Service Lead Occupational Therapist

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.

Are you an experienced Occupational Therapist ready to lead and develop specialist services within an outstanding autism-specific school community?

Ormiston Queensmill Academy are seeking a highly specialist Service Lead Occupational Therapist to join our dedicated, multi-professional team at the Ormiston Queensmill Academy Satellite Provision based at Fulham Cross Academy, Kingwood Road, London SW6 6SN. This is a rare opportunity to take a lead role in shaping and delivering an outstanding Occupational Therapy service for autistic children with complex needs.

The Role

As Service Lead Occupational Therapist, you will:

• Lead and coordinate a highly specialist Occupational Therapy service for students at our Fulham Cross Satellite Provision.
• Provide advanced assessment and intervention, addressing sensory processing, motor skills, daily living skills, and access to learning.
• Develop, review, and implement Occupational Therapy policies, procedures, and risk assessments.
• Collaborate closely with teachers, parents, carers, and multi-agency professionals to deliver individualised support.
• Provide specialist training to staff, parents, and professionals, promoting neurodiversity-affirming approaches.
• Act as a key member of the wider therapy leadership team, contributing to service planning and development.
• Supervise and support Occupational Therapy assistants and junior Occupational Therapists as required.
• Ensure effective safeguarding, health and safety, and child protection practices are embedded within the therapy service.

About You

We are looking for an enthusiastic, forward-thinking therapist with:

• Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy and HCPC registration.
• Postgraduate training in autism-specific approaches, including sensory-based interventions.
• Minimum of 4 years experience as a specialist Occupational Therapist, including experience within paediatrics and with autistic children and young people.
• Strong clinical reasoning, assessment, and intervention planning skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Proven ability to deliver training to staff, parents, and professionals.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and evidence-based practice.

About Ormiston Queensmill Academy

Ormiston Queensmill Academy is a specialist school for children and young people diagnosed with autism, with a particular focus on supporting those with complex needs. Our school is more than a place of learning—we are a thriving, inclusive community that celebrates neurodiversity and places the wellbeing, communication, and emotional regulation of our pupils at the heart of everything we do.

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

If you are passionate about making a real difference to the lives of autistic children and want to play a key leadership role in an exceptional school community, we would love to hear from you.

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 15th September and please note that CVs will not be accepted.

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