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 opportunities for career growth and influence in specialist practice.
- 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 on 01932 872302 or email liane.hall@meathschool.org.uk.
To find out more about Meath School and Speech and Language UK please visit www.meathschool.org.uk and www.speechandlanguageuk.org.uk.
To apply please complete the application form and send this to School Business Manager at sbm@meathschool.org.uk.
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 at hr@speechandlanguage.org.uk 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. A copy of our Safeguarding policy can be found here: safeguarding policy.
Specialist Occupational Therapist in Chertsey employer: Speech and Language UK
At Meath School, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative 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, we foster a culture of inclusion and innovation that empowers our staff to thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Occupational Therapist in Chertsey
✨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 can even put in a good word for you.
✨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 approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for working with children and special educational needs during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles – this will help you stand out!
✨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 Specialist Occupational Therapist in Chertsey
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!
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:Keep your application 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.
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 special educational needs and how to tailor your interventions accordingly.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role 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. Highlight any experiences where teamwork led to positive outcomes for your clients.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about specific cases or scenarios during the interview. Think about how you would assess a pupil's needs and develop an intervention plan. Practising these responses can help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your interest in the role and the school. Inquire about the support available for professional development or how the team approaches service development. This demonstrates your commitment to growth and collaboration.
