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- Tasks: Deliver high-quality therapy support to children with complex needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join a specialist SEN school dedicated to supporting young people with autism.
- Benefits: Full training, free lunch, discounts, health cash plan, and pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Occupational Therapy and experience with children with complex needs.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with opportunities for career growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Protocol Education is working in partnership with a specialist SEN school in Pilning to recruit an experienced Occupational Therapist to join their multi-disciplinary team.
About the school
The school supports children and young people aged 7–19 with autism and associated social communication needs. Provision spans Key Stage 2 through to post-16, offering personalised learning pathways and a strong focus on independence, wellbeing and preparation for adulthood. Staff work closely together in a calm, structured and nurturing environment, ensuring pupils feel safe, supported and understood at every stage of their journey.
The role
As a Senior / Specialist Occupational Therapist, you’ll play a key role in delivering high-quality, student-centred therapy support across the school. You’ll work with children and young people with complex needs, including autism, sensory processing differences and attachment-related challenges, helping them build confidence, independence and functional skills for everyday life. This is a role where your clinical expertise will genuinely shape practice. You’ll help develop and embed Occupational Therapy across the school, ensuring it is fully integrated into pupils’ daily experiences.
You’ll be responsible for:
- Leading on assessment and intervention, using your clinical expertise to identify needs and deliver meaningful outcomes
- Managing a caseload of pupils with complex needs within a specialist education setting
- Designing and delivering therapy programmes aligned to EHCPs and clinical assessments
- Working closely with the SENCo and Headteacher to develop and evolve the school’s therapy provision
- Advising on resources and recommending tools to enhance student outcomes
- Providing guidance and training to staff across the multi-disciplinary team
- Maintaining accurate records in line with HCPC and RCOT standards
What we’re looking for
We’re keen to hear from Occupational Therapists who are passionate about working in specialist education and making a real difference. You’ll need:
- A recognised degree in Occupational Therapy
- Current HCPC registration
- Experience supporting children and young people with complex needs, including ASD, ADHD and SEMH
- Confidence working autonomously within a specialist setting
- A strong commitment to ongoing professional development
- A genuine desire to support young people to thrive
What’s on offer
The school offers a supportive and rewarding package, including:
- Full training and continued professional support
- Funded opportunities to gain further qualifications
- Free lunch during your working day
- Perkbox discounts and benefits
- Life assurance and enhanced pension scheme
- Car lease and cycle to work schemes
- Free on-site parking
- Health Cash Back Plan covering dental, optical, physio and more
Applying through Protocol Education
When you apply via Protocol Education, you’ll receive:
- Dedicated consultant support throughout the process
- Honest insight into the role and school setting
- Interview preparation and ongoing career guidance
- Access to free CPD opportunities
Safeguarding
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and safer recruitment procedures. Shortlisted candidates may be subject to online searches. All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role.
Occupational Therapist (Specialist SEN School) employer: Protocol Education Ltd
Contact Detail:
Protocol Education Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Occupational Therapist (Specialist SEN School)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and therapy sectors. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know. Attend local events or online webinars related to SEN education to meet potential employers and colleagues.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the school and its approach to therapy. We want you to show how your skills align with their mission. Practise common interview questions and think about how you can demonstrate your passion for supporting children with complex needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along examples of your previous work or case studies that highlight your impact as an Occupational Therapist. We want to see how you’ve made a difference in the lives of young people, so don’t hold back!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s super easy and gives you access to dedicated support throughout the process. We’re here to help you every step of the way, from interview prep to career guidance, so make sure you take advantage of that!
We think you need these skills to ace Occupational Therapist (Specialist SEN School)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Occupational Therapist role. Highlight your experience with children and young people with complex needs, especially those with autism. We want to see how your skills align with the school's focus on independence and wellbeing.
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working in specialist education shine through! Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely committed to supporting young people to thrive.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! This ensures your application gets to the right place and allows us to support you throughout the process. Plus, you’ll have access to dedicated consultant support and interview prep!
How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of occupational therapy, especially in relation to working with children and young people with complex needs. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by those with autism and sensory processing differences, as this will show your genuine interest and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in similar roles, particularly how you've managed a caseload and designed therapy programmes. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've made a positive impact on students' lives, as this will demonstrate your capability and passion for the role.
✨Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with a multi-disciplinary team, be ready to talk about your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've collaborated with other professionals, like SENCo or teachers, to enhance therapy provision and support student outcomes.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could include inquiries about the school's approach to integrating therapy into daily activities or how they support ongoing professional development. It shows you're engaged and genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
