Children's Occupational Associate Practitioner

Children's Occupational Associate Practitioner

The closing date is 19 February 2026

The post holder will assist Occupational Therapists in providing a service to individuals and groups of children with a range of difficulties being able to perform their Occupations or activities of daily living.

He/she will work with pre-school and school aged children in clinics, nurseries, playgroups, schools and in our community clinics. The post holder will be expected to deliver independent direct 1:1 therapy and support group interventions under the guidance of the Occupational Therapist. They will be responsible for the planning and evaluation of the therapy they provide with the support from an Occupational Therapist.

They will also hold responsibility for defined clinical administrative roles within the team such as organising groups, ordering equipment or supporting the processing of referrals.

He/she will be expected to work collaboratively with children and young people, parents/carers and families.

The post holder will contribute to departmental meetings and project work and will assist in the delivery of training to education staff and parents.

• Implement programmes devised in conjunction with an Occupational Therapist, carrying out both individual and group therapy sessions for children with a range of special educational needs.
• Work independently without on site supervision, seeking telephone support as required.
• Carry out clinical observations in individual, small group and classroom/nursery settings and on the wards and report back findings to the Occupational Therapist.
• Plan individual/group therapy sessions following a therapist's guidelines, including timetabling activities in a session.
• Provide guidance to pre-schools/school staff and parents about strategies to facilitate development of independence and Occupational Performance.
• Provide support with the sourcing and ordering of equipment for specific children.
• Support the Occupational Therapist with monitoring and maintaining specialist equipment such as moving and handling equipment and static seating.
• Work jointly with colleagues, particularly early years practitioners, education staff - LSAs, teachers, learning support teachers in implementing treatment programmes, including planning and running joint groups both in and out of the classroom for children with complex needs and challenging behaviours.

• Provide support with the sourcing and ordering of equipment for specific children.
• Support the Occupational Therapist with monitoring and maintaining specialist equipment such as moving and handling equipment and static seating.
• Work jointly with colleagues, particularly early years practitioners, education staff LSAs, teachers, learning support teachers in implementing treatment programmes, including planning and running joint groups both in and out of the classroom for children with complex needs and challenging behaviours.
• Write case notes which will be countersigned by an Occupational Therapist in line with departmental policy.
• Provide general administrative support to Occupational Therapists including sending letters, filing and inventories.
• Assist with administrative procedures for managing new referrals and assessments.
• Monitor stock levels in relevant area alerting therapists to needs and order new equipment.
• Be responsible for the security, care and maintenance of equipment, ensuring standards of infection control and safety are maintained including equipment loaned to particular children.
• Participate in training activities (both formal and informal) for professionals and parents, as directed by an occupational therapist.
• Plan and deliver parent training sessions with colleagues in Early Years and School services.

• Recognised NVQ, NNEB or equivalent qualification in the area of child development or health related field.

• Experience working with children, young people and families.
• Working within an education/early years environment.
• Providing training to parents / carers.
• Working with children with SEN and disabilities.

• Excellent written…