CYPIT West School Age Locality Operational Lead

NHS; Thatcham; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in Thatcham is seeking an Operational Lead for Children and Young People's Integrated Therapies. In this part-time role, you will oversee Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Speech & Language Therapy services for school-aged children. The ideal candidate will be a qualified allied health professional with experience in partnership working with schools and local authorities. Join a supportive team dedicated to delivering high-quality therapy services that positively impact children and families.

Benefits

Flexible working options

27 days' annual leave

Generous NHS pension scheme

Career development opportunities

'Cycle to Work' scheme

Discounts at retailers

Qualifications

• A qualified allied health professional (OT, Physio, SLT) with HCPC registration.
• Experienced in working with schools and multidisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge in children's development and SEN processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day therapies for school-aged children.
• Work closely with clinicians and external partners for service delivery.
• Lead teams to ensure effective outcomes for children.

Skills

Partnership working

Communication

Leadership

Knowledge of SEN processes

Education

AHP qualification degree or equivalent

HCPC Registered

Postgraduate education relevant to clinical role

Job description

Job Summary

Children and Young People's Integrated Therapies (CYPIT) West School Age Locality Operational Lead

Do you want to play a key role in shaping and delivering high-quality therapy services for school-aged children?

We are looking for a motivated leader to join our Children and Young People's Integrated Therapies (CYPIT) team, in order to support service delivery within a new locality focused management structure. The role is 22.5 hours a week and will be supporting either Wokingham or West Berkshire therapy teams.

As Operational Lead, the role will take responsibility for the day-to-day management of Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Speech & Language Therapy services for school-aged children within a defined locality. You will work closely with clinicians, the CYPIT leadership team, and external partners to ensure the best possible outcomes for children and young people.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence and strengthen services that make a real difference to children and families. You’ll be part of a supportive, forward-thinking CYPIT team, committed to integrated working and continuous improvement.

Details

Date posted: 05 December 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 7

Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Part-time

Reference number: 371-CFS621-A

Job locations: CYPIT, West Berkshire Community Hospital
Thatcham
RG18 3AS

Job Responsibilities

The must have’s for this role:

• A qualified allied health professional (OT, Physio, SLT) with HCPC registration.

• Confident in partnership working with schools, local authorities, and multidisciplinary teams.

• Knowledgeable in school-aged development, SEN processes, and tribunal work.

• An excellent communicator, able to lead and inspire others.

Person Specification

Education / Qualifications / Training (Essential)

• AHP qualification degree or equivalent
• HCPC Registered
• Completion of post graduate education relevant to clinical role of post

Desirable

• Management and/or leadership training

Continuous Professional Development (Essential)

• QMIS training
• Care Aims – IBCDM and Getting to the Heart of the Matter
• Evidence of on‑going personal development

Previous Experience (Essential)

• Evidence of experience in clinical work in children's services to a level of in‑depth knowledge and expertise
• Contribution to clinical supervisory or mentoring less experienced staff, students or assistants
• Evidence of leadership e.g. staff management, leading a project, change in practice
• Experience of developing and using performance management information to inform service planning and development

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (Essential)

• High level of knowledge of service provision within children's therapy services
• High level of clinical expertise in relevant profession with the ability to support and develop junior/less experienced staff as needed.
• Ability to pass on skills/knowledge to others within both formal and informal environments
• Good understanding of budget/finance and impact for service development and delivery
• Understanding of data in performance monitoring and delivery of services
• Efficient, effective diplomatic communication skills both written and verbal
• Awareness of community working partnerships and structures
• Good computer literacy
• Working knowledge of arrangements for children's health services and early help including knowledge of legislation, SEND, statutory guidance, government policy, practice guidance and best practice.
• Ability to self‑manage workload and work using own initiative.
• Ability to identify and use outcome measures to inform performance and productivity
• Ability to demonstrate and apply understanding of the unique contribution of each of the 3 primary therapy professions and how they can work together.

Additional Requirements (Essential)

• Car driver with access to own car and ability to travel to multiple sites

Benefits

• Flexible working options to support work‑life balance
• 27 days' annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell
• Generous NHS pension scheme
• Excellent learning and career development opportunities
• 'Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles
• Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services
• Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants
• Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality
• Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave
• Free parking across Trust sites

About Us

Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated “outstanding” by the CQC, we’re committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. As an employer, we’re committed to offering an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people share in a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish.

Our values at Berkshire Healthcare are:

• Caring for and about you is our top priority
• Committed to providing good quality, safe services
• Working together with you to develop innovative solutions

Your wellbeing is important to us. Some of the benefits of working for us include:

• Flexible working options to support work‑life balance
• 27 days' annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell
• Generous NHS pension scheme
• Excellent learning and career development opportunities
• 'Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles
• Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services
• Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants
• Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality
• Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave
• Free parking across Trust sites

Equal Opportunities

We’re committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.

Contact

For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification. We strongly encourage you to review how you meet the criteria in the person specification and write about this point‑by‑point in your supporting statement for the best chance of being shortlisted.

We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to call: Nicki Thorpe on 07866003162 or email: [e-mail] who’ll be delighted to help.

Please note, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Employer Details

Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust

CYPIT, West Berkshire Community Hospital
Thatcham
RG18 3AS

Website: https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/