Speech and Language Therapist (Band 7)

What skills and experience we're looking for

We are looking for a skilled and motivated Speech and Language Therapist to join our therapy team. You will deliver speech, language and communication support through a collaborative, class-based model, embedding strategies throughout the school day while promoting neuro-affirming, strengths-based practice.

The school operates across three sites: an all-through main site, a small secondary provision and a primary provision. This role will be primarily based at the primary Discovery site, with one day per week at the main site, working flexibly across Kingston (approximately two days) and Surbiton (one day).

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide child-centred, evidence-based assessment and intervention for pupils with complex speech, language and communication needs, delivering individual and group therapy in collaboration with education staff.
• Fulfil Speech and Language Therapy provision outlined in EHCPs, including completing assessments, maintaining clinical records and writing professional reports.
• Promote neuro-affirming, strengths-based communication approaches, ensuring pupils have meaningful opportunities to communicate and participate in school life.
• Support and train teaching and support staff to implement effective communication strategies and create a communication-enabling learning environment.
• Lead and support the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, ensuring pupils have appropriate access to high-tech and low-tech communication tools.

Key Requirements:

• Qualifications & Professional Registration: Degree in Speech and Language Therapy (or equivalent), HCPC registration, and eligibility for membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.
• Clinical Knowledge & Practice: Knowledge and application of standardised assessments, confidentiality and data protection, and current evidence-based practice and research, including statutory regulations for EHCPs.
• Clinical Skills & Experience: Advanced clinical assessment and decision-making skills, experience working with pupils with complex needs and severe learning disabilities, and ability to manage a clinical caseload with accurate notes and reports.
• Collaboration & Communication: Experience working in multidisciplinary teams, training and supporting staff in communication programmes, and building effective relationships with children, parents/carers, and professionals.
• Specialist & Professional Skills: Ability to work independently, use initiative, adapt to change, deliver individual and group interventions, and assess and implement high-tech AAC communication equipment.

What the school offers its staff

OHCAT is an exciting, forward-thinking organisation, and we offer many benefits to attract and keep our staff, contributing towards maintaining and improving wellbeing, and encouraging our required behaviours, achievements, values, and skills. Below is just a selection of the benefits available to our employees:

Rewards & Benefits:

• Pathways for progression within the trust, ensuring you can grow and thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.
• Pension Scheme - you will be enrolled in either the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS), both offering life cover and financial protection for your family.

• Salary Sacrifice Schemes (Cycle Scheme, Employee Car Lease Scheme and Home Electronics Scheme)
• Employee Wellbeing - We support employee wellbeing with access to counselling, mental health support, generous leave, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave including Employee Assistance Programme, MyGym Discounts, Corporate Eyecare Scheme
• Employee Discounts (Blue Light Card, Costco Membership, Discounts for Teachers, and more)
• Other (Season Ticket Loan and Employee Referral Scheme)

Commitment to safeguarding

Dysart School is committed to the protection of children and an enhanced DBS check will be required for these positions.