Assistant Practitioner - Children's Physiotherapy
The closing date is 23 November 2025
Job summary
Are you passionate about making a difference to the lives of Children and Young People?
We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and caring Physiotherapy Assistant Practitioner to join our friendly and supportive Children's Physiotherapy Team within our excellent organisation, Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust (CCS).
Our service provides specialist physiotherapy to babies, children and young people aged 0-19 years with neurodevelopmental conditions across Cambridgeshire in community settings such as clinics, specialist schools, homes and mainstream schools/nurseries.
Our team has a strong culture of learning and development, with staff at all levels encouraged to actively engage in service development activity and a robust joint in-service training programme alongside our Occupational Therapy colleagues.
Our team are supported by a strong administrative team who help support appointment booking and administrative tasks allowing our clinical team to maximise their clinical skills.
The post is full time (37.5 hours) but part-time applicants at a minimum of 30 hours would be considered. Our core service working day is Tuesday.
This is an ideal role for someone who enjoys working with children, is proactive and organised, and is looking to develop their clinical skills within a supportive, community-focused environment.
Should we receive a high number of applications we reserve the right to close this vacancy at any point after 16-11-2025
Main duties of the job
Job Purpose:
To support the work of the Children and Young People's Physiotherapy team, as an autonomous practitioner and understanding your role within the service, including limits of professional practice.
About us
Rated 'Outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission, we are proud to provide high quality innovative services across most of the east of England that enable people to receive care closer to home and live healthier lives.
There's one reason why our services are outstanding - and that's our amazing staff who, for the seventh year running, rated us incredibly highly in the national staff survey.
If you share our passion for innovative and high-quality care delivery, then please submit your application and join us on our exciting journey as a leading-edge specialist community provider. All are welcome to apply and our promise to you is a culture which prioritises staff engagement and development.
Details
Date posted
11 November 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 4
Salary
£27,485 to £30,162 a year per annum, pro-rota
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working
Reference number
448-CCYP-7599205
Job locations
Peacock Centre
Brookfields Hospital, 351 Mill road
Cambridge
CB1 3UG
Job description
Job responsibilities
To undertake specific work independently, as identified and delegated by registered Physiotherapy staff in a range of settings, e.g. school, nursery, special school, homes, childrens centres, clinics, etc., managing your own caseload. This may include lone working.
Work independently within the multidisciplinary team setting, reporting back patient progress and informing Therapists of any problems/concerns.
To carry out routine assessments, interventions and discharge planning, including undertaking standardised outcome measures with children and young people and feedback of findings to a Physiotherapist for analysis, e.g. Cerebral Palsy Integrated Pathway (CPIP), orthotics.
Organise and lead on intervention blocks and small group sessions working effectively with children, young people and their carers/families towards specified and agreed goals. This will include the ability to implement simple modifications/progressions working towards identified aims, agreed between therapists, CYP and families.
To assess for and ensure safe use of standard physiotherapy equipment (alongside equipment company reps, as appropriate) with guidance from the Physiotherapist, adhering to relevant competencies.
Assist Physiotherapy staff in activities related to non-direct patient contact: equipment maintenance, delivery and collection, clinic preparation, clinical administrative support.
With supervision and support from the Physiotherapist: develop, plan, organise and implement tasks, activities and treatment programmes for delegated patients with physical disabilities and health care needs collaborating appropriately and effectively alongside other professionals and the childs relevant family members/guardians, ensuring respect for their abilities, privacy, dignity and individuality.
To demonstrate and model safe, effective practice in delivering the CYPs Physiotherapy programme to others working with the child/young person, e.g. parents/carers, educational and respite colleagues. This includes the recognition of when a programme is not meeting identified aims, making changes to the programme appropriately under the guidance of the physiotherapist.
To undertake delegated work safely and effectively, ensuring practice within personal competencies and capabilities.
To plan, organise and prioritise own day-to-day tasks, meeting deadlines and within the time constraints as service demands, effectively communicating timescales to colleagues.
To actively contribute to service development within the department.
To travel across the county between visits throughout the day.
Communication
To ensure effective and timely communication with therapists, to ensure the best possible outcomes for CYP.
