Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist for secondary settings

Job Description

BELS is seeking two Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapists to design, develop and deliver an innovative new programme focused on supporting speech, language and communication needs within secondary settings. The successful postholders will work as part of the wider Early Language Support for Every Child (ELSEC) team and play a key role in shaping a new area of provision across Barnet.

ELSEC is an innovative programme that launched in June 2024 to improve outcomes for children and young people with speech, language and communication needs. The programme is currently delivered by a team of Speech and Language Therapy Assistants and Speech and Language Therapists who provide training, coaching and consultation to education staff across Barnet's early years settings and primary schools. The programme aims to build the confidence, knowledge and capacity of education staff to identify and support speech, language and communication needs, creating sustainable change beyond the period of direct involvement.

To learn more about the ELSEC programme, please visit the Department for Education website: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/earlier-support-for-speech-and-language-for-20000-children

Building on the success of the existing ELSEC programme within early years and primary settings, Barnet is now expanding its offer to secondary settings. This role presents an exciting opportunity to develop and evaluate new approaches that improve the identification and support of young people with speech, language and communication needs within secondary education.

This role focuses on workforce development, capacity building and systems change, rather than the provision of ongoing direct therapy. The postholder will support the development, implementation and evaluation of sustainable approaches that equip education staff and families to better meet the needs of young people with speech, language and communication needs.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our dynamic, friendly and supportive team that is dedicated to providing a high-quality service to schools and settings.

Successful candidates will be joining a creative and highly skilled team that is well-regarded and valued by schools and services across Barnet. You will benefit from a supportive senior leadership team committed to promoting the wellbeing of staff and work-life balance, ongoing training and development.

Barnet Education and Learning Service is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) with barred list check is required for all successful applicants. In addition, if this post is likely to come under the requirements of the Childcare (Disqualification) 2009 Regulations, the successful applicant will be required to declare.

We are committed to practising in ways that are equitable, anti-racist and culturally responsive and we welcome candidates who share this commitment. We have developed an equity and anti-racism policy which outlines our values and actions in this area including ongoing CPD and offering support to our school community. Recruitment of a diverse workforce that is representative of the community we serve is part of our ongoing commitment and is embedded in this policy and therefore, we welcome applicants who are underrepresented in our profession.

Closing date for applications: midnight 19th November 2026

Interviews will be held week commencing 30th November 2026

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