Occupational Therapist (OT) - Full Time

The Holmewood School is a small independent day school for neurodivergent children and young people aged from seven to 19 who have a primary diagnosis of Autism. In May of 2022 the school was judged Outstanding by Ofsted and we have achieved Advanced Autism Accreditation from the National Autistic Society (NAS). 

We are located across three sites in North London (Woodside Park, Muswell Hill and a new site in Finchley Central). The successful candidate would primarily be based at one of these sites but would be required to work at all sites as required to best support the needs of our students. 

We are recruiting an Occupational Therapist, to join our multidisciplinary team (MDT) on a full time basis. We see the requirements of the role as being similar to that seen in the NHS at a band 5 to 7 level and the successful candidate will join an established MDT of OTs, Speech and Language Therapists and Psychotherapists. A more experienced therapist may take the role of Team Lead and work closely with the MDT Team Lead to develop the OT service and provide supervision as required. 

Start date: September 2024 or before if mutually suitable.

The post holder will conduct assessments, and provide and oversee tailored interventions to our students who are aged seven to 19. 

The successful candidate will only be required to work 40 weeks per year guided by the academic year.

The post holder will also work closely with education colleagues and the SLT to provide appropriate OT input and training, as well as contribute to our holistic approach to mental and physical wellbeing within the school. 

The successful candidate will work with our neurodivergent young people who present with sensory, mental health and special educational needs associated with their diagnosis of autism. Many of our students have additional diagnoses of ADHD, dyslexia and DCD. A flexible approach, a sense of humour, reliability, punctuality, stamina, resilience and the ability to work under pressure are essential. 

We can offer you the benefits of working to a school calendar with a 40 week year and an excellent professional development package. We are part of the Cavendish Education Group, a unique group of educational independent day and boarding schools. We work closely with the other schools in our group, have extensive community links and believe in ‘thinking differently’ and being as creative as possible in our approach. 

As a school, we are committed to supporting every staff member’s personal and professional development. We can offer specialist training and support as required, tailored towards the candidate’s interests.

Essential criteria: 

• HCPC Registration
• Degree in OT
• Evidence of CPD in relevant areas of practice 

Please contact Louise Wallis-Jones (Multidisciplinary Therapy Team Lead), on 020 3908 8991 if you have any questions or would like to discuss the role. 

Applicants must be able to provide evidence of having the right to live and work in the UK. 

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check prior to employment. All candidates are also required to declare any cautions or convictions at the point of application. 

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage diversity in our staffing in order for children and young people to see themselves represented in society.