Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) The Holmewood SchoolFinchley/Muswell Hill London

Location: The Holmewood School (Woodside Park – Lower Campus, Muswell Hill – Upper Campus, with occasional visits to East End Road – Creative Campus)

Contract: 12-month Maternity Cover

Start Date: ASAP

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30 am – 4.30 pm

Working Weeks: 40 weeks per year (full-time during school terms, remaining weeks worked during school holidays as agreed with line manager)

Salary: £22,500 – £25,300 dependent on experience

The Holmewood School is a small independent day school for neurodivergent children and young people aged 7-19, primarily diagnosed with Autism. With an Outstanding Ofsted rating and Advanced Autism Accreditation from the National Autistic Society (NAS), we offer a tailored education and therapy programme to help our students thrive. We are based across three campuses in North London: Woodside Park, Muswell Hill, and East End Road.

We are seeking a dedicated Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) to join our Multidisciplinary Therapy Team on a 12-month maternity cover contract. The role offers the opportunity to work with autistic children and young people, supporting their sensory, motor, and functional development to foster independence and facilitate educational progress.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Occupational Therapist (OT) in planning and delivering therapy sessions, ensuring they are tailored to the individual needs of students.
• Provide direct support to students in 1:1 and group settings, using therapeutic techniques to assist with sensory regulation, motor skills development, and independence.
• Prepare and maintain therapy resources and sensory equipment.
• Accurately record therapy activities and student progress, following school policies on documentation and confidentiality.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, and families to integrate therapy strategies into classroom routines and wellbeing activities.
• Participate in training and professional development to ensure continuous learning and application of best practices.

Working Locations

• Primarily based at Woodside Park and Muswell Hill campuses, with occasional visits to East End Road depending on student needs.

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience working with children or young people, preferably with neurodivergent individuals.
• A passion for supporting children with autism and sensory or functional needs.
• Strong communication, organisational, and teamwork skills.
• Flexibility to work across different school sites.

Why Join Us?

Be part of a dynamic, supportive team at a school committed to excellence in education and therapy for neurodivergent students.

Opportunities for personal and professional development, including access to specialist training in Autism, Sensory Integration, and other related areas.

Work with a multidisciplinary team who are passionate about improving student outcomes.

All applicants are welcome to visit the school on an informal basis should this support your application. Please contact Louise Wallis-Jones (see below for details).

Essential criteria:

• Demonstrate experience of working with children and young people
• Knowledge and understanding of neurodiversity, specifically strengths and needs of autistic individuals

Desirable criteria:

• Evidence of CPD in relevant areas of practice (for example Autism, Neurodiversity, Sensory Integration, Executive Function Skills)
• Two years experience working with children and young people in a school or therapeutic setting

Applicants must be able to provide evidence of having the right to live and work in the UK

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check prior to employment. All candidates are also required to declare any cautions or convictions at the point of application.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage diversity in our staffing in order for children and young people to see themselves represented in society.

The Holmewood School is a growing independent day school for neurodivergent children and young people aged from 7 to 19 who have a primary diagnosis of Autism. Our young people are broadly similar to their mainstream peers in their academic ability but require support with communication and interaction, executive functioning, anxiety, functional skills and other needs related to their diagnosis. Many of our young people also have coaccurring diagnoses, such as ADHD and dyslexia.

We were awarded an Outstanding rating by Ofsted following their visit in May 2022 and we are proud to have Advanced Accreditation Status granted by the National Autistic Society.