Graduate Aspiring Speech and Language Teaching Assistant Location: Kingston upon Thames, South West London Contract: Full-time | Term-time only (long-term) Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:00pm Start Date: ASAP / Flexible Pay: £108 per day About the School An independent specialist SEN school in Kingston upon Thames is seeking a motivated and compassionate Aspiring Speech and Language Teaching Assistant to join their multidisciplinary team. The school supports pupils with complex communication needs, including Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN), Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and associated learning differences. Many pupils have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and benefit from highly individualised learning and therapeutic support. The provision takes a holistic approach, with close collaboration between teaching staff, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Educational Psychologists. The school is well-resourced, with small class sizes and a strong focus on communication, independence and life skills. This role is particularly well suited to graduates or aspiring practitioners looking to pursue careers in Speech and Language Therapy, Educational Psychology or specialist SEN teaching. Role and Responsibilities Deliver 1:1 and small-group interventions to support speech, language and communication development Work alongside Speech and Language Therapists to implement targeted programmes and strategies Support pupils with communication needs using visual supports, Makaton, PECS or AAC tools Assist the class teacher in adapting lessons to meet EHCP targets and individual learning needs Promote the development of expressive and receptive language skills in and out of the classroom Support pupils’ social interaction, emotional regulation and confidence Monitor, record and report on pupil progress and engagement Maintain a safe, structured and inclusive learning environment Candidate Requirements Degree in Speech Sciences, Linguistics, Psychology, Education or a related field (or currently studying) Strong interest in speech and language development and supporting pupils with SEN Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Patient, proactive and emotionally resilient approach Experience working with children or young people is desirable (school, tutoring, care or support work) Understanding of communication strategies such as PECS, Makaton or AAC is beneficial but not essential Why This Role Is a Valuable Stepping Stone This role provides excellent preparation for careers in: Speech and Language Therapy Educational or Clinical Psychology Occupational Therapy SEN Teaching or Specialist Education Child and Adolescent Mental Health You will gain hands-on experience working within a specialist setting, supporting complex communication needs and learning directly from experienced therapists and practitioners. What the School Offers A highly supportive and specialist SEN environment Opportunities to work closely with qualified Speech and Language Therapists Ongoing training and professional development Small class sizes and a personalised approach to learning Valuable experience for postgraduate study and professional training pathways How to Apply If you are passionateabout supporting children with speech, language and communication needs and are looking to build a career in this field, we would welcome your application. Please apply today with an updated CV or contact Charlie Hayes on 07758 135 941 for more information.