To be a team player, being willingly flexible and adaptable identifying where they might support the functions of the physiotherapy team, as appropriate.
To present and communicate clinical information to the multi-disciplinary team/other professions, in a format agreed with therapists, in order to inform decision making relevant to the management of CYP.
To deliver pre-prepared training/workshops/groups for parents/carers and other professionals, under the direction of the appropriate therapists.
To adapt communication styles providing information in an accessible way for CYP of different ages, range of disabilities and health care needs including non-verbal CYP with complex needs, to support individuals to make informed choices.
To form productive relationships with others e.g. parents/carers who may be under stress and motivate them in to engage in advised therapeutic activities.
To understand that some information received will be complex and sensitive; demonstrating tact, reassurance and empathy when having these conversations.
To use appropriate resources to help overcome barriers to communication, e.g. understanding, English not as a first language.
Demonstrates the ability to make accurate verbal and written reports, summarising assessment and intervention outcomes for the child and family.
To recognise potential breakdown and conflict when it occurs, seeking advice and support from supporting therapists appropriately.
Appropriately and sensitively gives and acts upon feedback.
Budgetary Responsibility
No budgetary responsibilities.
To ensure cost effectiveness is considered in day-to-day work, e.g. reduction of duplication, effective use of physical resources, choice of equipment etc.
Support orders for equipment and effective stock taking within the department.
People Management
Assists with the induction of newer staff members, including students, by demonstrating your own role.
Contribute to the support and training of other team members, including students.
Assist and be available to supervise the clinical activities of other team members, as delegated.
Maintaining own professional development and requirement to take part in appraisal and KSF process
Research & Development Activity
Contribute to the design, development, implementation and evaluation of service and quality improvement initiatives, maintaining up to date knowledge of local policies and procedures.
To contribute to research projects/audits/surveys within the clinical specialty under the supervision of a registered health care professional.
In line with trust policy, the post holder must actively engage in ensure in an ongoing PDR (performance & development review; appraisal) process, to include maintaining competencies relevant to the role.
Undertake mandatory training, self-development and other relevant training to maintain safety and competency in the role, including active contribution to departmental in-service training.
To have awareness of relevant procedures/statutory requirements/legislation relating to the role, including Safeguarding Children and Adults and SEND procedures.
Clinical and Practice Governance
To be aware of and adhere to Trust and Service policies and procedures, including maintaining high quality clinical records in accordance with Service and Trust Guidelines, professional standards, and within data protection guidelines
To be responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of CYP, family and staff information, in line with the requirements of the Data Protection Act.
3 Participate in relevant emergency preparedness processes within the physiotherapy team.
4 To promote independence, health and well-being and safety in clinical or community settings.
Provide patients and their families /carers with information on standards they should expect from the team.
Participate in Clinical & Safeguarding supervision on a regular basis.
Appropriate signposting of resources available to schools/families to support therapeutic aims.
To identify and report any health and safety issues or risks, in line with Trust policy.
To be able to undertake the physical requirements for the role, including safe moving and handling, movement of equipment and ability to move between high/low levels, e.g. working on the floor.
Appropriate use of digital systems to effectively support their role, e.g Physiotools, Excel, Word, Electronic Records (SystmOne), online equipment system (TCES), Microsoft TEAMS.
To be able to move across the team geographical area to fulfil the requirements of the role.
Safeguarding people responsibility
Safeguarding children and adults at risk of abuse or neglect is a collective responsibility.
There is an expectation that all staff develop and maintain their role relevant safeguarding people competencies and comply with local safeguarding partnerships practice. Alongside this employee who are registrants are reminded of their professional duty of care.
Safeguarding means protecting a citizens health, wellbeing and human rights; enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. It is an integral part of providing high-quality health care.
Those most in need of protection include:
Children and young people
Adults at risk, such as those receiving care in their own home, people with physical, sensory, and mental impairments, and those with learning disabilities.
The post holder must at all times carry out their duties with regard to Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Policy.
To be aware of the responsibilities of all employees to maintain a safe and healthy environment for patients, visitors, and staff.
All post holders must adhere to the code of conduct on confidentiality and be aware of and adhere to all Trust policies and procedures.
