Vacancy at The Pace Centre
Head of School Therapy
Salary
£ 55,690 full year, full time (actual salary for 30 hours £38,555 term time)
Vacancy listed
14/04/2026
Application deadline
26/04/2026
Details
About Pace School
Pace School is a specialist provision for children and young people with neurodisabilities. Our approach is informed by Conductive Education and delivered through a transdisciplinary model, integrating education and therapy throughout the school day. We are committed to enabling pupils to achieve maximum independence, participation, and quality of life through high-quality, evidence-informed practice.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced and inspirational Head of School Therapy to provide integrated clinical and operational leadership across Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Speech and Language Therapy at Pace School.
This is the most senior clinical role within the school therapy team, with accountability for the quality, safety and effectiveness of therapy provision across all three disciplines. The post holder will play a pivotal role in shaping and sustaining an integrated, child-centred therapy service that is embedded within education and aligned to pupils’ EHCP outcomes.
This is a non-clinical caseload role. Time is fully protected for leadership, strategic development, governance, and service oversight. Clinical credibility is maintained through expert knowledge, supervision frameworks, quality assurance, and close professional engagement with the discipline leads.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide visible, confident leadership across OT, PT and SLT within a Conductive Education-informed, transdisciplinary model
- Hold overall accountability for therapy quality, safety, clinical governance and outcomes
- Work in close partnership with the Lead OT, Lead PT and Lead SLT to ensure cohesive practice and consistent standards
- Ensure therapy provision is effectively integrated within the school day and aligned to EHCP-driven provision
- Lead on service strategy, workforce planning, role development, and succession planning
- Oversee supervision, appraisal, CPD frameworks, and professional standards across disciplines
- Act as the senior clinical advisor to the Head of School and wider leadership team
- Ensure compliance with relevant professional, safeguarding, and regulatory requirements
- Foster a strong culture of collaboration, reflective practice, and continuous improvement
- Represent therapy within internal and external stakeholder forums as required
Person Specification
Essential
Degree in Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy or Speech and Language Therapy; current and active HCPC registration; and substantial clinical experience working with children with complex neurodevelopmental needs at a senior level
Proven leadership across multi-disciplinary or transdisciplinary teams
Strong understanding of EHCPs, SEND legislation, and education–therapy integration
Demonstrated experience of clinical governance, quality assurance and service development
Ability to lead and influence across professional boundaries with credibility and confidence
Commitment to inclusive, child- and family-centred practice
Proven leadership across multi-disciplinary or transdisciplinary teams
Strong understanding of EHCPs, SEND legislation, and education–therapy integration
Demonstrated experience of clinical governance, quality assurance and service development
Ability to lead and influence across professional boundaries with credibility and confidence
Commitment to inclusive, child- and family-centred practice
Desirable
- Experience of Conductive Education or strongly integrated therapy-education models
- Postgraduate leadership or advanced clinical qualifications
- Experience working in specialist schools or similar settings
Why Join Pace School?
- A fully protected leadership role with no clinical caseload
- Opportunity to shape and lead an innovative, integrated therapy service
- Highly collaborative, values-driven workplace
- Commitment to professional development and continuous learning
- Meaningful impact on the lives of children and families
How to Apply: Please send your CV and a cover letter detailing your experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this role to maisie.page@thepacecentre.org. Should you be shortlisted you will need to complete a Pace application form to comply with safer recruitment. Pace is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and young people so all appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and appropriate pre-employment clearances.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Closing Date: 26th April
We look forward to hearing from you!
Benefits
• Term time only
• Comprehensive induction and prioritise ongoing training
• Significant opportunities for CPD
• A contributory pension scheme, up to 4%
• Cycle-to-Work scheme
Notes
four days (30 hours per week)