Speech and Language Therapist (Experienced)
Temp to Perm | Full Time | Term Time Only (39 weeks)
📍 Chester
💰 £36,445 - £43,959 (Dependent on post-qualification experience)
📅 Start Date: March 2025 (ASAP)
📌 Recruiter: Tradewind Recruitment (Rosie Harding)
Shape Communication. Transform Futures.
Tradewind Recruitment is proud to be supporting a highly regarded Independent Special School in Chester to recruit an experienced Speech and Language Therapist (minimum 2 years' post-qualification experience) for a temp-to-perm opportunity.
This is a full-time, term-time only role (39 weeks onsite), with salary paid evenly across 12 months once permanent (not pro-rata).
⚠️ Please note: This role is not suitable for newly qualified Speech and Language Therapists.
About the School
Our client is an Independent Special School supporting children and young people aged 4-19 with autism, additional learning difficulties and behaviours that may challenge.
The school operates a highly collaborative transdisciplinary model, bringing together teachers, behaviour analysts, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists to ensure communication is embedded across all aspects of learning.
Pupils all have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and the school works closely with families and local authorities to deliver personalised, evidence-informed education and care.
The Role
As an experienced Speech and Language Therapist, you will:
Manage a small, class-based caseload (6-7 pupils per class)
Deliver weekly direct and indirect therapy
Conduct specialist communication assessments
Develop personalised, data-driven intervention plans
Assess and support AAC (low and high tech) systems
Embed communication strategies across the curriculum
Contribute to EHCP reviews and transition planning
Deliver staff coaching and training
Work collaboratively with occupational therapists and behaviour analysts
Maintain clinical documentation in line with HCPC and RCSLT standards
There is no pressure to discharge pupils, allowing you to provide consistent, meaningful support across the school year.
Person Specification
Essential:
Recognised Speech and Language Therapy degree
HCPC registration
RCSLT membership
Minimum 2 years' post-qualification experience
Experience working with children and young people with autism and complex needs
Experience supporting AAC
Strong assessment, intervention and report-writing skills
Ability to use data to inform clinical decisions
Commitment to safeguarding and inclusive practice
Desirable:
Experience within a SEN or specialist school
Postgraduate autism training
Experience delivering staff training
Knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support approaches
Experience with interventions such as Colourful Semantics or Zones of Regulation
What's on Offer?
✔ Temp-to-perm opportunity
✔ Term time only (39 weeks onsite)
✔ Salary paid equally across 12 months once permanent
✔ Small caseloads
✔ No cross-site travel
✔ Structured clinical supervision
✔ Comprehensive CPD programme
✔ Pension scheme
✔ Wellbeing support services
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced SALT seeking a collaborative and well-supported specialist setting where communication is at the heart of pupil development.
Safeguarding
This role involves regulated activity with children and requires an Enhanced DBS check (including Barred List checks). The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
How to Apply
To express your interest, please contact Tradewind Recruitment:
📞 (phone number removed) - Ask for Rosie
📧
Early applications are encouraged as interviews will be arranged on a rolling basis.
If you are an experienced Speech and Language Therapist ready to make a lasting impact in a specialist setting, we would love to hear from you