At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with special educational 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 team environment with opportunities for career growth and 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
Senior Specialist Occupational Therapist (Band 7) 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 ongoing training, generous leave during school closures, and a focus on innovation in special education makes this a rewarding environment for Occupational Therapists dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children with complex needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Specialist Occupational Therapist (Band 7) 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 related to paediatric occupational therapy. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to get comfortable discussing your experience and how you can contribute to the team at Meath School.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for working with children with special needs during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in their lives. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about promoting independence and wellbeing.
✨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 serious about joining our amazing team at Meath School. Let's make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Specialist Occupational Therapist (Band 7) in Chertsey, Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in paediatrics and working within a multi-disciplinary team. We want to see how your skills align with the needs of our pupils and the ethos of Meath School.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your strong assessment, report writing, and intervention planning skills. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know how you’ve used these skills in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly, and you won’t miss any important details!
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 severe and complex speech, language, and communication needs. 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 families, teachers, and a multi-disciplinary team, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight any experiences where teamwork led to positive outcomes for pupils.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as assessing a pupil's needs or developing an intervention programme. Think through some scenarios beforehand and be ready to discuss your thought process and decision-making.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to CPD
The role emphasises ongoing professional development, so be prepared to talk about any recent training or courses you've completed. Show that you're proactive about keeping your skills sharp and staying updated with best practices in occupational therapy.
