Occupational Therapist

Work where it matters most, achieve what matters more. Be part of a team where passion meets purpose, as we work together where the challenge is greatest to change the lives and build the futures of children and young people.

We are seeking a passionate and proactive Occupational Therapist to join our dedicated multidisciplinary team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated professional with a genuine interest in autism to support our pupils' sensory, motor and functional development, empowering them to access meaningful learning both within school and the wider community.

You will play a key role in transforming the lives of children and young people with autism by managing a varied caseload and delivering high quality, evidence based Occupational Therapy across school and community settings. Working closely with teaching and therapeutic colleagues, you will create tailored sensory strategies, motor development plans, and life skills programmes that empower each young person to thrive.

You’ll contribute your clinical expertise to EHCPs through clear, outcome focused reporting and professional advice, while also equipping staff and families with the knowledge and confidence to embed therapeutic approaches consistently and maximise positive impact.

The successful candidate will have:

• Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy.
• HCPC registration.
• Experience working with children and/or young people with autism, learning disabilities or additional needs in education, health or social care.
• Strong understanding of sensory processing, motor development, and functional skills interventions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience contributing to EHCPs or multidisciplinary reviews.

About the Academy

Ormiston Kensington Queensmill Academy (OKQA) is a specialist school for children and young people aged 4-19 with autism and complex learning needs. Based in purpose-built, autism-specific facilities, we provide a nurturing, low-arousal environment where our students can thrive. At OKQA, wellbeing is central - for both students and staff - and we’re proud to foster a culture of compassion, creativity, and collaboration.

Why work for Ormiston Academies Trust?

Our vision is to create a school system where every child thrives, regardless of background. Our people are at the heart of our approach - they are our greatest asset. We exist to provide the best learning opportunities every day, in every school for every child. It is the people and teams in our Trust who make this a reality and ensure we have the greatest impact. If you join us at Ormiston, whatever your role, you can be sure of a role with purpose and meaning.

Ormiston, where every member of staff enjoys:

• The opportunity to build on the legacy of those who came before - being part of one of the longest standing Trusts, created with the sole purpose of enabling children and young people to thrive.
• Working for a Trust nationally recognised for its impact on disadvantaged children - a rewarding, stimulating career where staff are challenged to be the best they can be, for the pupils we are proud to serve.
• Being part of a team and community where you belong - receiving bespoke and holistic support from a well-resourced and ambitious network of experts and professionals that work at the heart of communities.
• A supportive environment to grow your career - an extensive professional development programme, alongside flexible working arrangements and generous benefits.

As a staff member at an Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT) academy, you can expect a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional development, personal well-being, and work-life balance. While specific benefits may vary slightly between individual academies, the core offerings across the Trust include:

• A collaborative space where people feel respected, empowered, and truly valued.
• A nationwide school network offering shared resources and opportunities.
• Automatic pay progression.
• Generous pension and life cover.
• Discounts on retail, travel and leisure through our benefits platform.
• Access to discounts including the Blue Light Card.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Access to health and well-being programmes, including counselling service.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Ormiston Academies Trust embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Flexible working opportunities will be considered.

All successful appointments will be subject to suitability checks in accordance with KCSIE, including identity, Right to Work, qualifications, online searches, prohibition check, two references and enhanced DBS check including Children's Barred List.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, which provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related expectations, can be found here: Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

You can find all the academy policies here: Academy Policies.