Job Description

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Occupational Therapist required for a new special school for autistic pupils

This is an exciting opportunity you cannot afford to miss!

The Hawthorns School is a brand new school for children with autism which opened in January 23 with a small but high-quality and friendly team, committed to developing an excellent therapeutic culture. We need someone to help develop our provision and pupils with us. You will support us to meet our pupils' sensory processing differences as well as other OT areas. Is this you?

We are interested in applicants who have some experience, particularly in working with children, possibly in SEND.

This is a thrilling and unique opportunity to be part of the team moving a new school forward providing a nurturing and holistic education for pupils with autism. We are committed to developing pupil achievement through the aims of personal growth, participation and preparation for adulthood.

We are looking to appoint a HCPC registered, enthusiastic and well-motivated Occupational Therapist to join us to help support the growth of our pupils. The role is to help us provide the correct sympathetic environment and develop our professional skills. Ultimately we are looking for full time, but we may be flexible. Very exciting!

Please phone Diane Rigg, Headteacher for a chat on 01245 207607 or email her admin@thehawthornsschool.com

Closing date: 4th June 2024 Interview date: 12th or 19th June 2024

The SEAX Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is subject to satisfactory medical checks, enhanced DBS clearance and references.

The Hawthorns School is part of SEAX Trust: www.seaxtrust.com

Information about the School

The Hawthorns School is a brand new school for autistic young people in Chelmsford and is the fifth school in the SEAX Trust. The Hawthorns School opened in temporary accommodation in January 2023, and will move into a brand new school building on the old St Peter’s School site, in January 2025.

The provision at the school will cater for pupils who have a diagnosis of autism and will offer a full-time education with a focus on social communication, emotional regulation and relationship-building while, at the same time, offering a broad and balanced range of curriculum subjects, including literacy and numeracy.

Pupils will be aged 7-16 and will have an EHCP. There will be ten residential places available for pupils from Monday to Thursday each school week. These will be managed by the school and will enhance the day curriculum offer.

Our Vision and Ethos for The Hawthorns

We have established a school which embodies the ethos, vision and values of the SEAX Trust and the other schools in the Trust (Thriftwood School & College, Langham Oaks School, Grove House School and Kingswode Hoe School).

The Hawthorns’ mission:

Our mission is to provide a personalised and imaginative curriculum designed to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding to build the basis for a purposeful and fulfilling adult life for young people with autism. Through outstanding teaching and secure relationships, pupils will gain the confidence to communicate effectively, acquire appropriate accreditation for next steps forward, learn core skills for life, develop healthy relationships, self-advocate, contribute to their community and keep themselves safe.