Join our supportive and talented Therapy team as an Occupational Therapist
Are you passionate about improving the lives of children and young people with additional needs? Coombe House School is looking for a qualified and experienced Occupational Therapist to lead and deliver high-quality therapy provision across our school. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a supportive, multi-disciplinary team and to further shape the impact of OT across a unique specialist educational setting.
As our school-based Occupational Therapist, you will:
* Lead and further develop the school’s Occupational Therapy service.
* Carry out assessments and deliver individualised interventions for pupils with SEMH and autism.
* Work closely with teachers, leaders, parents, carers, and other professionals to ensure effective support.
* Provide training, advice, and strategies to staff to embed therapeutic approaches into classroom practice.
* Contribute to pupils’ EHCP reviews, reports, and progress planning.
We would love to hear from you if you:
* Hold a recognised degree in Occupational Therapy.
* Are registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).
* Have post-qualification experience in a relevant clinical area (SEMH, ASD, neurodiversity).
* Have had experience of working with children with sensory processing difficulties (training will be given for the right candidate).
* Are confident in working collaboratively with staff teams, parents, and external professionals.
* Are enthusiastic, empathetic, and committed to making a difference.
Our school
Coombe House School is an independent special school that provides education for pupils aged 5 to 19 with SEMH and ASD and associated difficulties, which represents the largest group of children and young people supported by an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) in Dorset and nationally. All pupils on roll have an EHCP. The school uses a therapeutic approach to support pupils with their individual difficulties. Everything the school does is based on the formation and maintenance of positive relationships and viewing all behaviour as communication. The school is accessed via a private road and enjoys a secluded setting within its grounds. The accommodation extends to over 160,000 sq ft, set within in grounds of 55 acres.
Excellent salary range from £42,839 – 45,091 FTE per annum (Actual term time only + 2 weeks for this position is £39,609 – 41,691 annum). A ppointment within the salary range will be based on skills, experience, and how closely applicants meet the essential and desirable criteria. Candidates who meet all criteria may be considered for appointment at a higher range.
Working hours are full time (37 hours): 08.30 – 16.30 Monday to Thursday, 08.30 – 16.00 on a Friday. Flexibility around those hours can be discussed.
What Coombe House School can offer you:
* A workplace set in beautiful surroundings.
* Competitive salary.
* Pro-rated from 31 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, in line with the 41-week term-time contract (weeks added to and included in your salary).
* Enhanced NEST Pension Scheme (10% employers' contribution).
* Continuous professional development and training
* Use of leisure facilities (gym and swimming pool), at specified times.
* Death in Service (3 x salary).
* Health Care Plan after probation period - claim back costs towards dental check-ups, eye tests, prescription charges and therapies.
* Highly supportive leadership team and working alongside a multi-disciplinary team of other SEN Specialists.
* Access to a free, confidential employee assistance programme.
* Wellbeing support, including qualified Mental Health First Aiders on staff body.
How to Apply
Please review the and person specification for further information about the role. Please contact Claire Taylor, Assistant HR Manager on 01747 449858 for any queries, or email hr@coombehouse.org.uk
Deadline for applications: Monday 5 January 2026
Interviews ongoing
This post involves working with children or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them and will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
We are committed to safeguarding and expect everyone who works in our school (and visitors to our school) to share this commitment. We take all safeguarding and welfare concerns seriously and encourage our pupils to talk to us about any worries they may have. We will always act in the best interests of the child. The successful applicant must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS.