Occupational Therapist in Richmond, Surrey

Occupational Therapist (Band 6/7 Equivalent)

Richmond, South West London | Specialist SEN Schools | Full-Time | Permanent | £45,000 - £60,000 | Immediate or September Start

Are you an Occupational Therapist passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with additional needs?

Do you want to work as part of a collaborative in-house multidisciplinary team where therapy is fully integrated into everyday school life?

We are seeking a motivated Occupational Therapist to join a specialist SEN provision supporting pupils with a diverse range of needs, including Autism, learning disabilities, sensory processing differences, physical disabilities, ADHD, social communication needs and SEMH.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Band 6 Occupational Therapist looking to develop specialist SEN expertise, or an experienced Band 7 clinician seeking a rewarding role with significant whole-school impact. The successful candidate will work closely with teachers, therapists, families and wider professionals to ensure pupils can fully access education, develop independence and achieve meaningful outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of children and young people with a range of complex needs.
• Complete functional, sensory and occupational therapy assessments.
• Develop and deliver evidence-based intervention programmes aligned to EHCP outcomes.
• Support pupils to access learning, develop independence and participate fully in school life.
• Contribute to annual reviews, professional reports and multidisciplinary assessments.
• Deliver both direct and indirect therapy interventions.
• Support staff and families in implementing therapeutic strategies consistently.
• Assess and recommend appropriate therapeutic equipment, environmental adaptations and sensory supports.
• Work collaboratively with education staff and external professionals to achieve positive outcomes for pupils.

Multidisciplinary Working

• Work closely with Speech & Language Therapists, teachers, support staff and senior leaders.
• Contribute to integrated therapy and educational planning.
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and reviews.
• Support a whole-school therapeutic approach to learning and wellbeing.
• Promote inclusive practice across the wider school community.

Training & Development

• Deliver training and coaching to school staff and parents.
• Support the development of therapeutic resources and intervention programmes.
• Contribute to service development initiatives and best practice projects.
• Maintain up-to-date clinical knowledge and professional standards.
• Support less experienced colleagues where appropriate.

Requirements

• Degree or Postgraduate qualification in Occupational Therapy.
• HCPC Registration as an Occupational Therapist.
• Membership of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT).
• Experience working with children and young people with SEND.
• Strong understanding of sensory processing, functional skills and occupational performance.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently whilst contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience within specialist schools, SEN provisions or paediatric services.
• Experience supporting pupils with Autism, ADHD, SEMH, sensory needs and complex learning difficulties.
• Knowledge of EHCP processes and annual reviews.
• Experience delivering training to education staff and families.
• Sensory Integration training or postgraduate specialist training.

What's on Offer?

• Salary £45,000 - £60,000 depending on experience.
• Specialist SEN school environment with integrated therapy provision.
• Extensive CPD and career progression opportunities.
• Supportive multidisciplinary team.
• Opportunity to work across a varied and rewarding caseload.
• Term-time working pattern.
• The chance to make a genuine difference to the lives of children and young people with additional needs.

INDTSC