Salary: £26,755.36 - £30,522.84 (FTE £32,064 to 36,579)
Location: Orchard Hill College, Parkview Centre, Park Rd, Uxbridge UB8 1NP
Working Pattern: 36hrs 8:45 to 4:30 Mon to Thu, 8:45 to 4:15 Fri, Term Time Plus 2
Orchard Hill College is an Outstanding Specialist College (Ofsted, April 2025) offering life‑changing learning opportunities to young people and adults with a range of special education needs and/or disabilities. We operate vibrant community‑based College Centres across London and Surrey, where committed specialist teams deliver a variety of programmes designed to meet the diverse needs of our students.
Students who study with us have a wide range of needs including profound and multiple learning disabilities, communication and behavioural difficulties and specific medical needs. All students are individual, and their learning programme is designed to support and empower them to achieve their aspirations and goals, whilst developing skills to become more independent members of their community.
We are currently seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic therapy assistant to join our integrated services team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an individual passionate about education and making a real difference in the lives of our students. Therapy Assistants play a vital role in supporting students with additional needs to access learning and develop independence within a college environment. Working closely with therapists and teaching staff, they help translate therapy recommendations into practical strategies used within the classroom.
By embedding therapeutic approaches into everyday learning activities, Therapy Assistants ensure that students receive consistent, targeted support that meets their individual needs. Their role helps bridge the gap between therapy and education, ensuring that therapeutic guidelines are implemented effectively while enabling students to engage fully with the curriculum and build essential life skills.
Key Responsibilities
* Carry out learners’ individual programmes independently after approval from the appropriate therapist.
* Attend training and support/train other staff in manual handling, exercise programmes and hydrotherapy.
* Assist therapists with assessments and ordering of equipment as required.
* Support Speech and Language therapists with creating and updating AAC (Alternative Augmentative Communication) devices, including maintenance of high‑tech devices (i.e. computers, iPads). Attend specialist training as necessary.
* Assist with the running of group sessions.
* Assist with equipment ordering and auditing.
Key Requirements
* Evidence of ability to communicate with both peers and students.
* Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
* Skilled at Microsoft programmes and IT literate.
* GCSE Maths and English.
* Experience working in special needs educational or learning disability community settings.
Rewards & Benefits
* Pathways for progression within the trust, ensuring you can grow and thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.
* Pension Scheme – enrolled in either the LGPS or the TPS, both offering life cover and financial protection for your family.
* Salary Sacrifice Schemes (Cycle Scheme, Employee Car Lease Scheme, Home Electronics Scheme).
* Employee Wellbeing – counselling, mental health support, generous leave, flexible working, enhanced parental leave, Employee Assistance Programme, MyGym Discounts, Corporate Eyecare Scheme.
* Employee Discounts (Blue Light Card, Costco Membership, discounts for teachers, and more).
* Other (Season Ticket Loan, Employee Referral Scheme).
Our Trust
The College is an Academy sponsor and established Orchard Hill College Academy Trust in 2013 which is home to 13 special schools. Together, Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust provide for over 1500 pupils and students with SEN across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire. We employ over 1500 people across our schools, college and central support team, offering a wide range of roles with significant career progression opportunities.
Additional Information
Application form will be scored against each of the requirements laid out in the person specification. Please demonstrate how your experience, skills and knowledge match the criteria required for the role. CV applications cannot be considered. Candidates who have applied for this position in the past 6 months will not be considered.
To apply for this role, please click ‘Fast Apply’. You will then be directed to a ‘Login’ page; once signed in, please complete and submit the Application Form.
Closing Date: 17th April 2026
Interviews will take place on: 27th April 2026
To help us manage applications effectively, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient suitable applications are received.
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