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 30000 - 40000 £ 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.
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 (Permanent) 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 dedicated team enjoys generous leave during school closures, ongoing training opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of pupils with special educational needs within a nurturing environment. Join us in our commitment to innovation and inclusion, where your expertise as a Senior Specialist Occupational Therapist will be valued and celebrated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Specialist Occupational Therapist (Permanent) 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 colleague to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for working with children and your commitment to their development during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles – this will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨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.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Specialist Occupational Therapist (Permanent) 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!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your passion for occupational therapy shines through in every sentence.
Showcase Your Team Spirit:Since collaboration is key in our environment, share examples of how you've worked with multi-disciplinary teams in the past. We love seeing candidates who can work well with others to support pupils’ development and independence.
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 this exciting opportunity at Meath School.
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 help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since the job involves working closely with families, teachers, 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.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Use this opportunity to inquire about the school's approach to integrated education and therapy, or how they support ongoing professional development. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