This job description is intended only as a guide to the range of duties involved. The post holder will need to be flexible and adaptable in order to respond to other duties that may be required from time to time and the changes and developments within the Trust.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exemptions) Order 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure of Barring Service to be made to check for any previous criminal convictions. Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust is committed to the fair treatment of its staff, potential staff, or users in line with its equal opportunities policy and policy statement on the recruitment of ex-offenders.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To undertake specific work independently, as identified and delegated by registered Physiotherapy staff in a range of settings, e.g. school, nursery, special school, homes, childrens centres, clinics, etc., managing your own caseload. This may include lone working.
Work independently within the multidisciplinary team setting, reporting back patient progress and informing Therapists of any problems/concerns.
To carry out routine assessments, interventions and discharge planning, including undertaking standardised outcome measures with children and young people and feedback of findings to a Physiotherapist for analysis, e.g. Cerebral Palsy Integrated Pathway (CPIP), orthotics.
Organise and lead on intervention blocks and small group sessions working effectively with children, young people and their carers/families towards specified and agreed goals. This will include the ability to implement simple modifications/progressions working towards identified aims, agreed between therapists, CYP and families.
To assess for and ensure safe use of standard physiotherapy equipment (alongside equipment company reps, as appropriate) with guidance from the Physiotherapist, adhering to relevant competencies.
Assist Physiotherapy staff in activities related to non-direct patient contact: equipment maintenance, delivery and collection, clinic preparation, clinical administrative support.
With supervision and support from the Physiotherapist: develop, plan, organise and implement tasks, activities and treatment programmes for delegated patients with physical disabilities and health care needs collaborating appropriately and effectively alongside other professionals and the childs relevant family members/guardians, ensuring respect for their abilities, privacy, dignity and individuality.
To demonstrate and model safe, effective practice in delivering the CYPs Physiotherapy programme to others working with the child/young person, e.g. parents/carers, educational and respite colleagues. This includes the recognition of when a programme is not meeting identified aims, making changes to the programme appropriately under the guidance of the physiotherapist.
To undertake delegated work safely and effectively, ensuring practice within personal competencies and capabilities.
To plan, organise and prioritise own day-to-day tasks, meeting deadlines and within the time constraints as service demands, effectively communicating timescales to colleagues.
To actively contribute to service development within the department.
To travel across the county between visits throughout the day.
Communication
To ensure effective and timely communication with therapists, to ensure the best possible outcomes for CYP.
To be a team player, being willingly flexible and adaptable identifying where they might support the functions of the physiotherapy team, as appropriate.
To present and communicate clinical information to the multi-disciplinary team/other professions, in a format agreed with therapists, in order to inform decision making relevant to the management of CYP.
To deliver pre-prepared training/workshops/groups for parents/carers and other professionals, under the direction of the appropriate therapists.
To adapt communication styles providing information in an accessible way for CYP of different ages, range of disabilities and health care needs including non-verbal CYP with complex needs, to support individuals to make informed choices.
To form productive relationships with others e.g. parents/carers who may be under stress and motivate them in to engage in advised therapeutic activities.
To understand that some information received will be complex and sensitive; demonstrating tact, reassurance and empathy when having these conversations.
To use appropriate resources to help overcome barriers to communication, e.g. understanding, English not as a first language.
Demonstrates the ability to make accurate verbal and written reports, summarising assessment and intervention outcomes for the child and family.
To recognise potential breakdown and conflict when it occurs, seeking advice and support from supporting therapists appropriately.
Appropriately and sensitively gives and acts upon feedback.
Budgetary Responsibility
No budgetary responsibilities.
To ensure cost effectiveness is considered in day-to-day work, e.g. reduction of duplication, effective use of physical resources, choice of equipment etc.
Support orders for equipment and effective stock taking within the department.
People Management
Assists with the induction of newer staff members, including students, by demonstrating your own role.
Contribute to the support and training of other team members, including students.
Assist and be available to supervise the clinical activities of other team members, as delegated.
Maintaining own professional development and requirement to take part in appraisal and KSF process
Research & Development Activity
Contribute to the design, development, implementation and evaluation of service and quality improvement initiatives, maintaining up to date knowledge of local policies and procedures.
