Band 6/7 Speech and Language Therapist – Specialist SEND School

Location: Hackney, East London
Contract: Permanent
Start Date: To be confirmed
Salary: NHS Band 6/7 equivalent, dependent on experience and qualifications

Parker Smith Inclusion is working in partnership with a specialist SEND school in Hackney to recruit an experienced Band 6/7 Speech and Language Therapist (SaLT) to join their team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced therapist who is passionate about supporting children and young people with additional needs to develop their communication, interaction and independence.

The school takes a personalised approach to education, recognising that every pupil has different strengths, needs and ways of communicating. As Speech and Language Therapist, you will play a key role in helping pupils access learning, express themselves and build meaningful relationships through effective, individualised communication support.

Working collaboratively with teachers, Teaching Assistants, families and other professionals, you will help ensure that communication is at the heart of each pupil's educational experience.

The Role

You will be responsible for assessing pupils' communication needs, developing and delivering effective speech and language therapy programmes, and supporting the wider school team to implement strategies consistently.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Assessing pupils' speech, language and communication needs and developing appropriate individualised programmes.
• Delivering direct speech and language therapy interventions within the school setting.
• Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of therapy programmes, adapting approaches where required.
• Advising and supporting teachers, Teaching Assistants and other professionals to embed communication strategies throughout the school day.
• Working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to support pupils' wider developmental and educational needs.
• Supporting parents, carers and volunteers to understand and implement appropriate communication approaches.
• Promoting the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) where appropriate.
• Using and supporting approaches such as Makaton to help pupils communicate effectively.
• Delivering training to staff and other relevant professionals to develop their understanding and confidence.
• Managing and evaluating therapy resources to ensure they are appropriate and effective for pupils' needs.
• Maintaining clear communication and appropriate records relating to pupils' programmes and progress.
• Identifying your own professional development needs and engaging in relevant post-qualification training and continuing professional development (CPD).

Essential Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for this position, you must have:

• A recognised Speech and Language Therapy qualification.
• Current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Experience operating at NHS Band 6 or Band 7 level, with the clinical knowledge and professional autonomy appropriate to the role.
• At least two years of post-qualification experience working in paediatrics.
• Experience delivering speech and language therapy within a school setting.
• Experience working with children and young people with additional needs and special educational needs.
• Experience working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary or multi-professional team.
• Experience delivering training to colleagues or other relevant professionals.
• Relevant post-qualification training.

Knowledge and Skills

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• The ability to develop, deliver and evaluate effective speech and language therapy programmes.
• Knowledge and understanding of AAC and how it can support pupils with communication difficulties.
• Knowledge of Makaton and its application in supporting communication.
• The ability to advise and support other professionals in implementing communication strategies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to work with pupils, families, staff and external professionals.
• The ability to work independently, manage responsibilities effectively and contribute positively to a wider team.
• A commitment to ongoing professional development and maintaining high standards of practice.

Personal Attributes

We are looking for someone who is:

• Warm, caring and approachable, building positive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
• Highly motivated, organised and committed to delivering high-quality therapy.
• Flexible and responsive to the changing needs of pupils and the school.
• Collaborative in their approach, recognising the value of working alongside education staff, families and other professionals.
• Passionate about helping children communicate, participate and develop greater independence.

Why Work with Parker Smith Inclusion?

At Parker Smith Inclusion, we specialise in SEND education and understand the importance of matching skilled professionals with settings where their expertise can make a meaningful difference.

We take an ethical and transparent approach to recruitment, taking the time to understand your experience, professional values and career ambitions.

Apply Today

If you are a Band 6 or Band 7 Speech and Language Therapist with paediatric experience, school-based therapy experience and a passion for developing communication opportunities for children with SEND, contact Parker Smith Inclusion to discuss this opportunity.

Parker Smith Inclusion is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to appropriate safeguarding and recruitment checks.