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 experience in paediatrics and teamwork.
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 an informal discussion about the role, please contact Liane Hall, Lead Occupational Therapist on 01932 872302 or email liane.
To apply, please complete the application form (application pack attached) and send this to the School Business Manager at sbm@meathschool.
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.
Band 7 Senior Specialist Occupational Therapist in 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 four-times outstanding school setting in Chertsey, Surrey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Band 7 Senior Specialist Occupational Therapist in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Meath School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and the team, plus it shows our genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Research common questions for Occupational Therapists and think about how our experience aligns with the job description. Practising our answers will help us feel more confident when the time comes.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our passion for paediatrics! During interviews, share specific examples of how we've made a difference in children's lives. This will highlight our commitment to the role and resonate with the school's mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After the interview, send a quick thank-you email to express our appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps us on their radar and shows our enthusiasm for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Band 7 Senior Specialist Occupational Therapist in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with paediatrics and multi-disciplinary teams. We want to see how your skills align with the needs of our pupils at Meath School.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your assessment, report writing, and intervention planning skills. These are key for the role, so let us know how you’ve used them in your previous positions!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences at a glance.
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 the right place and is reviewed promptly!
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 you'll be working towards.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in multi-disciplinary teams and how you've successfully managed a caseload. Be ready to share specific examples of tailored intervention programmes you've delivered and the positive outcomes achieved.
✨Collaboration is Key
Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with teachers, parents, and other professionals. Think of examples where teamwork has led to improved outcomes for pupils, and be prepared to discuss how you would approach collaboration in this role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and clinical judgement. Practice articulating your thought process when faced with challenges in therapy delivery or when adapting interventions to meet individual needs.
