My experience...
Sept 2019 - present: Specialist Occupational Therapist (Band 7), NHS Children's Integrated Therapies Team, NELFT
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Working to support individuals aged 3-19 with functional and sensory processing difficulties across special schools
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Training teaching staff in sensory processing, planning for movement in lessons and equipment free sensory circuits
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Assessing for and contributing to EHCPs
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Contributing evidence towards tribunal cases on behalf of the local authority
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Planning and delivering of whole school interventions
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Supervising and training of other OTs
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Service development and training of integrated therapy assistants.
March 2020: Specialist Teacher, Oaklodge Cognition and Learning College:
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Teaching in an SLD class whilst the class teacher was off on paternity leave
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Classroom organisation
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Curriculum planning
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Instilling classroom structure and routine
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Demonstrating a therapeutic teaching model to senior leaders with the aim to change the approach to teaching of their SLD classes.
August 2016 - present: Sensory Integration Practitioner, Independent
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Using appropriate assessments to assess a child's sensory needs
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Providing weekly therapy sessions to work on sensory processing difficulties
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Providing training to parents and teachers
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Advising on appropriate equipment
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Setting up of home programmes to support sensory processing development.
Sept 2016 - present: OT at Woolmore Primary School, Tower Hamlets
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Setting up and support in the running of an alternative curriculum for 10 students with ASD/ significant sensory and learning needs
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Working with teachers and SENCO to problem solve around classroom inclusion
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Setting up of a sensory space
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Delivering training around sensory circuits; use of the sensory space; motor skills and posture for learning
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Setting up and running of groups
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Individual assessment and report writing.
Feb 2018 - July 2018: Leader of sensory play sessions at my home
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Weekly sessions consisting of a sensory circuit for babies
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Giving an opportunity for new mums to learn about their baby's sensory development
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Promoting ideas for activities for mums to do at home with their babies to encourage normal sensory and motor development.
Sept 2016- Dec 2017: Director of Inclusive Notes (currently paused due to maternity leave)
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Inclusive Notes is a therapeutic choir for children aged 6-11 with additional needs in Hackney. The target group for this intervention is children with autism and ADHD:
March 2017 - Dec 2017: OT at Culloden Primary School, Tower Hamlets
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Training of TAs
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Setting up a sensory room and integrative play room
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Working with the speech and language therapist to run a 'party planning' group that focuses on functional language and tasks
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Assessing children with sensory needs and putting together sensory programmes to complete in the sensory room.
Oct 2016 - Dec 2017: Trustee at the International Pre-Autistic Network
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Focusing on early intervention for infants with suspected autism:
Sept 2014- August 2016: Study for MSc Occupational Therapy
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Master thesis written about auditory processing in children with ASD
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Various practice placements including a final placement in a community paediatric team
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Learning included assessment of individual function and environment; intervention planning; activity analysis; movement analysis; adaptations of environment and task; and use of activity to support recovery and or to facilitate learning
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Strong competencies developed include: evidenced based practice; communication; task analysis; intervention planning; and assessment of individual function in activities of daily living.
Sept 2014 – Dec 2014: Specialist Teacher
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Supporting the set-up of a specialist unit attached to a mainstream primary school – two classes, one supporting children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the other supporting children with Profound and Moderate Learning Disabilities (PMLD).
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Planning and implementing of a numeracy scheme of work for children with PMLD.
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Small group and one to one numeracy support of children with ASD and PMLD.
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Training of teaching assistants in effective support within and outside mainstream education.
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Supporting students in mainstream, and advising classroom teachers of effective in class intervention.
Sept 2011 – August 2014: Science Teacher
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Teaching of science to key stages 3 and 4.
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Teaching of psychology AS and A-level.
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Planning and delivery of inclusive practical lessons.
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Tutor to year 7 providing pastoral support to all, advising teachers on students within my group with health needs such as sickle cell anaemia.
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Raising awareness of mental health through developing a partnership with Sane and delivering assemblies throughout year groups.
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Working with the special educational needs department to review intervention strategies across the school.
May 2010 - May 2011: Teacher Assistant
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Became the lead assistant for the Learning Support Unit, supporting students with behaviour problems.
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Supported a deaf student in all subject areas.
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Accompanied an ASD student home twice a week as part of a programme to promote his independence.
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Liaised with speech therapy and occupational therapy.
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Advised teachers in how best to support students with specific needs.
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Provided technical support to deaf student when hearing aids required new batteries etc.
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Supported other students, those with dyslexia, ASD, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy and visual impairment.
August 2009 - April 2010: Playscheme Deputy Team Leader
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Cared for children with a range of disabilities including ASD, Down’s syndrome and Cerebral Palsy.
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Undertook risk assessments and liaised with parents.
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Responsible for administering medication.
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Directed and supported play workers in day to day duties.
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Organised and facilitated inclusive activities.