Occupational Therapist - Specialist School in Manchester, North West
UK working eligibility only.
Occupational Therapist – Specialist Independent School
Location : Manchester (excellent transport links)
Salary : Competitive (dependent on experience)
September start
Are you an Occupational Therapist who enjoys working with children and young people and wants to make a real difference in their daily lives?
Do you have experience supporting SEMH learners and want a role where you can be part of a brand new specialist school from day one? If so, this could be a fantastic opportunity.
We are looking for a dedicated and compassionate Occupational Therapist to join a brand new, purpose-built specialist independent school opening this September in Manchester.
You will be working with young people aged 11–18 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, helping them develop the skills they need to access learning, build independence, and succeed both in and out of the classroom.
About the Role :
This is a varied and highly rewarding role where you will support students with their sensory, emotional, physical, and functional development needs, working closely with teaching staff and other professionals to ensure a joined-up approach to support.
You will :
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Assess students’ occupational therapy needs and create individual support plans
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Deliver targeted interventions to support sensory regulation, motor skills, and emotional wellbeing
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Work 1:1 and in small groups with students to develop independence and engagement
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Support staff with strategies to help students access learning more effectively
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Contribute to EHCP targets and multidisciplinary planning
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Help create a calm, structured, and supportive learning environment
This role goes beyond traditional therapy — it’s about embedding support into everyday school life and helping students overcome barriers to learning.
What’s On Offer :
- Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
- September start date
- Excellent Manchester location with strong transport links
- Opportunity to shape the OT provision in a brand new specialist independent school
- Small group and highly personalised working environment
- Supportive and forward-thinking leadership team
- Modern, purpose-built facilities designed for SEMH learners
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
- A genuinely rewarding and impactful role
About You :
We are looking for someone who is passionate about supporting young people with complex needs and can bring both clinical expertise and a nurturing approach.
- Degree in Occupational Therapy and HCPC registration & QTS (essential)
- Experience working with children and young people
- Strong experience supporting SEMH needs (essential or highly desirable)
- Experience in specialist, SEN, or alternative provision settings
- Strong understanding of sensory processing and regulation strategies
- Calm, patient, and relationship-focused approach
- Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
Desirable experience:
- Trauma-informed practice
- Attachment-aware approaches
- Experience in school-based OT or education settings
- Supporting EHCP outcomes
Why This Role?
This is more than a therapy position — it’s a chance to be part of something new and help build a specialist provision from the ground up. You’ll play a key role in helping young people develop independence, confidence, and the skills they need to thrive.
Interested? Let’s Talk
If you are an Occupational Therapist ready for a new challenge in a specialist education setting, we would love to hear from you.
INDTEA
Voceer presents this job opportunity for KPI Recruiting LTD, a 1000 person sized company who are categorized as a Recruitment Agency.
This position is being managed by KPI Recruiting LTD, a reputable recruitment agency known for placing candidates in desirable positions.