Job Title: Occupational Therapist Assistant
Location: Venturers’ Academy, Bristol
E-ACT Venturers’ Academy | Where everything’s possible
We are proud to lead a school where every child is known, valued, and supported to thrive. Venturers Academy is a specialist academy for students with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), dedicated to providing an exceptional, nurturing environment where every learner can flourish.
Our approach is built on high aspirations, personalised support, and an unwavering belief in our students’ potential. We celebrate individuality, build confidence, and empower young people to achieve meaningful success, academically, socially, and emotionally.
Venturers Academy is based across three sites: our Secondary site at Hareclive Road, and two Primary sites at Withywood Road and St Anne’s Park. Each site is a place of opportunity, collaboration, and growth.
Whether you are an experienced educator or just beginning your journey in education, we offer a supportive, inclusive environment where your talents will be nurtured, your professional development encouraged, and your contributions truly valued.
At Venturers Academy, we do more than educate, we inspire, support, and enable every child, and every colleague, to reach their full potential.
Venturers’ Academy is seeking a committed and enthusiastic Occupational Therapy Assistant to support the delivery of high-quality, pupil-centred interventions across our 3 sites. Working alongside our Occupational Therapist and wider multi-disciplinary team, you will play a key role in helping pupils with complex needs develop independence, access learning, and achieve their full potential within a nurturing and specialist environment. This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about supporting young people and making a real difference every day.
Key responsibilities:
- Support the Occupational Therapist in delivering planned therapy programmes for pupils with complex needs.
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Work directly with pupils on a 1:1 basis or in small groups to develop functional, sensory, and independence skills.
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Assist in implementing therapeutic strategies within the classroom and wider school environment.
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Help prepare and organise resources, equipment, and therapy materials.
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Monitor and record pupil responses and progress, providing feedback to the Occupational Therapist.
Pay range:
- NJC 19 - 23 - £28,198.41 - £30,285.52
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FTE - £28,198.41 - £34,434.00
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37 hours per week, 39 weeks per year
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Permanent
Qualifications and Skills:
- GCSEs (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics, at Grade C/4 or above.
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Relevant Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Health & Social Care, Childcare, or a related field (desirable).
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A genuine interest in supporting children and young people with additional and complex needs.
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Ability to follow therapy programmes and guidance provided by a qualified Occupational Therapist.
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Good communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with pupils, staff, and families.
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Patient, empathetic, and supportive approach to working with pupils.
What are we about?
Join a trust that is going places!
At E-ACT, we believe every child deserves opportunity. Our ‘Opening Minds, Opening Doors’ strategy breaks down barriers and builds pathways to success; driven by purposeful leadership, collaboration, and innovation. We champion diversity, encourage a people-first culture, and ensure every voice is heard.
We are proud to lead system-wide change both locally and national - providing sector-wide support while transforming futures. Our achievements are recognised through winning MAT of the Year 2023 at the MAT Excellence Awards and National School Awards, and also the TES Trust Leadership Award 2024. E-ACT is recognised for shaping bold educational outcomes. Most recently, two of our Birmingham academies were selected by the Department for Education as RISE Regional Hubs, in recognition of their outstanding work on inclusion and behaviour, a testament to the impact of our people-first culture and relentless drive for excellence.
With 37 academies and over 25,000 pupils, our dedicated staff make excellence possible. We prioritise wellbeing, tackle workload, and continuously raise the bar. We don’t just educate, we inspire ambition and empower every child to thrive.
Want to be a part of something extraordinary? Find out more at www.e-act.org.uk
Benefits:
Financial and Lifestyle
We offer a strong financial package including access to defined benefit pension schemes (LGPS or TPS), life cover at three times pensionable pay, and 31 days of annual leave for year-round employees. Staff can also benefit from the Cycle to Work scheme, promoting healthy and sustainable commuting.
Professional Growth and Development
We invest heavily in staff development through tailored INSET days and high-quality CPD opportunities. Teaching staff benefit from automatic TLR progression, a structured 9-point pay scale (M1 to UPS3), and full TLR payments for part-time colleagues fulfilling full responsibilities.
Culture and Wellbeing
Our people-first culture values every colleague. We support wellbeing through the Wisdom app and a free Employee Assistance Programme offering counselling and financial advice. Collaboration is at the heart of our Trust, encouraging shared learning and collective success.
Please look at our 'Work for Us' page and Recruitment Pack for more information.
How to apply:
Please read the supporting documentation carefully before completing your application.
E-ACT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references.
E-ACT is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
