Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapist – SEN School (Locum)
Buckinghamshire
£30 – £40 per hour (DOE)
Locum / Long-Term Placement
Full-time or part-time considered
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Occupational Therapist to join a specialist independent SEN school in Buckinghamshire on a long-term locum basis.
The school caters for children and young people aged 5 to 16 years with a range of neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), sensory processing difficulties, and learning disabilities.
The successful candidate will be a Sensory Integration-trained OT with strong paediatric experience, able to deliver specialist assessment and intervention within a school-based, multidisciplinary environment.
Provide specialist OT assessments and interventions for pupils with sensory, physical, and functional needs.
Use Sensory Integration (SI) frameworks to assess and support sensory processing and regulation challenges.
Develop and deliver individualised therapy programmes to support pupils’ participation, independence, and engagement in learning.
Work collaboratively with teachers, speech and language therapists, and support staff to embed therapeutic strategies into the classroom environment.
Offer training and guidance to school staff and parents on sensory and functional support strategies.
Monitor, evaluate, and document progress in line with clinical and educational goals.
Contribute to EHCP reviews, multi-agency meetings, and ongoing therapy planning.
Maintain professional standards, safeguarding responsibilities, and adherence to HCPC and RCOT guidelines.
HCPC registration as an Occupational Therapist.
Recognised Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy.
Sensory Integration-trained (SIPT or equivalent).
Strong experience working with children and young people with autism, learning disabilities, and sensory needs.
Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Ability to work autonomously within a school or paediatric setting.
Experience working within an educational or SEN school environment.
Postgraduate training in ASD, handwriting, fine/gross motor skills, or emotional regulation.
Experience supporting EHCP processes and report writing for educational reviews.
Competitive hourly rate: £30 – £40 per hour (DOE)
Supportive, collaborative school environment
Long-term, stable placement
Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on pupils’ learning and development
The school provides a therapeutic, child-centred learning environment for pupils with complex needs, focusing on developing communication, independence, and sensory regulation. The multidisciplinary team works closely to support each child’s individual journey — making this an ideal role for an OT who is passionate about helping young people reach their full potential.
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