Join our Therapy team and make a lasting difference
Are you a passionate Occupational Therapist looking for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with SEND?
Coombe House School is seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Occupational Therapist to lead and deliver a high-quality occupational therapy service within our specialist school. This is an exciting opportunity to work as part of a supportive multidisciplinary team, helping pupils with autism, SEMH and associated needs develop the skills, independence and confidence they need to thrive.
Working within our values of Kindness, Belonging and Ambition, you will play a key role in ensuring that occupational therapy is embedded into everyday school life, supporting pupils to access learning, develop positive relationships and achieve their individual potential.
As our school-based Occupational Therapist, you will:
Lead and further develop occupational therapy provision across the school.
Assess pupils' strengths, needs and barriers to participation, developing evidence-based interventions and support plans.
Support pupils to overcome barriers to learning, participation and independence.
Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, pastoral colleagues, families and external professionals to deliver consistent support.
Provide consultation, training and practical strategies to staff to embed therapeutic approaches within classrooms and across the wider school environment.
Contribute to EHCP outcomes, annual reviews and multidisciplinary planning.
Advise on sensory-friendly practice, accessibility and inclusive approaches across the school
We would love to hear from you if you:
ü Hold a recognised degree in Occupational Therapy.
ü Are registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).
ü Have experience working with children and young people with autism, SEMH, sensory needs and neurodiversity.
ü Are passionate about inclusive practice and enabling young people to achieve positive outcomes.
ü Enjoy building strong relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
ü Are a reflective practitioner who values collaboration, creativity and continuous professional development.
Our school
Coombe House School is an independent special school that provides education for pupils aged 5 to 19 with SEMH and ASD and associated difficulties, which represents the largest group of children and young people supported by an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) in Dorset and nationally. The school uses a therapeutic approach to support pupils with their individual difficulties. Everything the school does is based on the formation and maintenance of positive relationships and viewing all behaviour as communication.
Set within over 55 acres of beautiful grounds, our unique environment provides an exceptional setting for pupils and staff alike.
Salary: £48,738 to £50,908 FTE per annum
Actual Salary: £45,053 to £47,059 per annum (term time plus 10 days)
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday, term time plus 10 days. Flexibility around working hours may be discussed
What Coombe House School can offer you:
Pro-rated from 31 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, in line with the 41-week term-time contract (weeks added to and included in your salary).
Enhanced Pension Scheme (10% employers' contribution).
Continuous professional development and training
Use of leisure facilities (gym and swimming pool), at specified times.
Death in Service (3 x salary).
Health Care Plan after probation period - claim back costs towards dental check-ups, eye tests, prescription charges and therapies.
Highly supportive leadership team and working alongside a multi-disciplinary team of other SEN Specialists.
Access to a free, confidential employee assistance programme.
Wellbeing support, including qualified Mental Health First Aiders on staff body.
A beautiful workplace set within extensive grounds.
How to Apply
Please review the job description and person specification for further information about the role. Please contact Claire Taylor, Assistant HR Manager on 01747 449858 for any queries, or email [email protected]
Deadline for applications: Monday 7 September 2026
Interviews will be held on Monday 14 and Tuesday 15 September 2026
This post involves working with children or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them and will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
We are committed to safeguarding and expect everyone who works in our school (and visitors to our school) to share this commitment. We take all safeguarding and welfare concerns seriously and encourage our pupils to talk to us about any worries they may have. We will always act in the best interests of the child. The successful applicant must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS.
