Lead Occupational Therapist

Overview

Job Title:

Lead Paediatric Occupational Therapist

for SEMH SchoolsLocation: Multi-Campus SEMH School Settings in South West LondonContract Type: Full-Time, PermanentReports to: Team Lead and Director of Services for Occupational TherapySalary: £38,000 – £46,800 (depending on experience)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week. Flexible working across 6 days (Monday–Saturday). Part-time or term-time contracts also considered.

Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate the Occupational Therapy (OT) service across all campuses within SEMH schools.

Provide leadership and support for a team of occupational therapists and OT assistants.

Develop and enforce OT policies, procedures, and service delivery models in line with LCP and whole-school strategies.

Ensure effective allocation of caseloads and staff resources in the school settings.

Attend leadership meetings and contribute to whole-school planning and development.

Coordinate induction for new staff to ensure streamlined services.

Collaborate with the wider therapy team, senior management, and other health professionals on site.

Communicate performance or management concerns to the director of services.

Deliver specialist OT assessments and interventions for pupils with SEMH and neurodiverse needs.

Develop, monitor, and review individualised therapy plans; provide clinical reports to support EHCPs and annual reviews.

Promote inclusive practice through class-based strategies and environmental modifications; lead therapeutic interventions.

Support transition planning and interventions for pupils moving between provisions.

Design and deliver staff training to embed OT strategies and neuro-affirming practices.

Mentor staff on embedding OT strategies into daily school life.

Maintain accurate, confidential records in line with GDPR and HCPC standards; adhere to safeguarding responsibilities and policy.

Ensure service quality through audits, feedback, and continuous improvement.

Person Specification

BSc or MSc in Occupational Therapy

HCPC Registration

Royal College of Occupational Therapy Registration

Minimum of 4 years post-qualification experience with complex children and young people

Experience in SEMH, education, or alternative provision settings

Leadership or service development experience

Excellent understanding of attachment, trauma, and neurodevelopment

Confident with report writing and multi-agency working

Desirable: Postgraduate training in trauma-informed care or related specialisms

Desirable: Knowledge of SEND processes including EHCPs and Annual Reviews

Desirable: Experience with Looked After Children or significant social care involvement

Understanding of positive behaviour strategies

What We Offer

CPD opportunities and funded specialist training

Clinical supervision and reflective practice sessions

Opportunities to innovate and lead within a growing SEMH provision

Staff wellbeing and flexible working options

DBS check: All successful applicants will be subject to a fully enhanced DBS

London Children’s Practice (LCP) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. For more information about LCP, please visit the company ..... full job details .....