Band 5 Speech and Language Therapist - Term Time Only
Location: The Redway School, Milton Keynes
Reporting To: Lead Speech and Language Therapist
Job Purpose
The post holder will provide Speech and Language Therapy support for pupils aged 2–19 years attending The Redway School, a specialist setting for children and young people with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD) and complex communication needs.
The therapist will work as part of our growing multi-disciplinary therapy team to support pupils’ communication and interaction needs, and overall access to learning and wellbeing. The role will involve assessment, intervention, programme implementation, staff training, and close collaboration with families and professionals.
The Band 5 therapist will receive regular clinical supervision and support from a senior therapist and will contribute to delivering high-quality, evidence-based therapy within the school environment.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities
· Assess pupils’ speech, language, communication, and interaction needs within competencies and under appropriate supervision.
· Develop, implement, and review individual and group Speech and Language Therapy programmes for pupils with PMLD, ASD, and complex learning disabilities.
· Use evidence-based practice, outcome measures, and clinical reasoning to support effective intervention and achieve identified outcomes.
· Support the implementation of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) and total communication approaches; including visuals, paper and power-based communication aids, objects of reference, switches, and sensory communication strategies.
· Where competencies and qualifications allow, contribute to eating and drinking assessments and recommendations.
· Provide advice, strategies, and training to families, school staff, and multidisciplinary team members to support pupils’ communication and participation across environments.
· Work collaboratively with teachers, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Multi-sensory impairment teachers, external agencies, and families to support pupil outcomes.
· Manage and prioritise a caseload and workload effectively.
· Monitor, evaluate, and adapt intervention programmes in response to pupil progress and changing needs.
· Maintain accurate clinical records, reports, and documentation in line with professional and organisational standards, including contributions to EHCPs and annual reviews.
· Work within HCPC, RCSLT, school, and departmental policies, recognising professional boundaries and seeking support when appropriate.
· Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and contribute to a total communication approach across the school.
Collaborative Working
· Work closely with teachers, support staff, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, pastoral staff, and MSI teachers.
· Provide practical advice and strategies for classroom staff to embed communication support throughout the school day.
· Support parents and carers to develop communication strategies within the home environment.
· Contribute to a total communication approach across the school.
· Develop and maintain positive working relationships with multidisciplinary teams, outside agencies, and voluntary agencies to ensure high standards of professionalism and service delivery.
Professional Responsibilities
· Work within the standards and ethics set out by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).
· Participate in regular supervision, appraisal, and continuing professional development (CPD).
· Maintain awareness of current evidence-based practice, clinical developments, and relevant national guidance to support high-quality service delivery.
· Contribute to clinical audit, service development, and the monitoring and evaluation of speech and language interventions.
· Support the delivery of training and advice for staff, families, students, and other professionals where appropriate.
· Attend mandatory training and contribute to service development activities.
· Maintain awareness of safeguarding responsibilities and promote the welfare of all pupils.
· Work within school policies relating to equality, diversity, health and safety, confidentiality, and infection control.
· Work collaboratively with the Lead SLT and wider multidisciplinary team to develop and promote the Speech and Language Therapy service within the school.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
· Degree or recognised qualification in Speech and Language Therapy.
· Registration with the HCPC.
· Membership of the RCSLT.
Essential Knowledge and Skills
· This role is suitable for experienced or newly qualified therapists wanting to develop skills and their career in an enthusiastic, supportive, collaborative and progressive setting
· Understanding of speech, language, and communication development.
· Awareness and understanding of the needs of children and young people with PMLD, ASD, complex learning difficulties, and additional needs.
· Knowledge of AAC and total communication approaches.
· Knowledge and of sensory communication approaches such as Intensive Interaction.
· Ability to reflect on all aspects of pupils’ communication and identify appropriate strategies to facilitate and enhance communication skills.
· Knowledge of therapeutic interventions relevant to PMLD, ASD, and complex learning difficulties, underpinned by evidence-based practice.
· Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
· Good written and verbal communication skills.
· Good organisational, analytical, problem-solving, and reflection skills.
· Ability to manage and prioritise workload effectively.
· Compassionate, patient, and child-centred approach.
· Good IT skills, including ability to use clinical note systems, Microsoft Office, and relevant AAC systems.
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Desirable
· Experience working with children or young people with complex needs.
· Experience within a special school or healthcare setting.
· Awareness of dysphagia/eating and drinking support.
· Knowledge of sensory communication approaches such as Intensive Interaction.
· Membership of relevant Special Interest Groups.
Safeguarding Statement
The Redway School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Equal Opportunities
The Redway School is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Pay: £32,073.00-£39,043.00 per year
Work Location: In person
