Post Reference Number: EXP - SLT ELWS 001
Post Title: Speech and Language Therapist
Recruitment Manager: Ed Hanley
Location: Expanse Learning Wigan School, Tyrer Avenue, Wigan, WN3 5XE
Salary: Competitive Salary
Work Pattern: FTE (37.5 hrs per week)
Responsible to: Headteacher
Responsible for: Speech and Language Therapy provision
Closing Date: 25/06/2026
The Speech and Language Therapist will be responsible for delivering high-quality, evidence-based speech, language and communication support to children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The role aims to support students to develop their speech, language, communication, social interaction and functional communication skills, enabling them to access education, build relationships and achieve their potential.
The post holder will assess, plan and deliver personalised intervention programmes informed by Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and will work collaboratively with teachers, teaching assistants, families and other professionals as part of a multidisciplinary team. Through a trauma-informed, inclusive and student-centred approach, the therapist will support emotional regulation, engagement and positive outcomes for all students.
This job description provides an outline of the duties and responsibilities of the role, and the necessary skills and knowledge required to perform them as at the date it was created. It may be subject to change following consultation.
Expanse Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to satisfactory disclosure and clearance prior to employment.
It is unlawful for Expanse Learning to employ anyone who is barred from working with children. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to apply for a position at Expanse Learning. All applicants will be made aware that providing false information is an offence and could result in the application being rejected, or summary dismissal if the applicant has been selected, and referral to the police and/or the DBS.
We are committed to achieving equal opportunities in the way we deliver services to the community and in our employment arrangements. We expect all employees to understand and promote this policy in their work.
Employees will be recruited based on their qualifications and experience to do the work to be performed, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, nationality, religion or belief, political opinion, age, pregnancy & maternity, disability or trade union membership status.
All employees have a responsibility for their own health and safety and that of others when carrying out their duties and must help us to apply our general statement of health and safety policy.
- Assess and support children and young people with speech, language and communication needs.
- Deliver individual and group therapy programmes.
- Maintain accurate clinical records and reports.
NOTE TO APPLICANTS If you require any aids or adaptations to either our workplace or policies and practices that may assist or enable you to successfully carry out this role, please inform us.
Personal Specification:
Criteria
Essential/ Desirable
Source
Degree or postgraduate qualification in Speech and Language Therapy (or equivalent)
Essential
Application
HCPC registration as a Speech and Language Therapist
Essential
Application
Registration with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)
Essential
Application
Evidence of relevant post-qualification training or CPD
Desirable
Application/Interview
Sound theoretical and clinical knowledge of speech, language, communication, and interaction needs appropriate to the client group
Essential
Interview
-
Secure understanding of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including:
- Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
- ADHD
- Moderate to Severe Learning Difficulties (MLD/SLD)
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
Essential
Interview
Knowledge of evidence-based speech and language therapy assessment and intervention approaches
Essential
Interview
Understanding of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and how therapy outcomes contribute to planning, delivery and review
Essential
Interview
Awareness of safeguarding, child protection, and statutory guidance (e.g. Working Together to Safeguard Children)
Essential
Interview
Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and positive behaviour support approaches
Essential
Interview
Understanding of functional communication, language development, and social communication skills
Essential
Interview
Knowledge of assessment for learning and measuring progress in a SEND context, including small-step and non-linear progress
Essential
Interview
Ability to assess, plan, deliver, and evaluate speech and language therapy interventions tailored to individual needs
Essential
Interview
Skilled in using a range of communication approaches, including visual supports, AAC, and multi-sensory strategies
Essential
Interview
Ability to break down communication goals into clear, achievable steps
Essential
Interview
Strong communication skills, able to explain strategies clearly to pupils, families, and professionals
Essential
Interview
Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with children and young people who may have experienced trauma or disengagement
Essential
Interview
Skilled in supporting communication needs linked to behaviour, emotional regulation, and sensory differences
Essential
Interview
Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team, including teachers, teaching assistants, SENCOs, and external professionals
Essential
Interview
Ability to produce clear, accurate reports and maintain high-quality clinical records
Essential
Interview
Resilience, patience, and strong emotional intelligence in challenging and complex situations
Essential
Interview
Experience of delivering speech and language therapy to children and young people with SEND
Essential
Interview
Experience of working in a specialist, education, or school-based setting
Desirable
Interview
All successful candidates are subject to the following security checks.
o Verification of the applicant's identity (where that has not previously been verified)
o The receipt of two references (one of which must be from the applicant's most recent employer) which Expanse considers being satisfactory.
o Where the position amounts to "regulated activity the receipt of an enhanced disclosure from the DBS which Expanse considers to be satisfactory.
o Where the position amounts to "regulated activity" confirmation that the applicant is not named on the Children's Barred List/Vulnerable Adult Barred List.
o Verification of the applicant's medical fitness for the role.
o Verification of the applicant's right to work in the UK.
o Prohibition from teaching checks
o Section 128 provisions check (prohibited from managing)
o Any further checks which are necessary as a result of the applicant having lived or worked outside of the UK; and
o Verification of professional qualifications which Expanse Group deems a requirement for the post, or which the applicant otherwise cites in support of their application (where they have not been previously verified).
o An online search will be completed as part of Expanse Learnings pre-employment checks.
Essential
Checks
Note to Applicants:
Applicants must try to show in their application evidence of their ability to meet the requirement of the person specification. If you require any aids or adaptations to either our workplace or policies and practices that may assist or enable you to successfully carry out this role, please inform us.
How to apply
If you are interested in being considered for this position, please visit:
https://www.expanselearning.co.uk/job-opportunities/
Alternatively, an application pack can be requested by contacting the Recruiting Manager, on 01942 877715.
Your application for employment at Expanse Learning will not be processed unless supported with a fully completed application form.