Lead Occupational Therapist

www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk - Jobboard; London; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in South West London is seeking a Lead Paediatric Occupational Therapist for SEMH schools. This full-time, permanent role involves designing and managing occupational therapy provision, providing leadership, and delivering specialist assessments. Ideal candidates will have significant experience with complex needs and a commitment to CPD and staff wellbeing. Competitive salary and flexible working options are offered.

Benefits

5 weeks off in the school summer break

Annual CPD opportunities

Competitive medical insurance rates

Flexible working options

Supervision and mentoring program

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years’ post-qualification experience with complex children and young people.
• Experience of working in SEMH, education, or alternative provision settings.
• Excellent understanding of attachment, trauma, and neurodevelopment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the Occupational Therapy service across all campuses.
• Deliver specialist OT assessments and interventions for pupils with SEMH and neurodiverse needs.
• Develop, monitor, and review individualised therapy plans.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Clinical Assessment

Report Writing

Education

BSc or MSc in Occupational Therapy

HCPC Registration

Royal College of Occupational Therapy Registration

Job description

Job Title:

Lead Paediatric Occupational Therapist for SEMH Schools

Location:

Multi-Campus SEMH School Settings in South West London

Contract Type:

Full-Time, Permanent

Reports to:

Team Lead and Director of Services for Occupational Therapy

Salary:

£38,000 – £46,800 Depending on Experience

Contract:

Summer Contract with the following benefits:

• Summer Contract
• 5 weeks off in the school summer break
• 22 days of annual leave + years of service allowance
• 1 CPD day to use towards training
• Annual CPD opportunities + Monthly internal CPD provided
• Exclusive discounts within Benefit Hub
• Competitive medical insurance rates
• A block of free counselling sessions
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric car purchase scheme
• A “Moment in Time” day a year to use as you please
• Life assurance
• Critical illness cover

We provide our staff with the support they need to succeed. Part time or Term-time contracts also considered.

Hours:

37.5 Hour Week

Flexible working across 6 days (Monday-Saturday)

Job Purpose

The Lead Occupational Therapist will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing a high-quality occupational therapy provision across multiple campuses within Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) schools. This role combines leadership and clinical responsibilities and will work closely with education and therapeutic teams to support pupils with complex needs and neurodivergence within primary and secondary settings.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

Lead and coordinate the Occupational Therapy (OT) service across all campuses.
Provide leadership and support for a team of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants.
Develop and enforce OT policies, procedures, and service delivery models in line with LCP and whole-school strategies.
Ensure effective allocation of caseloads and staff resources in the school settings.
Attend leadership meetings and contribute to whole-school planning and development.
Coordinate induction for new staff within the school settings to ensure streamlining of services.
Foster strong collaborative working with the wider therapy team, senior management, and other health professionals on site.
Communicate any performance or management concerns to your director of services.

Clinical Practice

Deliver specialist OT assessments and interventions for pupils with SEMH and neurodiverse needs.
Develop, monitor, and review individualised therapy plans.
Provide clinical reports to support EHCPs, annual reviews, and tribunal processes.
Promote inclusive practice through class-based strategies and environmental modifications.
Lead on therapeutic interventions.
Support transition planning and interventions for pupils moving between provisions.

Training & Capacity Building

Maintain accurate, confidential, and up-to-date records in accordance with GDPR and HCPC standards.
Adhere to safeguarding responsibilities in line with school and local authority policy.
Ensure service quality through audits, feedback, and continuous improvement.

Person Specification

Essential

BSc or MSc in Occupational Therapy
HCPC Registration
Royal College of Occupational Therapy Registration
Minimum of 4 years’ post-qualification experience with complex children and young people
Experience of working in SEMH, education, or alternative provision settings
Leadership or service development experience
Excellent understanding of attachment, trauma, and neurodevelopment
Confident with report writing and multi-agency working

Desirable

Postgraduate training in trauma-informed care, or related specialisms
Knowledge of SEND processes including EHCPs and Annual Reviews
Experience working with Looked After Children or those with significant social care involvement
Understanding of positive behaviour support approaches

What We Offer

A passionate and forward-thinking team
CPD opportunities and funded specialist training
Clinical supervision and reflective practice sessions
Opportunities to innovate and lead within a growing SEMH provision
Staff wellbeing and flexible working options
A chance to make a life-changing impact on young people

London Children’s Practice - Why Choose Us?

At the London Children’s Practice, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care to children and families, and we believe in supporting our team members every step of the way. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider joining us:

1. Training Opportunities:

We are committed to the ongoing professional development of our staff. As a member of our team, you'll have access to a wide range of training opportunities tailored to your individual interests and career goals. We will provide the support you need to continue to grow and advance in your field.

2. Wellbeing Support:

We understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and prioritising employee wellbeing. That's why we offer comprehensive support services to help you thrive both personally and professionally. From employee assistance programs to wellness initiatives, we're here to ensure that you feel supported and valued every day.

3. Supervision and Mentoring Program:

You'll have the opportunity to work alongside experienced practitioners, gain hands-on experience in various areas of Paediatric OT, and receive guidance every step of the way.

4. Clinical Development:

We believe in investing in our team members' professional growth and development. That's why we offer regular in-house training sessions, workshops, and supervision support tailored to your level of experience. Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience under your belt, we'll help you continue to refine your skills and stay up to date on the latest best practices in paediatric therapy.