Occupational Therapist Graduate

Occupational Therapist / Occupational Therapy Graduate - Teaching Assistant
Primary SEN School – Gateshead 

We’re looking for a qualified Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapy Graduate to join a welcoming Primary SEN setting for a unique hybrid role. You’ll spend half a day each week delivering targeted OT support, alongside a broader Teaching Assistant role across the rest of the week.

This is a rare opportunity to combine specialist practice with consistent classroom involvement—allowing you to implement strategies and see their impact day-to-day.

What your week could look like

As an Occupational Therapist (half a day per week):

• Assess pupils’ needs and develop practical, achievable strategies
• Work closely with school staff to embed support into everyday learning
• Support pupils in developing independence, confidence, and essential life skills

As a Teaching Assistant (remainder of the week):

• Support pupils in class, on a 1:1 basis and in small groups
• Apply your OT knowledge in real-time to enhance learning and engagement
• Provide a calm, consistent presence that pupils can rely on

What we’re looking for

• Qualified Occupational Therapist (HCPC registered or working towards), or an Occupational Therapy degree
• Someone who is happy to be hands-on and fully involved in classroom life
• Experience working with SEND, or a strong interest in this area
• A calm, adaptable approach with the ability to build positive relationships quickly

About the school

This Primary SEN school, based in the Gateshead area, serves a diverse and close-knit community. The school has a strong focus on inclusion, nurturing relationships, and ensuring every child can access learning in a way that suits their needs.

Staff work collaboratively and value consistency, creating a calm and supportive environment where both pupils and staff can thrive.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.

Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website.