At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with special needs through tailored therapy programmes and collaboration.
- Company: Join a four-times outstanding special school dedicated to integrated education and care.
- Benefits: Generous leave, ongoing training, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: HCPC-registered Occupational Therapist with paediatric experience and strong assessment skills.
The predicted salary is between 46148 - 52809 £ per year.
Location: Meath School, Chertsey, Surrey
Permanent contract, full-time position (35 hours/week); Monday – Friday; 42 weeks per year (term time plus three additional weeks during the school closure period including Saturdays as required). Generous leave of 10 weeks during the school closure period. Start Date: ASAP.
As an Occupational Therapist, you will be responsible for:
- Assessing and supporting pupils with special educational needs.
- Delivering tailored therapy programmes.
- Working collaboratively with families, school staff, and the multi-disciplinary team to promote independence, participation, and wellbeing within the school environment.
- Managing and prioritising an independent paediatric occupational therapy caseload within a specialist school setting.
- Assessing pupils’ occupational therapy needs and delivering tailored intervention programmes linked to EHCP outcomes.
- Maintaining accurate clinical records, preparing progress reports, and contributing to annual reviews and care planning.
- Contributing to service development, staff training, and ongoing professional development within the occupational therapy team.
Requirements:
- HCPC-registered with recognised Occupational Therapy qualification.
- Experience working in paediatrics and within a multi-disciplinary team.
- Strong assessment, report writing, and intervention planning skills.
Speech and Language UK’s Meath School is a four-times outstanding special school committed to the highest quality integrated education, therapy, and care. It is a non-maintained day and residential school for pupils aged 4–11 who have severe and complex speech, language, and communication needs alongside other learning and/or behavioural difficulties. You will be part of a specialist setting recognised for its commitment to communication, inclusion, and innovation. Ongoing CPD and training opportunities are available.
Applications from candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
For further information, visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Liane Hall, Lead Occupational Therapist.
To apply, please complete the application form and send this to the School Business Manager.
We are a Disability Confident Committed employer.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we carry out safer recruitment principles, as well as appropriate vetting and verifications on all school staff. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, the successful candidate’s employment is subject to an enhanced DBS and barred list check. All shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online search covering content that is in the public domain. A copy of our Safeguarding policy can be found here.
Locations
Band 7 Senior Specialist Occupational Therapist in Chertsey, Surrey employer: Speech and Language UK
At Speech and Language UK's Meath School, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and collaboration. Our commitment to the highest quality education and therapy for pupils with special educational needs is matched by our generous leave policy and ongoing training opportunities, making it a rewarding environment for Occupational Therapists looking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children. Join us in a role where your expertise will be valued, and you will contribute to a pioneering approach in a specialist setting located in the heart of Chertsey, Surrey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Band 7 Senior Specialist Occupational Therapist in Chertsey, Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the occupational therapy field, especially those who work in schools or with special educational needs. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to paediatric occupational therapy. We recommend role-playing with a friend or mentor to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for helping children with special needs during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about the wellbeing of pupils.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our amazing team at Meath School.
We think you need these skills to ace Band 7 Senior Specialist Occupational Therapist in Chertsey, Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our team at Meath School, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant expertise!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with children and supporting their development shine through in your application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in the lives of pupils with special educational needs.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences without wading through unnecessary fluff.
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 ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Speech and Language UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of occupational therapy, especially in a paediatric context. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with speech, language, and communication difficulties, as well as the EHCP outcomes. This will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since the job involves working closely with teachers, parents, and a multi-disciplinary team, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Think about specific situations where your teamwork made a difference in a child's development or wellbeing.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during the interview. Prepare by thinking through potential challenges you might encounter in the role and how you would address them. This could include managing a diverse caseload or adapting therapy programmes to meet individual needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to CPD
The role emphasises ongoing professional development, so be ready to talk about any training or courses you've undertaken recently. Highlight your enthusiasm for continuous learning and how it has positively impacted your practice, especially in a specialist setting.
