Principal Occupational Therapist | Team Lead in London

Are you an experienced Paediatric Occupational Therapist with a passion for clinical leadership, team development, and shaping how exceptional therapy is delivered? We are looking for a Lead Occupational Therapist to join Hopscotch Children's Therapy Centre, a role that places you at the heart of our clinical team, combining a meaningful hands-on caseload with genuine responsibility for the quality and growth of our OT service.

About Us:

Our Occupational Therapy service is committed to providing high-quality assessments and interventions to children in the heart of London. Sensory integration is at the core of our clinic's practice, and we specialise in helping children and young people aged 0 to 18 with physical, developmental, social communication, and other specific difficulties engage in meaningful occupations. Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI®) is central to our clinical identity, and our Clinic Director is an internationally recognised SI trainer and practitioner.

Training and Development:

• A comprehensive onboarding programme tailored to your needs
• Immersive training in standardised paediatric assessments, including BOT-2, Movement ABC, and sensory profiling tools, to build confidence and consistency across your caseload
• Structured clinical reasoning development, working alongside our Clinic Director to deepen your analytical and report-writing practice
• Access to a two-year Ayres Sensory Integration® training programme
• Sensory integration training delivered directly by our Clinic Director
• Ongoing clinical supervision and peer reflection
• Opportunities to supervise, train, and mentor junior OTs and clinical placements

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and supervise a team of Band 5, 6 and 7 Occupational Therapists, providing clinical guidance and line management support to maintain high standards of practice
• Carry a clinical caseload of children with a range of neurodevelopmental and physical needs, delivering high-quality assessments and interventions grounded in sensory integration principles
• Conduct and oversee standardised assessments (including BOT-2, Movement ABC, Sensory Profile 2, and ABAS), producing clear, evidence-based reports for EHCP, tribunal, and clinical purposes
• Apply and model strong clinical reasoning across the team, supporting junior OTs to develop their analytical skills and professional judgement
• Oversee the quality of assessments, interventions, and progress documentation for clients across the team, including fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing, and activities of daily living
• Deliver home and school recommendations and implement interventions to support children across various environments
• Effectively communicate therapy plans and progress to parents and professionals, ensuring consistency and quality across the team
• Conduct online therapy sessions for clients who cannot attend in person
• Collaborate closely with our multidisciplinary team, including Speech and Language Therapists, Psychologists, Educators, and Administrative Staff
• Participate in strategic service development during multidisciplinary meetings and contribute to the clinic's overall goals
• Provide clinical supervision and professional development to junior staff, including Band 5/6 OTs, while fostering a supportive team environment
• Design and implement specialist intervention programmes for clients with complex needs, including sensory integration therapy

Pay Review:

Your salary will be reviewed formally at the six-month point. This review will assess your progress across clinical practice, standardised assessment competency, and team leadership, and will be a meaningful opportunity to recognise your development and contribution.

Necessary Attributes:

• A Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy and current HCPC registration
• A certificate in sensory integration, or demonstrable sensory integration experience and a commitment to pursuing formal ASI® qualification
• A minimum of 5 years' experience in occupational therapy, with at least 2 years in a paediatric setting. Previous experience in a senior, lead, or supervisory role is essential
• Experience with or a willingness to develop proficiency in standardised paediatric assessments including BOT-2, Movement ABC, and sensory profiling tools
• Eligibility to work in the UK (sponsorship may be available if required)

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a 24/7 General Practitioner
• Legal Assistance
• Fitness discounts, including access to over 3,600 health clubs
• Funded Ayres Sensory Integration® training delivered by our Clinic Director
• Structured six-month salary review

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to step into a role that carries real clinical and organisational weight not just a title, but a genuine leadership position within a growing, specialist clinic. You will shape how OT is practised at Hopscotch, develop the next generation of paediatric therapists, and deepen your own clinical expertise in Ayres Sensory Integration® alongside one of the field's leading practitioners. If you are ready to lead, grow, and make a lasting impact on children's lives, we would love to hear from you.

Company Overview

Hopscotch Children's Therapy Centre is a specialist paediatric clinic in central London, delivering Sensory Integration, Occupational Therapy, and Speech and Language Therapy to children with neurodevelopmental differences including autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, and dyspraxia. We support children and their families through EHCP-funded and private pathways, working closely with Local Authorities, schools, and multidisciplinary professionals. We are in an active phase of growth, expanding our clinical team and developing an Alternative Education Provision at our adjacent premises. As we scale, the way our clinical operations are managed matters more than ever — and this role sits at the heart of that.