At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with additional needs and create impactful sensory strategies.
- Company: A large primary school in Gateshead expanding its SEND team.
- Benefits: Enjoy school holidays off, no evenings or weekends, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Opportunity for long-term role with potential to become permanent.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and help them thrive.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualifications and training in occupational therapy required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Last month, one of our pupils couldn't cope with assembly. This week, they sat through the whole thing. Those are the moments this role is all about. A large primary school in Gateshead with approximately 450 pupils is expanding its SEND team and is looking for an Occupational Therapist to support children aged 4‑11 with a range of additional needs.
Hours: Monday‑Friday, 8:30am‑3:30pm
Contract: Long‑term role with potential to become permanent
The school has a dedicated SEND hub supporting pupils with:
- Autism
- ADHD
- Sensory processing difficulties
- Speech, language and communication needs
- Social and emotional needs
You’ll work closely with:
- The SENCO
- Teaching Assistants
- Class Teachers
- Families
- External professionals
Your role won't be limited to assessments. You'll have the opportunity to:
- Deliver practical interventions
- Create sensory strategies that actually work in classrooms
- Support pupils throughout the school day
- Train and advise staff
- Help children become more confident and independent learners
The school is investing heavily in SEND provision and wants someone who can help shape and develop their approach moving forward. If you're looking for a role where your expertise is genuinely valued, this could be a brilliant fit.
Why school‑based OT?
- School holidays off
- No evenings or weekends
- See progress happen daily
- Become part of a school community
- Build lasting relationships with pupils
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date. Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance “Keeping Children Safe in Education”, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants. We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service. Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website.
Occupational Therapist - Primary SEND Provision in Gateshead employer: Protocol Education Ltd
Join a dedicated team at a large primary school in Gateshead, where your role as an Occupational Therapist will be pivotal in shaping the lives of children with additional needs. Enjoy a supportive work culture that values your expertise, offers opportunities for professional growth, and allows you to witness daily progress in students' confidence and independence. With school holidays off and no evening or weekend commitments, this position provides a perfect balance between meaningful work and personal time.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Occupational Therapist - Primary SEND Provision in Gateshead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those involved with SEND. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local events or workshops related to occupational therapy and SEND. This is a great way to meet potential employers and show off your passion for helping children thrive. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of social media! Follow schools and organisations in Gateshead on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. Engage with their posts and share your insights on occupational therapy – it could catch the right eyes!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals ready to make a difference in the lives of children.
We think you need these skills to ace Occupational Therapist - Primary SEND Provision in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children and supporting their needs shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have with SEND, especially in a school setting. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on those specific examples!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to read and understand. No need for fluff—just the good stuff!
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 get the ball rolling on your journey to join our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education Ltd
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by children with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing difficulties. This will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Practical Skills
Prepare to discuss specific interventions you've implemented in the past. Think about how you've created sensory strategies or supported pupils in a classroom setting. Be ready to share examples that highlight your ability to help children become more confident and independent learners.
✨Engage with the Team
Since you'll be working closely with SENCOs, teaching assistants, and families, it's crucial to demonstrate your collaborative spirit. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for teamwork and how you plan to train and advise staff effectively. This will show that you’re a team player who values input from others.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the school's approach to SEND provision. Inquire about their current strategies and how they envision your role evolving. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the school’s values align with yours.
