PHYSIOTHERAPY AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT AND MANUAL HANDLING LEAD

eTeach UK Limited; Tandridge; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full training and ongoing professional

Generous pension scheme

Employee wellbeing support

Health and lifestyle benefits

Progression and professional develop.

Job summary

Clifton Hill School in Caterham is seeking a Therapy Assistant to support physiotherapy and occupational therapy programmes across the school. The role is four days per week, with one day dedicated to class-based support for pupils with high therapeutic needs, and a total of 35.25 hours per week during term time.

You will work alongside therapists, teachers and other professionals to deliver therapy activities, monitor progress and liaise with families, while developing practical skills in

Qualifications

• Attitude, commitment and willingness to learn are valued.
• Experience with children or young people is helpful but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Work four days per week with therapy teams, supporting physiotherapy and occupational therapy programmes.
• Deliver therapy activities under professional guidance and monitor student progress.
• Join a class team one day per week to support pupils with high therapeutic needs.

Job description

Ideal for Graduates Exploring Careers in Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy & Specialist EducationLocation: Clifton Hill School, CaterhamContract: PermanentStart Date: As soon as possibleHours: 35.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday term time onlyWorking pattern: Four days per week as a Therapy Assistant and manual handling lead working across the school and one day per week class based supporting a group with high therapeutic needsApplication deadline: Monday 9 November 2026, 9amSalary: WMAT Associate grade WA6 £25,088.13 - £29,028.08 (£30,571 - £35,372 FTE) per annum

Considering a Career in Therapy or Specialist Education?This role is an excellent first step for graduates and aspiring professionals considering careers such as:Occupational TherapyPhysiotherapyRehabilitation and Healthcare SupportSocial Care

You will gain valuable hands-on experience working alongside therapists, teachers and other professionals supporting young people with complex needs in a highly specialist school environment.

About Us:Clifton Hill School is a friendly, ambitious and highly supportive specialist school for students aged 11-19 with severe learning difficulties, autism and complex needs. We are proud of our:Strong team culture and collaborative approachCommitment to professional developmentFocus on helping every young person achieve independence and achieve their full potential

The Role:This unique role combines therapy support and direct classroom experience.For four days each week, you will work closely with our therapy teams, supporting physiotherapy and occupational therapy programmes across the school. This includes:Supporting therapists with therapy sessions and programmesDelivering therapy activities under professional guidanceMonitoring and recording student progressSupporting pupils during hydrotherapy sessionsLiaising with parents, therapists, nurses and class teamsAssisting with specialist equipment and positioning programmesHelping ensure students have access to the equipment and support they need to succeed

For one day each week, you will join a class team supporting students with high therapeutic and complex physical needs. This gives you the opportunity to:Build strong relationships with pupilsSupport learning and communication throughout the school dayWork as part of a multidisciplinary teamDevelop a deeper understanding of specialist education and therapeutic practiceSee how therapy interventions support learning and independence in the classroom

Why Join Us?This is far more than a support role. It is an opportunity to:Gain experience valued by Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy degree programmesWork alongside experienced therapists and specialist teachersDevelop practical skills in therapy delivery, communication and behaviour supportBuild understanding of complex physical, medical and learning needsGain insight into multidisciplinary workingReceive excellent training and professional developmentMake a genuine difference to the lives of young people

We Welcome Applications From People Who Are:Interested in therapy, healthcare, psychology or SEND educationCaring, patient and reflectiveEnthusiastic and motivated to learnComfortable working as part of a teamHighly organised and able to communicate effectivelyPassionate about helping young people achieve their potentialExperience working with children or young people is helpful but not essential. Your attitude, commitment and willingness to learn are what matter most.

What We OfferA warm, welcoming and supportive staff teamFull training and ongoing professional developmentDirect experience working alongside therapy professionalsOpportunities to develop specialist skillsGenerous pension schemeEmployee wellbeing supportHealth and lifestyle benefits

Safeguarding Statement:Clifton Hill School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, governors and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check, health check and other safer recruitment checks, including online searches.