Occupational Therapist

Our students have a diverse range of strengths and needs, including differences in sensory processing and emotional regulation, motor skill development and functional independence, alongside a range of learning needs. We are looking for an enthusiastic, innovative and creative Occupational Therapist who is passionate about supporting autistic children and young people to participate in meaningful activities, develop their independence and achieve positive outcomes across school, home and community environments. About the role This is an exciting opportunity for an Occupational Therapist who has completed Sensory Integration (SI) training, or who wishes to further develop their knowledge and clinical skills in SI within a specialist educational setting. You will use your occupational therapy knowledge and clinical reasoning to understand the factors influencing students' participation in everyday activities and support their sensory and emotional regulation, motor development, functional skills and independence. The Woodlands School operates across three sites within Milton Keynes, supporting students with a wide range of developmental, sensory, communication and learning needs. Your working day will therefore be varied, with opportunities to work collaboratively with students, families, education staff and other professionals The SCERTS framework is embedded throughout the school, supporting a shared understanding of Social Communication, Emotional Regulation and Transactional Support. Occupational therapy is delivered through a graduated, needs-led model, aligned with the SEND Code of Practice, encompassing universal, targeted and specialist provision. As part of this role, you will:

• Contribute to whole-school universal occupational therapy provision through staff training, consultation, environmental adaptations and classroom strategies that support participation, regulation and independence.
• Provide in-class consultation and modelling, working alongside education staff to embed therapeutic approaches across the school day.
• Assess students' occupational performance and sensory-motor needs using appropriate assessment approaches, clinical observation and professional reasoning.
• Develop and evaluate individualised occupational therapy programmes, interventions and recommendations.
• Provide targeted and specialist assessment and intervention for students according to identified need.
• Use the Sensory Integration Frame of Reference to inform assessment, clinical reasoning and intervention, where clinically indicated and within your level of training and competence.
• Support areas including sensory processing and regulation, emotional regulation, motor development, functional independence, self-care and participation in meaningful occupations.
• Contribute to therapeutic approaches, including Rebound Therapy, according to training and competence.
• Contribute to students' EHCP outcomes, reviews, reports and wider multidisciplinary planning as appropriate.
Integrated and collaborative practice You will join an established integrated therapy team, working alongside Occupational Therapy practitioners, Speech and Language Therapy practitioners and a Reiki and Movement practitioner. The team has a strong collaborative ethos, with opportunities for joint working, shared clinical reasoning and multidisciplinary practice. We are proud to support Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy apprentices, providing opportunities to contribute to the learning and development of others. Regular clinical supervision, caseload meetings and therapy team meetings support reflective practice, clinical decision-making and the continued development of our needs-led model of service delivery. You will be confident in managing your own workload and caseload, prioritising according to clinical need and working with an appropriate level of professional autonomy. You will be expected to take an active role in clinical decision-making, contribute to service development, deliver training and support colleagues to embed therapeutic approaches within everyday practice.


• Is passionate about improving participation and outcomes for autistic children and young people.
• Values neurodiversity-affirming, person-centred and strengths-based practice.
• Understands the importance of regulation, relationships and environmental support in enabling meaningful participation.
• Can apply occupational therapy theory, assessment and clinical reasoning within a special educational context.
• Demonstrates strong communication, collaborative working and professional reasoning skills.
• Is committed to evidence-informed practice, reflective learning and continuing professional development.
• Is creative and flexible in adapting approaches to the individual needs, interests and priorities of students.
  
  Paediatric Occupational Therapist (full time, term time only, 37 hours per week) part time/job share applications will be considered
Annual Salary is dependent upon experience and Sensory Integration qualification Grade G: £38,150 - £43,149 - Actual Starting: £33,419.19 Grade H: £44,253 - £48,738 - Actual Starting: £38,402.49 Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference to the lives of autistic children and young people? The Woodlands School is a specialist school committed to providing high-quality, integrated education and therapy provision for autistic children and young people from Reception through to Sixth Form., In return we offer a competitive salary. You will have access to a well-being benefits package, free parking on all sites and the flexibility to take 5-days annual leave during term time. We will consider job-share or part-time arrangements for the right candidate. Could this be your next role? If you believe you can help our students to achieve, thrive and fulfil their potential at school, at home and within their communities, and you are looking for a varied and rewarding role where occupational therapy is embedded within the wider school provision, we would love to hear from you. Join us in supporting autistic children and young people to develop their independence, participate in meaningful occupations and achieve outcomes that matter to them.