Head of Therapy – Integrated Therapy & Wellbeing (Trust-wide)
About this role

We are seeking to appoint a Head of Therapy – Integrated Therapy & Wellbeing to lead the development of a new, integrated therapy offer across Oak Tree School and Maiden Erlegh Trust. This is a Trust-wide role spanning special, mainstream and alternative provision settings. The successful candidate will ensure that every learner can communicate, regulate and thrive through high-quality, inclusive and sustainable therapeutic provision.

.The role supports a safe, well-managed and responsive school environment through oversight of visitor and contractor processes, first aid provision, the Single Central Record, safer recruitment administration, data protection processes and local compliance activity.

As a Disability Confident employer, we want to ensure everyone can perform at their best when applying to work with us. If you need any support with your application or adjustments during the selection process, please contact our People Team by emailing hr@maidenerleghtrust.org or calling 0118 929 6020.

Key responsibilities
The postholder will design, implement and evaluate specialist speech, language and therapeutic programmes that remove barriers to learning and enable pupils to access the curriculum and participate fully in school life. They will lead and develop high-quality therapy provision, establish outcome measures, referral and triage systems, and ensure reporting and evaluation processes are aligned to EHCPs, clinical risk, school priorities and service impact. The role includes line management of a multidisciplinary therapy team, including Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Counsellors, Mental Health Support Workers, Therapy Assistants and trainees.

The ideal candidate
The ideal candidate will hold a recognised Speech and Language Therapy degree qualification or equivalent professional qualification in another relevant profession, such as Occupational Therapy. They will be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council, with a licence to practise, and hold membership or registration with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists or another relevant professional body. They will bring strong knowledge of therapeutic interventions, clinical governance, supervision systems, safe operating procedures and outcome-led service development. They will also have the ability to work effectively with pupils, families, colleagues, school leaders, NHS, local authority and other external partners.

About Oak Tree School

Oak Tree School is a calm, inclusive and aspirational learning environment where relationships come first and every young person is supported to thrive on their own terms. Our learners, aged 5–19, benefit from a personalised curriculum that blends academic learning with highly specialised therapeutic and developmental support. As a school created in September 2023 to meet the growing need for specialist places across the local community, we pride ourselves on offering a nurturing setting where pupils feel safe, valued and ready to flourish.

 About Maiden Erlegh Trust

Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5,000 students across nine schools, including primary, secondary, special, and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.

We Aim High, Be Inclusive, and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all, through collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities, and our annual MET Staff Conference—a day that unites our whole team in sharing best practice and learning.

Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise; it is about playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.

You can learn more about working with us and hear from colleagues across our Trust by clicking here to visit our website.

Benefits

Further information about working at Maiden Erlegh Trust can be found on our website here. Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work, and colleagues across our Trust benefit from a range of opportunities and schemes designed to recognise their contribution and support their growth.

Pension Scheme: Generous employer contributions, with auto-enrolment into either the Teachers Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme, both Career Average Earning Schemes.

Annual Leave: We offer a generous holiday entitlement, which increases with length of service.

ME Day: Colleagues may request one additional day’s leave each year to attend a special personal event, such as a child’s sports day or graduation, or a family celebration.

Professional Development: We offer a comprehensive programme of professional learning through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, including opportunities to both attend and deliver CPD. Colleagues also take part in our annual Conference, a full day of workshops, networking and learning for all staff.
Colleagues can also access a range of professional development opportunities using Apprenticeship Levy funding, and benefit from professional development networks.

Hybrid Working: For eligible roles, we support a flexible approach to working arrangements, balancing remote and office-based work where appropriate.

Perkbox: Colleagues have access to Perkbox, which offers a wide range of discounts and wellness resources and receive 25 Perk points each month which can be exchanged for goods and services.

Wellbeing and Health: Free flu vaccinations are offered to all staff, and free eye tests are provided to those who are eligible.

Employee Assistance Programme: Incorporating discount vouchers, access to 24/7 support and more.

Mental Health First Aid support.

Recognition and Community: We regularly celebrate staff achievements, milestones and contributions across our schools, reinforcing a strong sense of belonging within the #TeamMET community.

Employee Referral Scheme.

Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger by supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day.

Additional Information

If you believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution to the future of our Trust and its schools, please contact recruitment@maidenerleghtrust.org for an informal discussion.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early as we reserve the right to close the advert and interview at any time.

Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references