Welcome to Orchard Manor School
At Orchard Manor School, we are proud to be a truly inclusive community where every pupil is known, valued and supported to belong. Our work is grounded in our core values of respect, relationships, kindness, community, and health & happiness, which are lived through daily interactions across our school.
We are a specialist school with an outstanding residential provision, supporting pupils aged 4–19 with autism and communication and interaction needs, alongside learning needs.
We place the child firmly at the centre of everything we do. Through strong relationships with pupils, families and professionals, we create a safe, nurturing environment where pupils feel respected, understood and able to thrive.
A significant proportion of our curriculum is dedicated to Communication, Language & Literature, underpinned by a Total Communication approach. Communication is central to wellbeing — supporting pupils’ health & happiness, enabling them to connect, express themselves, and participate fully in their community.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a passionate and skilled professional to lead communication practice across the school.
This is a key role in helping us:
You will play a central role in ensuring that communication is not an add-on, but something that shapes every interaction, every relationship, and every learning experience.
About the Role
You will lead communication provision across our pathway model (Explore, Discovery and Investigate), ensuring that approaches reflect individual need while enabling pupils to build independence and develop their voice within the school community.
This post is open to candidates who are either:
Key Responsibilities
Leading Whole-School Communication
Speech, Language and Communication Planning
Universal Offer and Targeted Intervention
Workforce Development & Line Management
Family Partnership & AAC Funding
Collaboration & Impact
About You
We are looking for someone who:
Why Join Orchard Manor School?
Find Out More / Visit Us
We warmly encourage informal visits so you can experience our school community and values in action. If you would like to get a feel of our school do have a look at our social media pages too - we are on , and . Our website is
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A copy of our safeguarding policy can be found here: This role falls under KCSIE regulated activities and as such it is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relating to children.
How to apply
Please complete your application on My New Term . Applicants are advised that submitting an incorrect or insufficiently completed application form will result in non-selection for interview.
Particular attention should be made to career history since secondary education and referees meeting the required criteria.
Closing Date: Friday 19th June 2026 at 4:00pm.