To contribute to research projects/audits/surveys within the clinical specialty under the supervision of a registered health care professional.
In line with trust policy, the post holder must actively engage in ensure in an ongoing PDR (performance & development review; appraisal) process, to include maintaining competencies relevant to the role.
Undertake mandatory training, self-development and other relevant training to maintain safety and competency in the role, including active contribution to departmental in-service training.
To have awareness of relevant procedures/statutory requirements/legislation relating to the role, including Safeguarding Children and Adults and SEND procedures.
Clinical and Practice Governance
To be aware of and adhere to Trust and Service policies and procedures, including maintaining high quality clinical records in accordance with Service and Trust Guidelines, professional standards, and within data protection guidelines
To be responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of CYP, family and staff information, in line with the requirements of the Data Protection Act.
3 Participate in relevant emergency preparedness processes within the physiotherapy team.
4 To promote independence, health and well-being and safety in clinical or community settings.
Provide patients and their families /carers with information on standards they should expect from the team.
Participate in Clinical & Safeguarding supervision on a regular basis.
Appropriate signposting of resources available to schools/families to support therapeutic aims.
To identify and report any health and safety issues or risks, in line with Trust policy.
To be able to undertake the physical requirements for the role, including safe moving and handling, movement of equipment and ability to move between high/low levels, e.g. working on the floor.
Appropriate use of digital systems to effectively support their role, e.g Physiotools, Excel, Word, Electronic Records (SystmOne), online equipment system (TCES), Microsoft TEAMS.
To be able to move across the team geographical area to fulfil the requirements of the role.
Safeguarding people responsibility
Safeguarding children and adults at risk of abuse or neglect is a collective responsibility.
There is an expectation that all staff develop and maintain their role relevant safeguarding people competencies and comply with local safeguarding partnerships practice. Alongside this employee who are registrants are reminded of their professional duty of care.
Safeguarding means protecting a citizens health, wellbeing and human rights; enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. It is an integral part of providing high-quality health care.
Those most in need of protection include:
Children and young people
Adults at risk, such as those receiving care in their own home, people with physical, sensory, and mental impairments, and those with learning disabilities.
The post holder must at all times carry out their duties with regard to Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Policy.
To be aware of the responsibilities of all employees to maintain a safe and healthy environment for patients, visitors, and staff.
All post holders must adhere to the code of conduct on confidentiality and be aware of and adhere to all Trust policies and procedures.
This job description is intended only as a guide to the range of duties involved. The post holder will need to be flexible and adaptable in order to respond to other duties that may be required from time to time and the changes and developments within the Trust.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exemptions) Order 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure of Barring Service to be made to check for any previous criminal convictions. Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust is committed to the fair treatment of its staff, potential staff, or users in line with its equal opportunities policy and policy statement on the recruitment of ex-offenders.
Person Specification
Qualification and Training
Essential
- Foundation Degree in Clinical Assistant Practice eg NCFE CACHE, OTHM, access course in relevant care subjects, Level 3 NVQ/Diploma in Health and Social Care or relevant A Levels/successful relevant academic study at Level 3.
- Grade 4/C or above in English and Maths GCSE, Functional Skills Level 2 or equivalent.
- Digital competence and confidence using Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams, Powerpoint.
Desirable
- Foundation degree Health and Social Care, or equivalent level 5 qualification; plus, A-levels and GCSEs or equivalent(s), including Functional Skills (level 2) Or - as a level 5 apprenticeship, such as the Assistant Practitioner apprenticeship.
- Digital competence and confidence in using electronic patient records (e.g. SystmOne), online ordering systems, social media platforms.
- Completion of child specific moving and handling training.
- Completion of training in child development.
- Evidence of training in exercise, fitness and physical activity.
- Completed care certificate
Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Demonstrable ability to deploy intervention and support strategies to promote person-centred care, including providing information, advice and guidance to CYP, carers, families, health professionals and others.
- Demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including with those who are non-verbal, adapted to individual situations which foster supportive relationships with children, young people, families and other professionals
- Ability to create interactions which are fun, motivating and child/young person friendly, showing adaptability to achieve the session objectives
- Ability to manage own workload/time, including prioritising tasks and resources, taking account of changing circumstances.
