom strategies.
• Encourage self‑awareness, exploration and reflection on feelings and relationships.
• Provide clear, concise written and verbal feedback suitable for pupils, parents/carers and a range of professionals.
• Attend group process meetings with pupils and the multidisciplinary team as required.
• Monitor and evaluate pupil progress during interventions, using appropriate outcome measures.
• Maintain clear written records of all interventions, ensuring compliance with GDPR and the HCPC code of ethics.
• Offer specialist advice, clinical consultation and training to school staff, and liaise with external networks, professionals, agencies and carers as needed.
• Stay up to date with all legislation, guidelines and practice issues affecting the Inclusion service.