Band 5 Speech and Language Therapist

Job Description

The Redway School

Job Title

Band 5 Speech and Language Therapist

Location

The Redway School

Reports To

Lead Speech and Language Therapist

Job Purpose

The post holder will provide Speech and Language Therapy support for pupils aged 2–19 years attending The Redway School, a specialist setting for children and young people with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD) and complex communication needs.

The therapist will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to support pupils’ communication, interaction, eating and drinking needs, and overall access to learning and wellbeing. The role will involve assessment, intervention, programme implementation, staff training, and close collaboration with families and professionals.

The Band 5 therapist will receive regular clinical supervision and support from senior therapists and will contribute to delivering high-quality, evidence-based therapy within the school environment.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

• Assess pupils’ speech, language, communication, and feeding/swallowing needs under supervision and within competencies.
• Develop and deliver individual and group therapy programmes appropriate to pupils with PMLD and complex needs.
• Support the implementation of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies, including objects of reference, communication aids, switches, symbols, and sensory communication approaches.
• Contribute to eating and drinking assessments and recommendations in line with school and NHS policies.
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff, therapists, families, and external agencies to support pupils’ communication and participation.
• Monitor, evaluate, and review therapy outcomes and adapt intervention plans accordingly.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential clinical records in line with professional standards.
• Participate in annual reviews, EHCP processes, and multidisciplinary meetings as required.

Collaborative Working

• Work closely with teachers, support staff, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and pastoral staff.
• Provide practical advice and strategies for classroom staff to embed communication support throughout the school day.
• Support parents and carers to develop communication strategies within the home environment.
• Contribute to a total communication approach across the school.

Professional Responsibilities

• Work within the standards and ethics set out by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).
• Participate in regular supervision, appraisal, and continuing professional development (CPD).
• Attend mandatory training and contribute to service development activities.
• Maintain awareness of safeguarding responsibilities and promote the welfare of all pupils.
• Work within school policies relating to equality, diversity, health and safety, confidentiality, and infection control.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

• Degree or recognised qualification in Speech and Language Therapy.
• Registration with the HCPC.
• Membership of the RCSLT (or eligibility).

Essential Knowledge and Skills

• Understanding of speech, language, and communication development.
• Awareness of the needs of children and young people with PMLD, complex learning difficulties, and additional needs.
• Knowledge of AAC and total communication approaches.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage workload and prioritise tasks effectively.
• Compassionate, patient, and child-centred approach.

Desirable

• Experience working with children or young people with complex needs.
• Experience within a special school or healthcare setting.
• Awareness of dysphagia/eating and drinking support.
• Knowledge of sensory communication approaches such as Intensive Interaction.

Safeguarding Statement

The Redway School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Equal Opportunities

The Redway School is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.