Locum Band 7 Community Paediatric Physiotherapist - Children with Additional Needs in Schools

• £30 per hour
• 2-month Locum Contract
• 3 days per week
• Stansted Mountfitchet, CM24

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Locum Band 7 Community Paediatric Physiotherapist to join the West Essex Therapy Team in providing high-quality physiotherapy services to children with additional needs in school settings.

The successful candidate will play a crucial role in assessing, planning, and delivering individualized physiotherapy interventions to support children's physical development, functional abilities, and participation in educational activities. This role involves working collaboratively with school staff, parents, and multidisciplinary teams to optimize children's well-being, independence, and quality of life.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive physiotherapy assessments of children with additional needs, including physical assessments, developmental assessments, and functional assessments, to identify areas of strength, impairment, and rehabilitation potential.
• Collaborate with school staff, parents, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement individualized physiotherapy goals and treatment plans that address children's unique needs, abilities, and educational objectives.
• Provide direct physiotherapy interventions and therapeutic activities to children in school settings, focusing on improving mobility, gross motor skills, balance, coordination, and postural control, while promoting independence and participation in educational activities.
• Utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques and modalities, including manual therapy, exercise therapy, hydrotherapy, and assistive devices, to achieve therapeutic goals and optimize children's physical function and well-being.
• Provide education and support to school staff, parents, and caregivers regarding children's physical development, mobility aids, positioning equipment, and strategies to promote optimal function and participation in school activities.
• Collaborate closely with educational staff to integrate physiotherapy interventions into children's Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and classroom activities, ensuring a holistic and coordinated approach to supporting children's educational and developmental needs.
• Conduct regular reviews and reassessments of children's progress, adjusting treatment plans and goals as needed to reflect changes in functional abilities, environmental factors, and therapeutic priorities.
• Document all physiotherapy assessments, interventions, and progress notes accurately and comprehensively in electronic health records and school records, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with data protection regulations.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, and school-based meetings to discuss children's progress, review treatment plans, and collaborate on care planning and decision-making processes.
• Engage in continuous professional development activities to enhance clinical knowledge, skills, and competencies in paediatric physiotherapy, staying abreast of current research findings, best practices, and evidence-based interventions.
• Adhere to professional standards, codes of conduct, and regulatory requirements governing physiotherapy practice, including safeguarding children and maintaining professional boundaries.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Physiotherapy from a recognized institution.
• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Physiotherapist.
• Minimum of five years of post-qualification experience in paediatric physiotherapy, with specific experience working with children with additional needs in school settings.
• Specialist knowledge and skills in paediatric physiotherapy, including assessment, intervention, and goal setting for children with diverse physical and developmental challenges.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport, establish effective relationships with children and their families, and collaborate with school staff and multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively within a school-based and community-based setting, demonstrating flexibility, adaptability, and teamwork.
• Proficiency in using electronic health record systems and other relevant technology tools for documentation, communication, and information management.
• Commitment to providing child-centered care, promoting inclusivity, and advocating for the needs of children with additional needs and their families.