Specialist Speech & Language Therapist (Band 7)
Long Ditton, Surrey | Specialist SEND School | Full-Time | Permanent | Band 7 Equivalent | September 2026 Start
£55,000 - £65,000
Are you an experienced Speech & Language Therapist passionate about supporting children and young people with complex communication needs?
Do you want to work within a highly collaborative, therapy-led environment where communication, participation, regulation and independence sit at the heart of every pupil's journey?
We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Speech & Language Therapist to join a highly regarded specialist school supporting pupils aged 4-19 with severe and complex learning difficulties, Autism, sensory needs and significant speech, language and communication needs.
The successful candidate will join a well-established multidisciplinary team and play a key role in ensuring communication is embedded throughout every aspect of school life. Working closely with teachers, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Behaviour Specialists, support staff and families, you will help pupils develop meaningful communication, increase participation and achieve greater independence.
This role would suit a therapist who is passionate about integrated working, neuro-affirming practice and creating communication-rich environments that enable every young person to thrive.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage a specialist caseload of pupils with severe and complex speech, language and communication needs.
* Undertake formal and informal assessments, analyse findings and develop evidence-based intervention programmes tailored to individual pupil needs.
* Deliver highly effective therapy through individual, group and classroom-based approaches.
* Ensure communication strategies are embedded throughout the school day and across all learning environments.
* Contribute to EHCP provision, Annual Reviews, multidisciplinary meetings and statutory reporting.
* Work collaboratively with teaching staff to adapt learning environments and curriculum materials to maximise communication and participation.
* Lead on the implementation and development of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, including both low-tech and high-tech communication solutions.
* Provide training, coaching and consultation to teachers, support staff and families around communication strategies and best practice.
* Champion neuro-affirming, strengths-based and communication-focused approaches across the school community.
* Contribute to the ongoing development of therapy services and whole-school communication provision.
The Ideal Candidate
* Holds a recognised Speech & Language Therapy qualification.
* HCPC registered Speech & Language Therapist.
* Member of the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists (RCSLT).
* Significant experience supporting children and young people with complex communication needs.
* Strong understanding of Autism, severe learning difficulties, sensory differences and communication development.
* Experience working within specialist schools, paediatric services or complex SEND environments.
* Excellent communication, report writing and multidisciplinary working skills.
* Passionate about improving participation, communication and quality of life outcomes for young people with complex needs.
Desirable Experience
* Experience supporting pupils with Autism, SLD, PMLD and complex communication profiles.
* Knowledge of AAC systems including Grid for Schools, PODD, Eye Gaze and other communication technologies.
* Experience working within transdisciplinary or integrated therapy models.
* Knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support and communication-enabling environments.
* Experience providing supervision, mentoring or specialist advice to colleagues.
* Strong understanding of EHCP processes and statutory responsibilities.
What's on Offer?
* Competitive Band 7 equivalent salary package.
* Access to a highly experienced multidisciplinary therapy team.
* A genuinely integrated therapeutic model where therapists play a central role in pupil outcomes.
* Specialist resources and communication technology.
* Ongoing CPD, clinical supervision and career progression opportunities.
* Supportive and forward-thinking leadership team.
* Opportunity to influence whole-school communication practice and make a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people with complex needs.
INDTSC