Desirable
- Understands and can explain the main legislation, legal and ethical responsibilities that shape health and social care
- Understanding of the importance of clinical governance and evidence-based practice and its application to CYP Physiotherapy.
- Evidence of participation in audits, service evaluation and quality improvement projects relevant to own work.
Experience
Essential
- Substantial experience in health and care settings, including in the relevant field of work.
- Demonstrable experience of supporting children and young people who have physical disability and their families.
- Demonstratable experience of communicating with and supporting children and young people with a learning disability.
- An awareness of child development and the Physiotherapy role with children and young people with physical disability/atypical development.
Desirable
- Demonstratable and significant experience working as a Children/Young Person's Therapy Assistant.
- Experience of working in a community setting.
- Demonstratable evidence of safe and effective use of equipment,
- Experience of working in the field of physical activity and exercise.
Safeguarding
Essential
- Ability to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults Demonstrates understanding of safeguarding issues and when to escalate
Person Specification
Qualification and Training
Essential
- Foundation Degree in Clinical Assistant Practice eg NCFE CACHE, OTHM, access course in relevant care subjects, Level 3 NVQ/Diploma in Health and Social Care or relevant A Levels/successful relevant academic study at Level 3.
- Grade 4/C or above in English and Maths GCSE, Functional Skills Level 2 or equivalent.
- Digital competence and confidence using Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams, Powerpoint.
Desirable
- Foundation degree Health and Social Care, or equivalent level 5 qualification; plus, A-levels and GCSEs or equivalent(s), including Functional Skills (level 2) Or - as a level 5 apprenticeship, such as the Assistant Practitioner apprenticeship.
- Digital competence and confidence in using electronic patient records (e.g. SystmOne), online ordering systems, social media platforms.
- Completion of child specific moving and handling training.
- Completion of training in child development.
- Evidence of training in exercise, fitness and physical activity.
- Completed care certificate
Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Demonstrable ability to deploy intervention and support strategies to promote person-centred care, including providing information, advice and guidance to CYP, carers, families, health professionals and others.
- Demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including with those who are non-verbal, adapted to individual situations which foster supportive relationships with children, young people, families and other professionals
- Ability to create interactions which are fun, motivating and child/young person friendly, showing adaptability to achieve the session objectives
- Ability to manage own workload/time, including prioritising tasks and resources, taking account of changing circumstances.
Desirable
- Understands and can explain the main legislation, legal and ethical responsibilities that shape health and social care
- Understanding of the importance of clinical governance and evidence-based practice and its application to CYP Physiotherapy.
- Evidence of participation in audits, service evaluation and quality improvement projects relevant to own work.
Experience
Essential
- Substantial experience in health and care settings, including in the relevant field of work.
- Demonstrable experience of supporting children and young people who have physical disability and their families.
- Demonstratable experience of communicating with and supporting children and young people with a learning disability.
- An awareness of child development and the Physiotherapy role with children and young people with physical disability/atypical development.
Desirable
- Demonstratable and significant experience working as a Children/Young Person's Therapy Assistant.
- Experience of working in a community setting.
- Demonstratable evidence of safe and effective use of equipment,
- Experience of working in the field of physical activity and exercise.
Safeguarding
Essential
- Ability to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults Demonstrates understanding of safeguarding issues and when to escalate
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details
Employer name
Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust
Address
Peacock Centre
Brookfields Hospital, 351 Mill road
Cambridge
CB1 3UG
Employer's website
https://www.cambscommunityservices.nhs.uk/careers (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust
Address
Peacock Centre
Brookfields Hospital, 351 Mill road
Cambridge
CB1 3UG
Employer's website
https://www.cambscommunityservices.nhs.uk/careers (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Details
Date posted
11 November 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 4
Salary
£27,485 to £30,162 a year per annum, pro-rota
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working
Reference number
448-CCYP-7599205
Job locations
Peacock Centre
Brookfields Hospital, 351 Mill road
Cambridge
CB1 3UG
Supporting documents
Privacy notice
Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)