Occupational Therapy Assistant - Full-time - Special Needs Position

Ripplevale School and College - Rochester, Rochester

• Ref:MED887-6006-143S
• Posted:01/07/2025
• Pay:£19,810
• Start Date:September 2025
• App Close Date:11/07/2025 at 12:00
• Interviews:TBC

Advert

Your new school

Ripplevale School and College, is a thriving independent special school, for 170 students aged 6 to 25 years old, located in the historic town of Rochester. As part of the Ripplevale family of schools, we provide a holistic, child centred approach to meeting the needs of our students, most of whom have an Education and Health Care Plan. Identified needs may include Autism Spectrum Disorder, dyslexia, speech, language and communication difficulties, DCD, sensory, and high levels of anxiety.

Your new role

Ripplevale School and College is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Occupational Therapy (OT) Assistant to join our supportive and forward-thinking team.

As an OT Assistant, you will play a key role develop the skills and coping strategies they need to thrive — academically, socially, and emotionally. Working under the direction of the Occupational Therapist, you will help learners to access learning, build independence, and work towards their individual aspirations and outcomes.

You will collaborate as part of our dynamic Trans-Disciplinary Team to implement person-centred strategies and support learners in achieving their Individual Learning Plan (ILP) targets. Your work will be guided by each learner’s Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and the professional recommendations of the OT.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the delivery of OT-led interventions, both 1:1 and in group settings
• Implement tailored strategies and activities that align with EHCP outcomes
• Assist learners in developing fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing, self-regulation, and daily living skills
• Monitor and record progress, feeding back to the OT and wider team
• Promote independence and wellbeing in a nurturing, inclusive environment

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a genuine passion for supporting children and young people with additional needs
• Is enthusiastic, patient, and adaptable
• Can work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Has some understanding or experience of occupational therapy in an educational or care setting (desirable but not essential)
• Holds a relevant qualification or is willing to undertake training

For more information and to apply, please contact Brett Coventry on 020 3818 7040 or email ripplevale@hays.com

Early Application Encouraged: Due to the high volume of interest in this position, we may close the vacancy before the stated deadline. To ensure your application is considered, we strongly recommend applying as soon as possible.

Safeguarding recruitment statement

Ripplevale School Rochester is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants. Ripplevale School Rochester is required to conduct online searches about you as part of their shortlisting process in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.

Information about the school

Ripplevale Rochester is an independent specialist provision for students aged 6 to 25 who have been diagnosed with various needs, which may include ASD, dyslexia, speech, language and communication difficulties, DCD, sensory, social, emotional and other learning difficulties along with high levels of anxiety. The school is set in an historic Medway town and enjoys the outstanding community facilities and links that the towns of Chatham and Rochester have to offer.

Ripplevale provides a holistic child centred approach to education underpinned by our team of 98 Teachers, Teaching assistants, Administrators and Therapists, all working in a caring and nurturing environment, with a common belief that all students have the opportunity to make progress and experience success everyday, in a safe, caring, nurturing and secure environment.

Our site boasts well-resourced classrooms, small class sizes, music and drama facilities, Science labs, Therapy rooms, amazing vocational teaching areas such as our hair and beauty studios, a coffee shop, catering kitchens, as well as numerous areas for children to have fun and enjoy social times. Staff are both welcoming and friendly at this independent school and there is a collaborative approach where resources and best practices are shared.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Brett Coventry
• Address:13 New Road, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1BG
• Telephone: 020 3818 7040
• Email: ripplevale@hays.com