Are you passionate about supporting children and young people with complex needs to achieve their very best?
Do you have a genuine interest in sensory development, physical progression and therapeutic approaches that help pupils engage, communicate and flourish?
Fox Wood Special School is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, compassionate and motivated Sensory (OT) Teaching Assistant to join our dedicated team on a maternity cover basis.
This exciting role offers the opportunity to work across our school, supporting pupils with complex learning difficulties, autism, physical disabilities and sensory processing differences. Working closely with our Senior Assistant Headteacher - Inclusion,
Behaviour & Attendance, Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), therapists and class teams, you will play a key role in helping pupils access learning and achieve their individual outcomes.
As a Sensory (OT) Teaching Assistant, you will:
Support pupils to achieve and maintain a calm-alert state, enabling them to engage more effectively in learning and daily school life.
Deliver sensory activities and interventions that promote engagement, wellbeing and participation.
Support the implementation of occupational therapy programmes and therapeutic strategies.
Assist with the delivery of the MOVE (Movement Opportunities Via Education) programme.
Support pupils during sensory swimming sessions.
Assist in the delivery of Rebound Therapy activities.
Contribute to Fun with Food sessions, helping pupils explore and develop positive experiences with food.
Work collaboratively with therapists, the OTA, teaching staff and families to achieve the very best outcomes for pupils.
Help create stimulating sensory environments and meaningful opportunities for physical, sensory and emotional development.
We Are Looking for Someone Who:
Is passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
Has experience of working with children or young people with additional needs.
Understands the importance of sensory regulation, wellbeing and inclusion.
Can build positive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
Is a team player who can work effectively alongside education and therapy professionals.
Is proactive, caring, patient and flexible.
Has excellent communication and observation skills.
Is committed to learning new approaches and developing specialist skills.
We Can Offer:
The opportunity to work in a vibrant, nurturing and highly supportive special school.
A rewarding role where every day makes a difference to pupils' lives.
Access to specialist training, including therapeutic and sensory approaches.
Opportunities to work alongside experienced therapists and SEND professionals.
A friendly, collaborative and dedicated staff team.
An inclusive school culture where wellbeing, development and achievement are at the heart of everything we do.
At Fox Wood, we are committed to providing the very best opportunities for our pupils. If you share our passion for inclusion and want to help children and young people achieve their potential, we would love to hear from you.
Safeguarding Statement
Fox Wood Special School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and
satisfactory references.
Closing Date: Tuesday 1st September 2026 at 12 noon
Interview dates: W/C 7 September 2026
Further details how to apply and application forms are available from the School Website
