Lead Sensory Occupational Therapist

Shorefields; Colchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Hope Learning Community in Colchester is seeking a Lead Sensory Occupational Therapist to lead and develop our Occupational Therapy provision across the school. You will provide strategic, clinical and operational leadership, working with senior leaders, teachers, families and multidisciplinary professionals to ensure every pupil can engage, participate and thrive.

The role offers a chance to influence whole-school sensory approaches, deliver specialised assessments, coach staff and drive

Qualifications

• A Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy and current HCPC registration.
• Significant experience supporting children and young people with SEND, autism and sensory processing differences.
• Postgraduate Sensory Integration training and experience leading therapy services would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate Occupational Therapy services across the school.
• Develop and embed a whole-school sensory approach.
• Deliver specialist assessment and intervention for pupils with sensory processing, emotional regulation, motor coordination and functional participation needs.
• Support staff to create calm, regulated and inclusive learning environments.
• Provide supervision, coaching and professional leadership to therapy staff and assistants.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, families and external professionals to achieve the best possible outcomes for pupils.

Skills

Leadership

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Staff supervision

Communication

Education

Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy

HCPC registration

Job description

Job Ref No. ECC7069-572S Position Type: Teaching/Child Support Pay Range: Scale 9-11 depending on experience

Position Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Full-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 18/10/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: 22/10/26

Salary: Scale 9-11 (depending on experience)

Working Hours: 37 hours per week, term time only inc non pupils days (39 weeks per year)

Make a lasting difference every day

Hope Learning Community is seeking an exceptional Lead Sensory Occupational Therapist to lead and develop our Occupational Therapy provision across the school. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Occupational Therapist with a passion for sensory integration, SEND, and improving outcomes for children and young people with complex needs.

As our Lead Sensory Occupational Therapist, you will provide strategic, clinical and operational leadership, working alongside senior leaders, teachers, families and multidisciplinary professionals to ensure every pupil can engage, participate and thrive.

The Role

You will:

• Lead and coordinate Occupational Therapy services across the school.
• Develop and embed a whole-school sensory approach.
• Deliver specialist assessment and intervention for pupils with sensory processing, emotional regulation, motor coordination and functional participation needs.
• Support staff to create calm, regulated and inclusive learning environments.
• Provide supervision, coaching and professional leadership to therapy staff and assistants.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, families and external professionals to achieve the best possible outcomes for pupils.

About You

• A Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy and current HCPC registration.
• Significant experience supporting children and young people with SEND, autism and sensory processing differences.
• Strong knowledge of sensory processing theory and occupational therapy practice within educational settings.
• Experience of assessment, intervention planning, staff training and multidisciplinary working.
• The leadership skills to inspire colleagues and help shape a high-quality therapy service.
• Postgraduate Sensory Integration training and experience leading therapy services within a specialist educational setting would be advantageous.

Why Join Hope Learning Community?

At Hope Learning Community, we are committed to ensuring that every child is supported to achieve their full potential. We pride ourselves on our inclusive ethos, collaborative approach and dedication to providing outstanding opportunities for pupils with additional needs.

This role offers the chance to:

• Shape and develop Occupational Therapy provision across the school.
• Lead innovative sensory and therapeutic practice.
• Work as part of a skilled multidisciplinary team.
• Make a genuine and lasting impact on the lives of children and young people.
• Contribute strategically to school improvement and service development.

Safeguarding

Hope Learning Community is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory safeguarding checks, including an Enhanced DBS check and references. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Join us and help create environments where every child can regulate, participate, learn and succeed.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

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HR Department
Winstree Road, Colchester
Essex, CO3 0PZ Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]