Work where it matters most, achieve what matters more. 

Be part of a team where passion meets purpose, as we work together where the challenge is greatest to change the lives and build the futures of children and young people.

At Ormiston Queensmill Academy we are seeking a passionate and proactive Occupational Therapist to join our dedicated multidisciplinary team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated professional with a genuine interest in autism to support our pupils' sensory, motor and functional development, empowering them to access meaningful learning both within school and the wider community.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of children and young people with autism, under the supervision of the Lead OT and Therapies Manager.
• Deliver evidence-based Occupational Therapy assessments, programmes, and interventions across school, home, and community settings.
• Collaborate with teaching and therapeutic colleagues to co-produce tailored sensory diets, motor skill development plans, and life-skills support.
• Contribute to EHCPs through clear clinical reporting, outcomes setting, and professional advice.
• Provide training and support for school staff and families to promote consistency and extend therapeutic gains across settings.

Who We’re Looking For

The successful candidate will be:

• Empathetic and enthusiastic, with a strong desire to improve the lives of autistic children and young people.
• A creative problem-solver, confident in adapting your practice to meet diverse individual needs.
• An excellent communicator who builds positive relationships with pupils, families, and professionals.
• Flexible and resilient, able to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.

Essential Requirements

• Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy.
• HCPC registration.
• Experience working with children and/or young people with autism, learning disabilities or additional needs in education, health or social care.
• Strong understanding of sensory processing, motor development, and functional skills interventions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience contributing to EHCPs or multidisciplinary reviews.

Ormiston Queensmill Academy is a well-established autism specific school. Although our primary mission is to educate a large and mixed cohort of autistic children and young people in order to offer them the best outcome possible, Ormiston Queensmill is more than a school. At Queensmill, although we acknowledge the complex needs which are associated with autism, we celebrate our pupils’ differences and uniqueness and we put our children and young people at the centre of our practice. We believe that when autistic children and young people are supported to develop skills in social communication and in sensory/ emotional regulation, they will flourish in other aspects of their life and education.

Ormiston Queensmill Academy is a fun place to work, where happiness and wellbeing is an absolute priority for both our young people and staff team. We are looking to appoint staff that are interested in Autism and passionate about supporting autistic pupils to access education both within the school and in the local community. We are looking for individuals who are flexible, empathetic, creative, resilient and eager to learn. We offer a supportive, friendly and dynamic culture within the organisation.

Why work for Ormiston Academies Trust?  

Our vision is to create a school system where every child thrives, regardless of background. Our people are at the heart of our approach – they are our greatest asset.  

We exist to provide the best learning opportunities every day, in every school for every child. It is the people and teams in our Trust who make this a reality and ensure we have the greatest impact. If you join us at Ormiston, whatever your role, you can be sure of a role with purpose and meaning. 

Ormiston, where every member of staff enjoys… 

• The opportunity to build on the legacy of those who came before – being part of one of the longest standing Trusts, created with the sole purpose of enabling children and young people to thrive 
• Working for a Trust nationally recognised for its impact on disadvantaged children – a rewarding, stimulating career where staff are challenged to be the best they can be, for the pupils we are proud to serve 
• Being part of a team and community where you belong – receiving bespoke and holistic support from a well-resourced and ambitious network of experts and professionals that work at the heart of communities
• A supportive environment to grow your career – an extensive professional development programme, alongside flexible working arrangements and generous benefits 

Please see the job description attached for further information and if you would like to arrange an informal conversation about the role please contact Caroline Bulmer (Therapies Manager) via email to Caroline.Bulmer@okqma.co.uk

To apply for the role please submit an application form via the link above by 9am on Monday 8th December and please note that CVs will not be accepted.

Early applications are welcomed, as we reserve the right to interview and close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found. 

Ormiston Queensmill Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Ormiston Academies Trust embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Flexible working opportunities will be considered. 

All successful appointments will be subject to suitability checks in accordance with KCSIE, including identity, Right to Work, qualifications, online searches, prohibition check, two references and enhanced DBS check including Children's Barred List. 

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, which provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related expectations, can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/governement/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of-offenders-act-1974

All of our academy policies can be found here: policies