Occupational Therapist

Thesheilingringwood; New Forest; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits a qualified Occupational Therapist to join a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team at an independent residential special school. This role involves working with students aged 5-25, providing essential therapy services in a beautiful, eco-friendly environment. You will develop your clinical skills while collaborating with a team of dedicated professionals, making a real difference in the lives of students with learning difficulties. If you are adaptable, confident, and passionate about making a positive impact, this position offers the chance to thrive in a supportive and innovative setting.

Qualifications

• Qualified Occupational Therapist with a degree.
• Experience in paediatric or learning disability settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and group therapy sessions for students.
• Manage a varied caseload including developmental delays and neurological conditions.

Skills

Occupational Therapy

Paediatric Experience

Multidisciplinary Teamwork

Assessment and Intervention

Education

Degree in Occupational Therapy

Job description

Department : School and College (students 5 to 25 years)

Employment Type : Permanent

Hours & Working Patterns : Term time (41 working weeks, including training days). Part-time hours will be considered for the right candidate

Closing Date : 25 th June 2025

Interview Date : 3 rd July 2025

Start Date : ASAP

The Sheiling Ringwood is an independent residential special school and college for students with severe and moderate learning difficulties and disabilities. A member of the Camphill communities, we provide education and care services within a beautiful environment, where staff, whatever their job role, have the opportunity to make a holistic, real and positive difference in the lives of our students. Set in a stunning sustainable and eco-friendly 40-acre site close to the New Forest and Dorset coastline, the natural surroundings of our school and college provide a rich, enabling and therapeutic learning environment for students.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a qualified, innovative and motivated Occupational Therapist to join our multi-disciplinary team. You will be working with our school and college students (aged 5-25 years).

We are a dynamic, friendly multi-disciplinary team made up of: anthroposophical therapists, positive behaviour support practitioners, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. You will be part of this team, yet we expect an ability to work independently as an OT. You will also be part of an OT department, working closely with another Occupational Therapist. The overarching OT service has recently been developed and an OT service screening tool is now implemented to reflect best practice (including sensory, functional and physical observations). The OT will work towards achieving sensory, functional and physical OT competencies under the supervision of an external Sensory Integration trained OT. Opportunities for training and development in competency areas will be discussed in relation to OT skill sets and service needs.

This post offers the opportunity to develop your clinical skills in sensory, functional and physical observations. In addition, to consolidate your skills in managing a caseload and multidisciplinary teamwork. The caseload is varied and can cover autistic spectrum disorder, developmental delay, learning disabilities and neurological conditions. You will be confident, adaptable and dynamic to provide assessment and interventions for students. This will include: 1:1 therapy, group therapy sessions (e.g. fine-motor craft groups, sensory circuits etc); prescription of OT programmes and equipment; attending meetings, planning sessions and MDT discussion. Previous experience working in a paediatric or learning disability setting an advantage.

To apply, please complete the online application form:

or complete the paper form available as a download at the bottom of this page.

If you experience any issues or have any questions regarding the application process, please email:

The Sheiling Ringwood is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS and Barred List check will be required. Staff are also prohibited from promoting extremist/radical religious or one-sided political views whilst working at The Sheiling Ringwood (TSR) and/or whilst participating in activities associated with their employment.

This role is UK based and your right to work will need to be established as part of the appointment process. We will also carry out an online search for all shortlisted candidates, in line with the latest Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidelines.