Occupational Therapist
Furze Down School, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, MK18 3BL21 days remaining to apply
Closing date
20 May 2026 at 12pm (midday)
Date listed
29 April 2026
Job details
Job role
- Pastoral, health and welfare
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Part time, full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- £32,073.00 - £48,117.00 Annually (FTE) NHS Band 5 - 6 depending on experience
Occupational Therapist job summary
About Us
Furze Down is an outstanding special school based across two sites in Winslow and Buckingham. We provide education for 220 pupils aged 4-19 with communication and interaction differences. We are incredibly proud of our nurturing, inclusive environment, where our multi-disciplinary teams place pupils and families at the heart of everything we do.
Our vision is “to promote our inclusive philosophy, so all thrive and flourish.” We value personal responsibility and respect, fostering an ethos where every individual’s views, beliefs and differences are recognised and celebrated.
Due to school expansion, we are excited to welcome experienced Occupational Therapists who are passionate about inclusive, pupil‑centred practice to join our Therapy and Wellbeing team to support across Primary, KS3, KS4 and 6th Form. This is a great opportunity to be part of something special and contribute to our culture, curriculum and future success.
Why Join Furze Down?
- A warm, inclusive and highly supportive school community.
- The opportunity to work alongside inspiring children and young people and make a meaningful difference.
- A strong, multidisciplinary team working collaboratively in the best interests of pupils and their families.
- Access to extensive, personalised professional development for all staff.
- Opportunities to develop skills, gain qualifications and explore clear career pathways.
- A positive culture that values wellbeing, mutual respect and professional trust
- Our work is underpinned by our values:
-Respect for Self
- Respect for Others
- Respect for Learning
- Respect for the Environment
- Respect for Actions
About the role
Our dynamic multidisciplinary team includes Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Therapy Assistants, a Clinical Nurse Specialist and a Family Liaison Lead.
The team also supports Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy apprentices as they develop their professional skills. Leadership is provided by an experienced practitioner who ensures regular clinical supervision and a strong focus on reflective practice.
Therapists are supported to grow and develop their areas of clinical interest, including opportunities to further specialise where training aligns with the needs of our pupils.
We operate a three‑tier model of provision, and our department is well resourced, with access to a comprehensive range of assessments and digital tools.
We are committed to developing high‑quality sensory practice and will support Occupational Therapists to achieve at least Level A of the Postgraduate Certificate in Sensory Integration through Sheffield Hallam University, with opportunities to progress further where relevant to the role.
The role offers flexibility, with the option to work full‑time hours during term time or to work part of the school holiday periods to support administrative tasks, assessments and reports. Attendance at INSET days and pupil days is expected.
An example of a Band 6 Job description is attached
What we are looking for
We are looking for Occupational Therapists who:
- Are qualified and HCPC‑registered Occupational Therapists with relevant experience
- Share our commitment to inclusive, child‑centred and trauma‑informed practice
- Are motivated to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
- Value reflective practice and ongoing professional development
- Are keen to develop specialist interests that support the needs of our pupils
- Are confident using digital tools to support therapy, record‑keeping and communication
- Bring a flexible, proactive and solution‑focused approach to their work
Safeguarding and Equality
Furze Down School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, references and pre‑employment Occupational Health assessment.
We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion across the school.
Please email Cheryl Parker, Clinical Lead for OT at cparker@furzedownschool.org.uk to arrange an informal chat if you would like to know more about the role.
Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged. To arrange a visit please contact the school on 01296 711380 or recruitment@furzedownschool.org.uk
We reserve the right to close this position earlier should sufficient applications be received before the advertised closing date. We also reserve the right to interview shortlisted candidates ahead of the closing date.
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Applying for the job
This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on external website (opens in new tab)About Furze Down School
- School type
- Special school, ages 4 to 19
- School size
- 219 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 4 to 19
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Furze Down School website
School location
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