Ideal for Graduates Exploring Careers in Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy & Specialist Education
Location: Clifton Hill School, Caterham
Contract: Permanent
Start Date: As soon as possible
Hours: 35.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday term time only
Working pattern: Four days per week as a Therapy Assistant and manual handling lead working across the school and one day per week class based supporting a group with high therapeutic needs
Application deadline: Monday 9 November 2026, 9am
Salary: WMAT Associate grade WA6 £25,088.13 - £29,028.08 (£30,571 - £35,372 FTE) per annum
Considering a Career in Therapy or Specialist Education?
This role is an excellent first step for graduates and aspiring professionals considering careers such as:
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Rehabilitation and Healthcare Support
- Social Care
You will gain valuable hands-on experience working alongside therapists, teachers and other professionals supporting young people with complex needs in a highly specialist school environment.
About Us:
Clifton Hill School is a friendly, ambitious and highly supportive specialist school for students aged 11-19 with severe learning difficulties, autism and complex needs. We are proud of our:
- Strong team culture and collaborative approach
- Commitment to professional development
- Focus on helping every young person achieve independence and achieve their full potential
The Role:
This unique role combines therapy support and direct classroom experience.
For four days each week, you will work closely with our therapy teams, supporting physiotherapy and occupational therapy programmes across the school. This includes:
- Supporting therapists with therapy sessions and programmes
- Delivering therapy activities under professional guidance
- Monitoring and recording student progress
- Supporting pupils during hydrotherapy sessions
- Liaising with parents, therapists, nurses and class teams
- Assisting with specialist equipment and positioning programmes
- Helping ensure students have access to the equipment and support they need to succeed
For one day each week, you will join a class team supporting students with high therapeutic and complex physical needs. This gives you the opportunity to:
- Build strong relationships with pupils
- Support learning and communication throughout the school day
- Work as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Develop a deeper understanding of specialist education and therapeutic practice
- See how therapy interventions support learning and independence in the classroom
Why Join Us?
This is far more than a support role. It is an opportunity to:
- Gain experience valued by Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy degree programmes
- Work alongside experienced therapists and specialist teachers
- Develop practical skills in therapy delivery, communication and behaviour support
- Build understanding of complex physical, medical and learning needs
- Gain insight into multidisciplinary working
- Receive excellent training and professional development
- Make a genuine difference to the lives of young people
We Welcome Applications From People Who Are:
- Interested in therapy, healthcare, psychology or SEND education
- Caring, patient and reflective
- Enthusiastic and motivated to learn
- Comfortable working as part of a team
- Highly organised and able to communicate effectively
- Passionate about helping young people achieve their potential
Experience working with children or young people is helpful but not essential. Your attitude, commitment and willingness to learn are what matter most.
What We Offer
- A warm, welcoming and supportive staff team
- Full training and ongoing professional development
- Direct experience working alongside therapy professionals
- Opportunities to develop specialist skills
- Generous pension scheme
- Employee wellbeing support
- Health and lifestyle benefits
Apply Now:
We encourage early applications and reserve the right to interview suitable candidates before the closing date.
Safeguarding Statement:
Clifton Hill School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, governors and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check, health check and other safer recruitment checks, including online searches. Applications will only be accepted on our online application form. CVs will not be considered. No agencies please.