At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with special needs through tailored therapy programmes and collaboration.
- Company: Join a leading special school dedicated to integrated education and care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a commitment to inclusion and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: HCPC-registered Occupational Therapist with paediatric experience and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 39418 - 41332 £ per year.
Location: Meath School, Chertsey, Surrey
Salary: £39,418 – £41,332
Working pattern: 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
Role Overview
As an Occupational Therapist, you will be responsible for assessing and supporting pupils with special educational needs, delivering tailored therapy programmes, and working collaboratively with families, school staff, and the multi-disciplinary team to promote independence, participation, and wellbeing within the school environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage and prioritise an independent paediatric occupational therapy caseload within a specialist school setting.
- Assess pupils’ occupational therapy needs and deliver tailored intervention programmes linked to EHCP outcomes.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, parents, and the multi-disciplinary team to support pupils’ development and independence.
- Implement and monitor evidence-based therapeutic strategies, including sensory and functional support interventions.
- Maintain accurate clinical records, prepare progress reports, and contribute to annual reviews and care planning.
- Contribute to service development, staff training, and ongoing professional development within the occupational therapy team.
What we are looking for:
- HCPC-registered with recognised Occupational Therapy qualification.
- Experience working in paediatrics and within a multi-disciplinary team.
- Excellent clinical, organisational, and communication skills, the ability to manage a caseload independently.
- Experience working within multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong assessment, report writing and intervention planning skills.
About Us
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 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. We offer:
- A collaborative and supportive multidisciplinary team.
- Ongoing CPD and training opportunities.
- The opportunity to shape and influence specialist practice.
How to Apply
The closing date for this vacancy is 9am Monday, 15th June 2026. 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 find out more about Meath School and Speech and Language UK please visit our website.
To apply please complete the application form and send this to the School Business Manager.
Accessibility Support
We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. If you require any adjustments or need to apply in a different format, please contact our People Team and we will be happy to assist you. 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.
Locations
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 collaborative and supportive environment for our Specialist Occupational Therapists. With generous leave during school closures, ongoing professional development opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with special educational needs, our team is dedicated to fostering growth and innovation in a nurturing setting. Join us in our mission to promote independence and wellbeing within a four-times outstanding school recognised for its commitment to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 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. They might have insider info on job openings or even refer you directly, which can give you a leg up.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to paediatric occupational therapy. Think about how you would assess and support pupils with special educational needs, and be ready to share examples from your experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along a portfolio of your work, including assessment reports and intervention plans. This will demonstrate your expertise and give potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to their team.
✨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 fantastic team at Meath School.
We think you need these skills to ace 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 bring your unique expertise to our team at Meath School!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with children and special educational needs shine through in your application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in pupils' lives!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your qualifications and experiences are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic 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 latest evidence-based practices and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working with families, teachers, and multi-disciplinary teams, prepare examples that highlight your teamwork. Think about specific instances where your collaboration made a difference in a pupil's development.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during the interview. Practice how you would assess a pupil's needs or develop an intervention plan. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the school's approach to therapy integration or how they support ongoing professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
