Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week
About Us
We are a specialist education provider committed to delivering outstanding education and therapeutic support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Our multidisciplinary approach combines education, therapy and pastoral support to enable every learner to achieve their full potential in a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment.
We are seeking an experienced, compassionate and highly motivated Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) to join our multidisciplinary team. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact by supporting learners with speech, language, communication and swallowing difficulties, helping them to develop the skills they need to access education, build relationships and achieve greater independence.
About the Role
Reporting to the Headteacher or Therapy Services Lead, the Speech and Language Therapist will assess, diagnose, plan and deliver specialist speech and language therapy interventions for children and young people with a wide range of communication needs, including autism spectrum condition (ASC), developmental language disorder (DLD), speech sound disorders, learning disabilities, social communication difficulties and complex communication needs.
Working collaboratively with teachers, teaching assistants, parents, carers and external professionals, the successful candidate will develop evidence-based intervention programmes that enable learners to access the curriculum, improve communication skills and achieve the outcomes identified within their Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
Key Responsibilities
- Assess, diagnose and provide evidence-based speech and language therapy interventions for children and young people with speech, language and communication needs.
- Undertake comprehensive communication assessments using recognised clinical assessment tools and professional judgement.
- Develop, implement and regularly review individual therapy programmes tailored to each learner's needs.
- Contribute to the assessment, development and review of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), providing specialist advice and recommendations.
- Deliver individual and group therapy sessions using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
- Support learners with speech, language, communication, social interaction, literacy and functional communication skills.
- Assess and advise on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems where appropriate.
- Recommend and support the implementation of communication aids and assistive technology.
- Work collaboratively with teachers to adapt classroom activities and teaching approaches to meet individual communication needs.
- Develop communication-friendly learning environments and support staff in implementing effective communication strategies across the curriculum.
- Provide advice, guidance and training to teachers, teaching assistants, parents and carers to ensure consistent implementation of communication programmes.
- Support learners with autism spectrum condition (ASC), developmental language disorder (DLD), learning disabilities and other communication needs through targeted interventions.
- Assess and manage eating, drinking and swallowing (dysphagia) needs where appropriately trained and competent.
- Monitor, evaluate and record learners' progress, maintaining accurate, confidential and contemporaneous clinical records.
- Prepare professional reports, assessment summaries and recommendations for annual reviews, multidisciplinary meetings and statutory assessments.
- Participate in multidisciplinary planning meetings and contribute to integrated therapeutic support for learners.
- Work closely with educational psychologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, SENCOs, teachers and external agencies to coordinate support.
- Maintain professional standards in accordance with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) and relevant professional guidance.
- Participate in continuing professional development, clinical supervision, service evaluation and quality improvement activities.
- Contribute to the development of therapy policies, procedures and best practice across the organisation.
- Undertake any other duties commensurate with the responsibilities of the role.
Essential Requirements
- Degree or postgraduate qualification in Speech and Language Therapy recognised by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
- Current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Speech and Language Therapist.
- Membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), or eligibility for membership.
- Experience assessing and supporting children and young people with speech, language and communication needs.
- Good understanding of autism spectrum condition (ASC), learning disabilities, developmental language disorder (DLD) and social communication difficulties.
- Experience contributing to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and multidisciplinary working.
- Excellent clinical reasoning, assessment and report-writing skills.
- Strong communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to prioritise workload effectively and work independently while contributing positively to a multidisciplinary team.
- Commitment to evidence-based practice, safeguarding and continuous professional development.
Desirable
- Experience working within a specialist school, SEND provision or education setting.
- Experience supporting learners aged 14–25 years with complex learning needs.
- Training or experience in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
- Knowledge of Makaton, British Sign Language (BSL) or other recognised communication systems.
- Experience supporting learners with dysphagia and relevant postgraduate training.
- Experience using communication assessment tools and assistive technology.
- Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice, Equality Act 2010 and relevant education legislation.
- Experience delivering staff training and parent workshops.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel between education sites, where required.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary.
- Pension scheme.
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- Comprehensive induction programme.
- Clinical supervision and mentoring.
- Continuing professional development and funded training opportunities.
- Opportunities for career progression within a growing specialist education organisation.
- Employee wellbeing initiatives.
- A supportive multidisciplinary team environment committed to professional excellence and outstanding outcomes for learners.
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to safer recruitment procedures, including an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, identity verification, Right to Work checks, qualification verification, HCPC registration verification and any other pre-employment checks required by current legislation.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity, fairness and respect. We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
How to Apply
If you are a dedicated Speech and Language Therapist who is passionate about improving communication outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Please submit your CV together with a covering letter outlining your qualifications, experience and suitability for the role.
Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Pay: £50,000.00-£55,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
