Job Description

Paediatric Occupational Therapist (School-Based)

  • Job Title: Paediatric Occupational Therapist (OT) / School Inclusion Specialist

  • Location: Blackpool and central Lancashire districts (Preston/Leyland area)

  • Salary Bracket: £38,682 - £46,580 per annum (FTE, aligned to NHS Band 6 scales / Dependent on experience)

  • Employment Type: Full-time or Part-time (Term-time only contracts available)

  • Start Date: September 2026

Are you a qualified Occupational Therapist who wants to pivot your clinical skills into an educational environment? Do you have a passion for helping children overcome physical, sensory, or cognitive barriers so they can fully participate in school life?

We are seeking a dedicated, HCPC-registered Occupational Therapist (OT) to join our multidisciplinary education support teams across Blackpool and Lancashire for the start of the new academic year in September 2026.

The Role & Your Impact

As a school-based OT, your primary mission is to help children manage everyday classroom and social tasks, unlocking their independence and boosting their confidence.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Skill Development: Design and deliver tailored interventions to develop fine and gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and handwriting capabilities.

  • Sensory Regulation: Support pupils with sensory processing differences, implementing sensory diets and advising schools on how to create low-stimulus, inclusive environments.

  • Everyday Task Management: Help children master independent daily living skills within the school setting, such as using classroom tools, navigating corridors, and self-care during lunchtimes.

  • Collaborative Strategy: Work alongside SENDCOs, Class Teachers, and parents to embed specialised equipment, seating adaptations, and therapeutic strategies directly into the pupil's daily routine.

Candidate Requirements (Google Job Criteria)

  • Education: A recognised degree or postgraduate diploma in Occupational Therapy.

  • Professional Registration: Mandatory current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

  • Experience: Prior experience working within paediatrics, child mental health, or an educational setting is highly desirable, but passionate therapists looking to transition from NHS acute/community settings are welcome.

  • Key Skills: Strong active listening and a non-judgemental approach; excellent skills in managing individual group dynamics and writing clear, professional clinical reports for EHCP inputs.

What We Offer / Benefits

  • Competitive Pay: Annual or daily rates tracking standard Band 6/7 equivalents, managed under a transparent PAYE model (no hidden umbrella fees).

  • Work-Life Balance: Term-time-only hours, allowing your career to align perfectly with the school holiday calendar.

  • Clinical Autonomy: The independence to manage your caseload creatively while making a tangible community impact across Lancashire schools.

How to Apply

If you want to use your therapeutic expertise to transform how children learn, play, and grow in school, we want to hear from you. Please contact rachael.boaler@twrecruitment.com