Therapy Assistant Practitioner – Paediatric Physiotherapy

A Vacancy at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen to join an experienced team ofChildren’s Physiotherapistsworking within a purpose‑built Child Development Centre, as well as in local mainstream and specialist schools. This is a part‑time position, working a minimum of four days per week, with final hours negotiable upon appointment.

We are seeking a skilledTherapy Assistant Practitionerto support the work of the physiotherapists and to undertake independent duties across a range of settings. This includes the Child Development Centre, special and mainstream schools, the hydrotherapy pool, and the child’s home. The successful candidate will demonstrate confidence, adaptability, and a commitment to delivering high‑quality care to children and their families.

The post holder will manage their own caseload and provide treatment to children, undertaking highly skilled support work to assist the physiotherapist in the assessment and management of children within the community. They will follow agreed protocols and progress treatment plans in response to clinical observations.

The post holder will teach parents and carersphysiotherapy handling techniquesand will be responsible for setting up and demonstrating the safe use of equipment. They will also deliver treatmentsindependently, without direct physiotherapist supervision, across a range of settings including special schools, mainstream schools, nurseries, and home environments.

In addition, the post holder will take responsibility for adelegated area of specialismand will be required to carry out housekeeping and administrative duties within the Paediatric Physiotherapy Department.

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

• Deliver and teach children, parents, and carers physiotherapist‑designed exercise and treatment programmes, either individually or in group settings, without direct supervision.
• Use clinical reasoning skills to update and progress treatment within the framework set by the physiotherapist.
• Hold delegated responsibility for an agreed area of specialism (e.g., hydrotherapy, orthotics).
• Check, fit, adjust, and teach others about rehabilitation equipment used by children with complex needs. Order equipment via Millbrook, ensure it is safe and in good working order, and report any issues promptly.
• Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team, ensuring that feedback from therapy sessions is communicated to the appropriate MDT members.
• Communicate with parents and carers in a timely manner, providing routine updates regarding their child’s treatment session.
• Receive information from the MDT, parents, and children that may be sensitive in nature, including diagnosis, prognosis, and end‑of‑life matters, and relay this information sensitively to colleagues and MDT members.

Please refer to the attached JD.

This advert closes on Monday 25 May 2026