Speech and Language Therapist / OT (education)
Responsibilities
* Conduct comprehensive assessments of pupils' speech, language, communication, and/or occupational therapy needs.
* Plan and deliver individual and group therapy sessions in line with pupils' Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and individual therapy goals.
* Monitor, record and report on pupils' progress towards therapeutic targets, making accurate and productive use of assessment data.
* Adapt therapeutic approaches to respond to the strengths and needs of individual pupils.
* Set high expectations which inspire, motivate and support pupils to achieve their therapeutic goals.
* Demonstrate excellent subject knowledge in speech and language therapy and/or occupational therapy practice.
* Provide advice and strategies to support pupils' access to external examinations and assessments where required.
* Work closely with teaching staff, teaching assistants and other professionals to develop and implement effective strategies that support pupils' learning and development.
* Provide training, advice and guidance to staff on therapeutic strategies and interventions that can be embedded within the classroom environment.
* Contribute to the development and review of Individual Education Plans (IEPs), provision maps and EHCPs.
* Attend multidisciplinary meetings, including annual reviews, to provide professional input on pupils' therapeutic needs and progress.
* Liaise with parents, carers and external agencies to ensure coordinated support for pupils.
Whole-school organisation, strategy and development
* Contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of the school's SEND policies, practices and procedures, so as to support the school's vision and values.
* Make a positive contribution to the wider life and ethos of the school.
* Work with others on curriculum and pupil development to secure coordinated outcomes for pupils with SEND.
* Support the development of an inclusive environment that enables all pupils to access learning.
Health, safety and discipline
* Promote the safety and wellbeing of pupils at all times.
* Manage therapeutic sessions to ensure a safe environment, including appropriate use of specialist equipment.
* Follow health and safety protocols, including infection control and manual handling procedures where applicable.
* Maintain accurate records in line with professional and school requirements.
* Take part in the school's appraisal procedures.
* Engage in continuing professional development (CPD) to maintain registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
* Take part in supervision arrangements in line with professional standards.
* Contribute to the professional development of colleagues through training and mentoring where appropriate.
Communication
* Communicate effectively with pupils, parents, carers and external professionals.
* Provide clear written and verbal reports on pupils' therapeutic needs and progress.
* Maintain confidential and accurate records of assessments, interventions and progress.
Working with colleagues and other relevant professionals
* Collaborate effectively with the SENCO, teaching staff, teaching assistants and other therapists.
* Develop effective professional relationships with external agencies, including local authority services, health services and other specialist providers.
* Participate in professional networks to share best practice.
Personal and professional conduct
* Uphold public trust in the profession and maintain high standards of ethics and behaviour, within and outside the school.
* Have proper and professional regard for the ethos, policies and practices of the school, and maintain high standards of attendance and punctuality.
* Understand and act within the statutory frameworks setting out professional duties and responsibilities, including HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics (or equivalent professional standards).
* Maintain professional registration with the appropriate regulatory body.
Safeguarding
* Work in line with statutory safeguarding guidance (e.g. Keeping Children Safe in Education, Prevent) and our safeguarding and child protection policies.
* Work with the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) to promote the best interests of pupils, including sharing concerns where necessary.
* Promote the safeguarding of all pupils in the school and recognise the particular vulnerabilities of pupils with SEND.
Please note that this is illustrative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the role. It is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that the postholder will carry out. The postholder may be required to do other duties appropriate to the level of the role, as directed by the headteacher, SENCO or line manager.
Person specification
Qualifications and experience
* Degree in Speech and Language Therapy or Occupational Therapy.
* Registration with HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council).
* Successful experience working with children and young people in an educational or clinical setting.
* Experience of working with pupils with a range of SEND.
Skills and knowledge
* Knowledge of child development and how communication/sensory processing difficulties impact on learning.
* Knowledge of effective therapeutic assessment and intervention strategies.
* Ability to adapt therapeutic approaches to meet individual pupils' needs.
* Ability to build effective working relationships with pupils, staff and parents.
* Knowledge of guidance and requirements around safeguarding children, particularly those with SEND.
* Strong report writing and record-keeping skills.
* Good ICT skills, particularly for assessment, record-keeping and creating resources.
* Understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and EHCP processes.
* Knowledge of Ofsted requirements relating to SEND provision (desirable).
* A commitment to getting the best outcomes for all pupils and promoting the ethos and values of the school.
* High expectations for pupils' progress and development.
* Ability to work under pressure and prioritise effectively.
* Commitment to maintaining confidentiality at all times.
* Commitment to safeguarding and equality.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
* Ability to work both independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
EEO Statement
We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Eton Academy is an equal opportunity employer; we encourage applications irrespective of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, religious or philosophical beliefs, sexual orientation or gender identity.
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