Speech and Language Therapist (Experienced)

Temp to Perm | Full Time | Term Time Only (39 weeks)
📍 Chester
💰 £36,445 - £43,959 (Dependent on post-qualification experience)
📅 Start Date: March 2025 (ASAP)
📌 Recruiter: Tradewind Recruitment (Rosie Harding)

Shape Communication. Transform Futures.

Tradewind Recruitment is proud to be supporting a highly regarded Independent Special School in Chester to recruit an experienced Speech and Language Therapist (minimum 2 years' post-qualification experience) for a temp-to-perm opportunity.

This is a full-time, term-time only role (39 weeks onsite), with salary paid evenly across 12 months once permanent (not pro-rata).

⚠️ Please note: This role is not suitable for newly qualified Speech and Language Therapists.

About the School

Our client is an Independent Special School supporting children and young people aged 4-19 with autism, additional learning difficulties and behaviours that may challenge.

The school operates a highly collaborative transdisciplinary model, bringing together teachers, behaviour analysts, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists to ensure communication is embedded across all aspects of learning.

Pupils all have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and the school works closely with families and local authorities to deliver personalised, evidence-informed education and care.

The Role

As an experienced Speech and Language Therapist, you will:

Manage a small, class-based caseload (6-7 pupils per class)

Deliver weekly direct and indirect therapy

Conduct specialist communication assessments

Develop personalised, data-driven intervention plans

Assess and support AAC (low and high tech) systems

Embed communication strategies across the curriculum

Contribute to EHCP reviews and transition planning

Deliver staff coaching and training

Work collaboratively with occupational therapists and behaviour analysts

Maintain clinical documentation in line with HCPC and RCSLT standards

There is no pressure to discharge pupils, allowing you to provide consistent, meaningful support across the school year.

Person Specification

Essential:

Recognised Speech and Language Therapy degree

HCPC registration

RCSLT membership

Minimum 2 years' post-qualification experience

Experience working with children and young people with autism and complex needs

Experience supporting AAC

Strong assessment, intervention and report-writing skills

Ability to use data to inform clinical decisions

Commitment to safeguarding and inclusive practice

Desirable:

Experience within a SEN or specialist school

Postgraduate autism training

Experience delivering staff training

Knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support approaches

Experience with interventions such as Colourful Semantics or Zones of Regulation

What's on Offer?

✔ Temp-to-perm opportunity
✔ Term time only (39 weeks onsite)
✔ Salary paid equally across 12 months once permanent
✔ Small caseloads
✔ No cross-site travel
✔ Structured clinical supervision
✔ Comprehensive CPD programme
✔ Pension scheme
✔ Wellbeing support services

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced SALT seeking a collaborative and well-supported specialist setting where communication is at the heart of pupil development.

Safeguarding

This role involves regulated activity with children and requires an Enhanced DBS check (including Barred List checks). The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

How to Apply

To express your interest, please contact Tradewind Recruitment:

📞 (phone number removed) - Ask for Rosie
📧

Early applications are encouraged as interviews will be arranged on a rolling basis.

If you are an experienced Speech and Language Therapist ready to make a lasting impact in a specialist setting, we would love to hear from you