Job Description

Occupational Therapist SEND School

Location: Imperial Wharf, Chelsea, London (Hammersmith & Fulham)
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday
Setting: Specialist SEND / Autism School

About the Role

First Bridge School is looking for an experienced Occupational Therapist (OT) to join our multidisciplinary team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a paediatric Occupational Therapist to work in a specialist SEND school supporting children aged 2 to 11 with autism and complex developmental needs.

Our Occupational Therapist works as an integral part of the school team, collaborating closely with Teachers, Speech and Language Therapists and Behaviour Specialists. Therapy is embedded within the school day and designed to directly support children's learning, development, communication, independence and participation.

About First Bridge School

First Bridge School is a DfE-registered specialist SEND school based in Chelsea, London.

We support children with autism and complex developmental needs in a purpose-built environment where education and therapy are closely integrated.

Our multidisciplinary approach means that therapists work directly alongside teaching and classroom teams, helping ensure that therapeutic strategies are consistently applied throughout the school day.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct occupational therapy assessments and deliver evidence-based individual and group interventions for pupils with autism, sensory processing difficulties and developmental delays.
• Develop sensory strategies, sensory diets and environmental adaptations to support regulation, learning and engagement.
• Assess and support sensory, motor, functional and daily living skills.
• Work collaboratively with Teachers, Speech and Language Therapists, Behaviour Specialists and classroom staff to embed therapeutic strategies into daily practice.
• Contribute to EHCP assessments, annual reviews and multidisciplinary planning, including preparation of professional OT reports.
• Provide advice and training to staff and communicate effectively with parents and carers regarding pupil progress and recommendations.
• Maintain accurate clinical records in accordance with professional standards and follow safeguarding and child protection procedures.

Essential Requirements

• Degree in Occupational Therapy and current HCPC registration.
• Experience working with children in a paediatric, SEND, education or related setting, including experience supporting children with autism and/or developmental needs.
• Knowledge and practical experience of sensory processing assessment and intervention.
• Good understanding of SEND and EHCP processes.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to safeguarding and child-centred practice.

Desirable Experience

• Postgraduate training in sensory integration, such as Ayres Sensory Integration.
• Experience within a specialist SEND or autism school, early years or paediatric community setting.
• Knowledge of autism-specific approaches and structured teaching, with experience supporting non-verbal or pre-verbal children.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with progression opportunities.
• Funded CPD, specialist training, clinical supervision and strong staff support.
• Purpose-built specialist SEND environment with daily multidisciplinary working and genuine clinical autonomy.
• 34 days' holiday, inclusive of bank and public holidays.
• Laptop provided for work and home use.
• Clear career progression opportunities within a growing specialist school.

Who We Are Looking For

This role would suit an Occupational Therapist who wants to specialise in paediatric OT and is passionate about supporting children with autism and complex developmental needs.

You will value collaborative multidisciplinary working and want to see therapeutic strategies embedded into children's everyday learning and development. You will be motivated by meaningful, long-term developmental outcomes rather than a high-throughput clinical model.

Safeguarding

First Bridge School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment.

All appointments are subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, including professional references and an enhanced DBS check.

Our vacancies are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Having a criminal record will not necessarily prevent employment. Each case will be considered in relation to the nature of the role and the circumstances and context of any offences.

An online search will be conducted on all shortlisted candidates as part of our safer recruitment process.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV together with a brief statement explaining why you would like to work at First Bridge School and how your experience makes you suitable for the role.

Following an initial review, suitable applicants will be invited to an initial screening call and asked to complete our application and self-disclosure forms.

Shortlisted applicants will subsequently be invited to attend an assessment and formal interview day.