Overview
and Responsibilities
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Location: Aurora White House School, Quidenham, Norwich, NR 2NZ
Salary: £. - £. per hour (£,. - £,. actual salary per year) Dependant on experience and qualifications
Hours: hours per week, Term time only
Aurora White House School
We’re currently looking for an Occupational Therapy Assistant to join our school. You will provide direct support to the Occupational Therapy team in delivering comprehensive occupational therapy services that promote students' occupational, functional, and sensory development within the school setting. This role focuses on implementing targeted therapy programs and interventions for identified students in specific primary classes (Key Stage 1). The Occupational Therapy Assistant will collaborate closely with class team(s) and multidisciplinary therapists to foster an inclusive, enabling environment that supports students' active participation in both social and academic activities.
Part of the Aurora Group, Aurora White House School in Quidenham, Norwich provides day placements for students aged 5 to years primarily with communication and interaction difficulties or specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia. Some may be on the autistic spectrum or have anxieties and difficulties that create barriers to learning.
With small classes, typically 7 children and a minimum of 3 staff per class you can focus on the needs of each student. There is a full clinical team onsite to support at all times and you will have the support of an experienced and stable SLT.
To take a virtual look around the schools please click here:
Key Duties
1. You will form part of the class teams playing an active role in the day to day activities whilst supporting with occupational therapy targets and work.
2. Collaborate and assist the Occupational Therapist and class teams to develop and maintain sensory-friendly, enabling environment
3. Support the Occupational Therapists in conducting comprehensive student assessments
4. Deliver targeted interventions and therapeutic programs to classes and individual students under the guidance of the Occupational Therapy Team and broader clinical and SEN teams
5. Partner with classroom teams to address students' sensory, motor, and occupational needs, facilitating the development of daily living skills and promoting engagement in social and academic activities
6. Maintain effective communication with multidisciplinary colleagues and ensure accurate documentation and record-keeping
7. Research, recommend, source, and create equipment and materials that enhance the delivery of occupational therapy services
8. Assist senior clinical team members in developing training materials and delivering staff training in relevant therapeutic areas as needed
9. Complete administrative tasks as assigned by senior clinical team members and clinical lead
Please note that duties will vary and you will be expected to contribute to the overall aims of White House school when required. Please see the link below for our full job description:
Skills and Qualifications
Qualifications
10. GCSE Maths and English Language qualification minimum Grade 4 or equivalent is essential.
Essential
11. Previous experience supporting or working with children and young people with Special Educational Needs
12. Demonstrated interest in developing young people's functional capabilities, including daily living skills and sensory needs support
13. Proven commitment to and experience working with children and young people with a range of Special Educational Needs
14. Strong communication skills with confidence in guiding and motivating staff members
15. Flexibility and the ability to work adaptively within a dynamic team environment
16. Fluent in written and spoken English, with capability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences including students, parents, and professionals
17. Excellent interpersonal abilities and aptitude for building positive working relationships
18. Strong time-management and organizational capabilities with ability to prioritize and manage individual workload effectively
19. Proficiency in maintaining legible and accurate documentation
20. Resilience and adaptability when working in unpredictable environments
21. Competent IT skills for administrative tasks, presentations, and record-keeping systems
22. Creative and positive approach to addressing individual student needs
23. Patient, caring, encouraging, and tactful demeanour
24. Fundamental understanding of Occupational Therapy's role and purpose within special educational needs environments
25. Excellent observational and active listening abilities
Desirable
26. Previous study or formal training in related field
27. Experience in managing others and organising resource materials
28. Innovative problem-solving and practical implementation skills
29. Knowledge and experience supporting children with sensory processing differences
30. Experience implementing motor development programs to enhance fine and gross motor skills
31. Experience working with young people with autism spectrum conditions, social-emotional challenges, and learning difficulties
32. Experience delivering clinical interventions for individuals with functional and/or sensory impairments
33. Knowledge of evidence-based sensory support strategies and techniques
Due to the rural location of the school, candidates are strongly advised to hold a full UK driving licence and have access to their own vehicle.
Benefits and Additional Information
Be part of our successful team and also benefit from a generous package that includes:
34. Life assurance
35. Enhanced pension scheme
36. Free lunch when working
37. Perkbox - offering high street discounts
38. Employee assistance programme
39. Car lease scheme and Bike to work scheme
40. Fully funded training and qualifications
41. Free membership to our Health cash back plan - Claim back money on services such as dental, optical, physio and many more.
42. Family Swim
How to Apply:
Please complete an online application form in full, remembering to include all employment and education details. If you need any assistance or would like any more information, please contact Liz in the Aurora Group Recruitment Team at