BAND 6 PAEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPIST – HYDROTHERAPY
Salary: NHS Band 6
Hours: Part Time – 3 days per week, term-time
Contract: Permanent
Reports to: Headteacher
MAIN PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Band 6 Paediatric Physiotherapist with specialist hydrotherapy experience to join a multidisciplinary team supporting children and young people with complex physical, neurological, developmental and learning needs.
The successful candidate will provide a high-quality physiotherapy and hydrotherapy service within a specialist educational environment. You will independently manage a clinical caseload, assess individual needs, develop tailored treatment programmes and monitor outcomes to support mobility, independence, physical development, participation and overall wellbeing.
Working closely with education staff, families, carers and healthcare professionals, you will provide a child-centred service that integrates physiotherapy into the young person's wider educational and care programme.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Clinical Practice
- Carry out comprehensive specialist physiotherapy assessments for children and young people with complex physical disabilities, neurodevelopmental conditions and associated sensory or learning needs.
- Develop, implement and evaluate individualised physiotherapy programmes based on clinical assessment, functional goals and individual education and care needs.
- Plan and deliver safe, evidence-based paediatric hydrotherapy programmes.
- Set clear and measurable treatment goals in partnership with children, families, education staff and other professionals.
- Regularly review progress and adapt treatment programmes according to clinical presentation, development and individual outcomes.
- Provide specialist advice relating to mobility, posture, positioning, manual handling and physical access.
- Contribute to recommendations relating to specialist equipment, therapeutic seating and postural management.
- Ensure hydrotherapy sessions are delivered safely and in accordance with relevant pool, clinical and infection-control procedures.
- Check that hydrotherapy equipment is used appropriately and report maintenance or safety concerns promptly.
- Maintain accurate, confidential and up-to-date clinical records, reports and outcome measures.
Multidisciplinary Working
- Work collaboratively with teachers, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, nurses, psychologists, doctors and other healthcare professionals.
- Develop positive working relationships with parents, carers and families.
- Liaise with external healthcare, social care and other professional services where appropriate.
- Contribute to Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) assessments, reviews and annual reports.
- Provide clear clinical information and recommendations to support integrated care planning.
- Deliver advice, demonstrations and training to school staff, families, carers and support workers to encourage therapeutic strategies to be incorporated into everyday routines.
Caseload & Service Management
- Independently manage and prioritise a specialist paediatric physiotherapy caseload.
- Ensure clinical activity is organised effectively and delivered within agreed professional and service standards.
- Contribute to the ongoing development of physiotherapy and hydrotherapy provision.
- Identify opportunities to improve clinical pathways, patient outcomes and service delivery.
- Participate in clinical audits, quality improvement projects and evidence-based practice.
- Support students, assistants and junior colleagues through supervision and appropriate clinical guidance.
- Participate in clinical supervision, appraisal, reflective practice and continuing professional development.
- Maintain current knowledge of developments in paediatric physiotherapy and aquatic therapy.
SAFEGUARDING & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work in accordance with HCPC standards, professional codes of conduct and relevant organisational policies.
- Maintain a strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.
- Follow appropriate procedures for identifying and reporting safeguarding concerns.
- Complete and contribute to clinical and environmental risk assessments.
- Apply safe manual handling techniques and promote safe practice during all therapeutic interventions.
- Maintain professional boundaries and protect the dignity, privacy and confidentiality of children and families.
- Comply with data protection and information governance requirements.
- Promote equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility throughout all aspects of clinical practice.
- Ensure all clinical interventions are delivered safely, ethically and in accordance with professional standards.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
- Recognised Degree or Diploma in Physiotherapy.
- Current HCPC registration.
- Relevant experience in paediatric physiotherapy.
- Evidence of continuing professional development.
- Recognised paediatric hydrotherapy training or qualification.
- Experience assessing and treating children with complex physical or neurological needs.
- Ability to work safely and confidently within a hydrotherapy pool environment.
- Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Enhanced DBS clearance suitable for working with children.
Desirable
- Postgraduate qualification or additional training in paediatrics, neurodisability or a related clinical speciality.
- Training or experience in Halliwick, Watsu or other recognised aquatic therapy approaches.
- Previous experience working within a specialist school or special educational setting.
- Experience supporting or supervising physiotherapy students, assistants or junior colleagues.
- Practice educator qualification.
- Full UK driving licence and access to suitable transport.
PERSONAL QUALITIES
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- A genuinely child-centred approach, promoting independence, dignity and participation.
- Compassion, patience and empathy when working with children and young people with complex needs.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- A collaborative approach to working with families, education staff and healthcare professionals.
- Strong clinical reasoning and decision-making skills.
- A proactive and solution-focused attitude.
- Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusive practice.
- High standards of professionalism, accountability and clinical safety.
- A reflective approach to professional development and continuous improvement.
- Confidence working independently while contributing positively to a wider multidisciplinary team.
WHAT WE OFFER
- A rewarding specialist role working with children and young people with complex needs.
- Supportive multidisciplinary working across education and healthcare.
- Opportunities for professional development and continuing clinical education.
- Regular supervision and opportunities for reflective practice.
- The opportunity to contribute to the development of paediatric physiotherapy and hydrotherapy services.
- A supportive environment focused on positive outcomes, inclusion and individual wellbeing.
SAFEGUARDING
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment and maintain the highest standards of professional conduct.
Appointment will be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, enhanced DBS clearance, satisfactory references, verification of qualifications and professional registration, together with any other relevant safeguarding checks.
Pay: £29,858.72-£50,999.89 per year
Application question(s):
- Do you have a degree/diploma in Physiotherapy?
- Are you on the current HCPC registration?
- Do you have ability to work within a hydrotherapy pool environment?
- Do you have Evidence of ongoing CPD?
- Do you have a Recognised Paediatric Hydrotherapy qualification/training?
Work Location: In person
