Paediatric Occupational Therapist at Danecourt School

Danecourt School; Gillingham; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 26,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Integrated Therapy Team

Professional development

Local Government Pension Scheme

Wellbeing programme

Cycle to Work

Employee discounts

Job summary

Danecourt School in Kent is seeking a motivated Paediatric Occupational Therapist to join our Integrated Therapy Team on a maternity cover contract. You will manage a specialist caseload of pupils with SEND, embedding therapy into daily school life through co-teaching, groups and classroom-based support.

We value collaborative working with teachers, families and external professionals to improve participation, learning and independence, applying evidence-informed interventions and practical

Qualifications

• HCPC registered Occupational Therapist with experience in SEND.
• Experience with children with SEND and sensory processing difficulties.
• Ability to work autonomously within an integrated MDT.

Responsibilities

• Assess pupils' OT needs and develop personalised interventions.
• Co-teach with Education Team and provide classroom support.
• Support sensory processing, motor development and independence.
• Use formal and informal assessments and track progress.
• Advise on equipment, posture and handling needs.
• Provide guidance and training for colleagues and families.
• Contribute to EHCPs and Annual Reviews.

Skills

HCPC registered

SEND experience

Sensory processing

Assessment skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy

Job description

About this Role

Join Danecourt School as a Paediatric Occupational Therapist! Use your expertise. Unlock potential. Make a difference every day.

Hours: 22 hours per week (8:30am - 4.30 pm Wed - Thurs; 8:30 - 4:00 Fri) Contract: Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover) until 30th November 2027 Term Time Only Role: 39 weeks per year Start Date: 1st December 2026 Actual Salary: Grade PO1 (point 27 - 37) £20,462.85 - £26,170.46 Actual Salary + SEND Allowance

Are you an enthusiastic, creative Occupational Therapist who is passionate about making a difference for children with SEND?

Danecourt School is looking for a motivated and collaborative Occupational Therapist to join our Integrated Therapy Team on a maternity cover contract.

This is an opportunity to work differently. At Danecourt, therapy is woven into children's everyday school experience. You'll work alongside our Education Team, co-teaching in classrooms, running groups and helping colleagues embed therapeutic strategies throughout the school day.

You’ll join a fast-paced, dynamic team that responds to the changing needs of our pupils and school - working together to help children develop the skills, confidence and independence they need to thrive both at school and at home.

About the Role

As our Occupational Therapist, you'll manage a specialist caseload of pupils with SEND, assessing their needs and developing practical, evidence-informed interventions that support participation, learning and independence.

You'll work closely with teachers, support staff, therapists, families and external professionals, combining your clinical expertise with a collaborative and child-centred approach.

In this role, you will:

• Assess pupils' occupational therapy needs and provide personalised interventions
• Work alongside our Education Team through co-teaching, group work and classroom-based support
• Support pupils with sensory processing, motor development, functional skills and independence
• Use formal and informal assessments to understand needs and monitor progress
• Advise on specialist and adaptive equipment, postural management and manual handling
• Provide practical strategies, guidance and training for colleagues and families
• Contribute to EHCPs, Annual Reviews and multidisciplinary planning

You’ll have professional autonomy to manage your caseload while being surrounded by colleagues who share expertise, ideas and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for every child.

Who you Are

We're looking for someone who:

• Is a qualified Occupational Therapist registered with the HCPC
• Has experience working with children with SEND
• Has a strong understanding of sensory processing difficulties and appropriate strategies
• Is confident using formal and informal assessments and specialist or adaptive equipment
• Can work autonomously while thriving as part of an integrated multidisciplinary team
• Is enthusiastic, creative and able to respond flexibly in a busy school environment
• Builds caring, trusting relationships with children and families
• Enjoys sharing expertise and working alongside education colleagues to make therapy part of everyday learning

Most importantly, you'll be someone who sees the whole child and understands the difference that the right support, relationships and environment can make.

What We Offer

Danecourt offers a welcoming and inclusive environment where support staff are valued as key members of the team. As part of the Maritime Academy Trust, we offer meaningful career opportunities, collaborative working, and the chance to help pupils with SEND thrive.

Here's what you can expect:

• A welcoming and experienced Integrated Therapy Team
• Close collaborative working with our Education Team and other professionals
• A varied role where your professional expertise can make a visible difference every day
• Opportunities to develop and share specialist SEND practice
• High-quality professional development and Trust-wide learning opportunities
• A strong sense of purpose, where your contribution directly impacts pupil progress, confidence and wellbeing
• Local Government Pension Scheme and national terms and conditions
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• A comprehensive wellbeing offer, including Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and Occupational Health support
• Lifestyle and financial wellbeing benefits including Cycle to Work, eye care vouchers and employee discounts
• Join a school that is proud to be the Winner of the Primary Special School Provision category at the Medway Parents and Carers Forum SEND Awards.

Danecourt School and the Maritime Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We embrace diversity and equal opportunity, striving to build a team that reflects a range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. The more inclusive we are, the stronger we become. All appointments are subject to an Enhanced DBS check and online checks in line with the latest safeguarding guidance.