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Children's Occupational Therapist Assistant – Schools OT Outreach Service

We are expanding our Schools OT Sensory Outreach Service to support the delivery of the ‘Experts at hand’ SEND agenda across BCP Council and we would love you to join us!

BCP Council are seeking a committed and enthusiastic Occupational Therapy Assistant to join our established and dynamic team. This exciting opportunity involves working collaboratively with mainstream schools, families and multi-agency partners to improve outcomes for children and young people with sensory processing difficulties/differences.

The successful candidates will work alongside our OTs to deliver group interventions, develop and create resources and support our service delivery model which encompasses a universal, targeted and specialist service offer.

The role involves direct work with children who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) with the aim of supporting children & young people to develop their sense of belonging, improve participation and functional skills and remove barriers to learning. We aim to support inclusive education settings and help children to reach their potential.

This post has no supervision or management responsibilities and you will be working with the support and direction of the Schools Outreach OT’s.

Key Responsibilities

As a member of the OT Team, working under the supervision and general direction of a qualified Occupational Therapist, the primary duties will be to:

Deliver targeted sensory processing advice as directed by the Schools Outreach Team, Occupational Therapists.

Creating resources to support sensory processing programmes and strategies as advised by the OT’s such as visual timetables, busy bees training packages, sensory toolkits/sensory diets, alert level programme.

Demonstrating safe use of sensory equipment and resources to education staff and pupils as advised by the OT.

Lead and implement small group activities, such as busy bees for children identified by the OT’s as requiring targeted focused sensory interventions. This may include gross motor programmes, activities and the incorporation of sensory toolkit strategies into a learning task or situation.

You will support the OT’s in the delivery of sensory processing training sessions, this may include the organisation and set up of training sessions and the collation of outcomes and feedback alongside the creation of resources to accompany the training sessions.

Communicate effectively with the OT’s and ensure any record keeping is timely and stored correctly.

Comply with all decisions, policies and standing orders of the Schools and BCP Local Authority. Comply with any relevant statutory requirements, including Equal Opportunities legislation, the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Data Protection Act.

Have a commitment to Child Safeguarding, to promoting the welfare of children and young people in accordance with the school’s agreed procedures and BCP councils own internal policies and procedures.

Build and maintain successful relationships with pupils; treat them consistently, with respect and consideration, and be concerned with their development as learners. Develop positive working relationships and collaboration with our SEND and education colleagues.

Personal Qualities & Attributes

Creative and innovative, enthusiastic, good communication skills, problem solving skills, motivated, self-awareness.

Job Requirements

An interest and previous experience working within a School with Children who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities is essential.

A basic understanding and interest of Sensory Processing difficulties and a willingness to extend basic knowledge in this specialist area.

A good understanding of the role of a Schools based Occupational Therapist and a good understanding of functional skills and child development.

Ability to travel to mainstream education settings cross Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole as advised by the Outreach OT Team.

The post holder may be required to exert moderate physical effort, for example periods of crouching/bending to engage pupils in activities or demonstrate activities.

A good understanding of safeguarding procedures in each School and the reporting of any safeguarding incidents.

A full UK driving licence with access to a car which is insured for business use is essential for this role.

DBS check

This is a permanent term time only position, job share considered.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Ruth Morgan, Children’s Occupational Therapy Service Manager via email: Ruth.Morgan@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or Amy Moorse, Specialist OT (Sensory OT outreach team) amy.moorse2@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

The interview will take place on 4 August 2026. This role may close early if exceptional demand.

Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.

At BCP Council, inclusion is more than a promise – it’s how we work.

We’re committed to providing a fully inclusive recruitment process ensuring every candidate and colleague has the support and reasonable adjustments they need to thrive.

From the moment you apply, through the recruitment process and throughout your career with us, we’ll be here to listen and provide the help and support you need.

It’s why we’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer – and why you can trust that we’ll always do our best to make your experience positive and accessible.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply or contact us directly – we’re here to help. For further information on the accessibility support we can offer please see here: Preparing for your interview | Working for BCP

About BCP Council

BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, world-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.

Our Benefits

A Place to Thrive – Join BCP Council

At BCP Council, we’re not just building a workforce— we’re transforming how we recognise and reward our people.

Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package at Employee benefits | Working for BCP

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DBS

BCP Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the community and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Applicants to this post will be required to complete the appropriate level of Disclosure & Barring Service Check. Please refer to the Role Profile for more details.

Salary range

£32,061 per year