Knowl Hill School is an independent specialist school dedicated to supporting students with Dyslexia and other Specific Learning Disabilities (SPLD) with two schools located in Pirbright and Bisley (Surrey). We provide an inclusive, nurturing, and innovative environment that helps students overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Through personalised interventions and specialised support, we ensure every student’s learning needs are met in a way that works best for them.
Role Overview:
We are seeking a Occupational Therapist (OT) to join our multidisciplinary team. As an OT in our specialist school, you will assess, plan, and implement therapeutic interventions that support students with Dyslexia and other SPLD in developing essential skills for daily living, motor coordination, sensory processing, and academic performance.
The role involves collaborating with teachers, learning support assistants, and other professionals to ensure that students' physical and sensory needs are addressed to maximize their learning potential.
You will join the established team within Knowl Hill School, and access supervision and training to support your professional development within the role. This role offers the opportunity to develop as a school based OT, and to specialise skills within a rewarding and therapeutically dynamic setting.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assessment: Conduct comprehensive assessments of students’ motor, and functional skills to identify any barriers to learning or daily activities.
- Therapeutic Interventions: Provide targeted occupational therapy interventions to address fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing issues, visual-motor integration, handwriting difficulties, and coordination challenges.
- Individualised Therapy Plans: Develop and implement individualised therapy plans tailored to each student’s specific needs, ensuring that interventions are aligned with their educational goals and provision stated within the EHCP. To provide programmes for Therapy assistants to follow.
- Classroom Support: Collaborate with teachers to provide strategies for integrating motor skills and sensory needs into classroom activities, helping students improve their focus, task performance, and self-regulation
- Sensory: Implement sensory techniques to help students self-regulate and engage in learning activities effectively, particularly those who may be overwhelmed or distracted by sensory stimuli.
- Motor Skills Development: Support students in developing both fine motor skills (e.g., handwriting, buttoning, cutting) and gross motor skills (e.g., coordination, balance), which are crucial for both academic success and daily activities.
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with other specialists, such as speech and language therapists, educational psychologists, and the SENCO, to provide holistic support and ensure a consistent approach to each student’s needs. To be involved in departmental development projects.
- Monitoring and Reporting: Regularly track students’ progress, document therapy sessions, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. Prepare and provide reports for parents, teachers, and external professionals when needed.
- Parent and Staff Support: Offer guidance to parents and staff on how to support students with motor, sensory, and daily living skills both in and out of school. Provide training and resources to staff on incorporating occupational therapy strategies into the classroom. To engage with the appraisal and supervision system, including supervision of therapy assistants.
- Maintain Confidentiality: Ensure all student information is kept confidential and that you adhere to safeguarding policies and regulations.
Key Skills & Experience:
- Qualifications: A recognised qualification in Occupational Therapy (e.g., BSc or MSc in Occupational Therapy), with registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) required.
- Therapeutic Skills: Experience in assessing and providing therapy for fine and gross motor skills, sensory, and functional skills development.
- Collaboration and Communication: Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with teachers, support staff, and parents to ensure student progress and well-being.
- Adaptability: Ability to adapt therapy approaches to the individual needs of students, ensuring that interventions are practical and achievable within the school environment.
- Record Keeping: Excellent organisational skills with the ability to maintain accurate and up-to-date records of assessments, interventions, and student progress.
Desirable:
- Experience: Previous experience working as an Occupational Therapist with children, especially those with learning difficulties such as Dyslexia and SPLD, is highly desirable.
- Understanding of SPLD: A sound understanding of how motor, sensory, and executive function difficulties affect children with Dyslexia and other SPLD.
- EHCP: Understanding or familiarity with education health care plans.
- Sensory: Familiarity or desire to further develop approaches such as Sensory Integration Therapy or other relevant therapeutic practices is a plus.
- Mental health: Experience, exposure or understanding of students’ mental health needs and a holistic approach to supporting students experiencing anxiety or challenges with emotional regulation.
Personal Attributes:
- Passionate about helping students overcome motor, sensory, and functional barriers to learning and development.
- Patient, empathetic, and flexible in working with children who have a range of learning challenges.
- Creative and resourceful in developing therapy plans that engage and motivate students.
- A proactive, team-oriented approach, with a strong focus on collaboration and student success.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
Application Process:
To apply for the position of Occupational Therapist at KHS, please submit an application form, which can be found on our website (www.knowlhillschool.org.uk) and a copy of your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation for applying to [email protected]. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
Salary offered will be dependent on experience and qualifications.
Knowl Hill School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment.
A satisfactory DBS check is required for this position.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Work Location: In person
