Specialist Occupational Therapist

Salary: P02 (SP 29-32)/£31,296-£33,693

Contract Type: Permanent, Full Time, term time only, 34 hours/45.8 weeks 

Location: E17 4AZ, Walthamstow, London Borough of Waltham Forest

Site: Whitefield School

Core purpose

• To work as a member of the Whitefield Occupational Therapy Service, providing Occupational Therapy assessment and intervention, to children attending special schools in Whitefield Academy Trust.
• To be responsible for assessment and intervention of services for children with a broad range of needs from physical and developmental disabilities, motor coordination and sensory processing disorders. To provide advice and training to school staff and the child’s family, using a variety of therapy approaches. To assess for and recommend special equipment where appropriate.
• To provide supervision for Occupational Therapy students or Occupational Therapy Assistants, where necessary. To liaise with other Health Care Professionals, Teachers and Learning Support assistants in the provision of therapy programmes. To actively contribute to effective team working and communication within the wider multi-disciplinary teams.

About Whitefield

Whitefield School and Centre is the largest special school in Europe and has an international reputation for its expertise and resources within the special school sector. The pupils on roll have a wide range of Special Educational Needs. In order to successfully address the children’s learning needs Whitefield Schools and Centre operates as three Specialist Schools - Sensory Impairment and Learning Difficulties (SILD), Communication and Interaction Primary (CIP) and Communication and Interaction Secondary (CIS).

About Whitefield School

Whitefield Schools and Centre is the largest special school in Europe and has an international reputation for its expertise and resources within the special school sector. The pupils on roll have a wide range of Special Educational Needs. In order to successfully address the children’s learning needs Whitefield Schools and Centre operates as three Specialist Schools - Sensory Impairment and Learning Difficulties (SILD), Communication and Interaction Primary (CIP) and Communication and Interaction Secondary (CIS).

About Whitefield Academy Trust

With an ethos based on enjoyment, achievement and wellbeing for all, Whitefield Academy Trust seeks to open up the world for children and young people with SEND. Located in Waltham Forest, the Trust comprises Joseph Clarke School (for children with vision impairment and /or additional needs), Whitefield School (for pupils with complex needs including autism, learning difficulties and sensory and physical impairments), Professional Development Services and the highly successful Project SEARCH East London.

We are expert in serving children and young people with SEND and giving them the tools, skills and confidence to move on to the next stages of their education and lives.

Why join Whitefield Academy Trust?

Just as we seek to give our pupils a fantastic school experience, we want every member of our team to find being part of Whitefield Academy Trust a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. Whatever their role, we are committed to supporting each team member and giving them every opportunity to progress their careers across our schools and services.

It's not always an easy job, but it offers huge job satisfaction. You'll be part of a supportive team and we'll teach you how. The Trust is noted for its staff training and professional development. There are opportunities to progress in your career through our internal progression scheme.

We offer:

• A wide-ranging and high-quality CPD programme which can be tailored around each team member’s unique skills and career aspirations;
• A welcoming and inspiring working environment in which colleagues look out for and support one another;
• Opportunities to share best practice and ideas with colleagues across the Trust;
• Wellbeing support mechanisms including practical and emotional support;
• A competitive local government or teachers’ pension scheme, with defined benefits;
• Recognition of continuous service with Local Authorities and other academy trusts for various employment entitlements;
• Refer a friend to work scheme and earn £300;
• Interest free loans for bicycle purchase;
• Mentoring scheme.

But, above all, working at Whitefield Academy Trust is a highly rewarding and satisfying experience. Thanks to the commitment, energy and determination of our staff, all of our children and young people make fantastic progress during their time with us. Watching their progress and working alongside families is immensely satisfying and, as a Trust, we take every opportunity to recognise and celebrate the important role our staff play in transforming the lives of our children and young people.

Whitefield Academy Trust is working towards improving the diversity of the governance and leadership of the Trust, and the experience for our staff from diverse backgrounds. We are keen to hear from all candidates with the appropriate experience who feel they can make a real contribution to our Trust. If you can bring a fresh perspective to the challenges we face whether through your background as someone from an ethnic minority or you live with a disability (visible or not), are open about your faith, religion or belief or about being LGBTQ+, your application will receive a warm welcome. As will applications from all suitable candidates.

How to apply

Your application is a direct permanent application to Whitefield Academy Trust.

To apply, you are required to complete our school application form. Please request an application form from Ellie Field at whitefieldacademytrust@hays.com or call Ellie on 0207 259 8770 for more information.

• Closing date: Monday, 5th June at 12 noon
• Interview date: Thursday, 15th June 2023

We warmly encourage visits from prospective candidates to experience our school first hand. Visits are by appointment only, to book please contact Ellie Field for a confidential discussion.

Whitefield Academy Trust is uncompromising in its commitment to safeguarding children and young people.

The Trust is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit, ensuring best practice in our recruitment process is essential to our commitment.

Whitefield Academy Trust https://www.whitefieldacademytrust.org.uk/