Highly Specialist Speech & Language Therapist - Best Start in Life
Band 7 (NHS AfC). Contract: 12 months fixed term. • Part time, flexible working. • 0.4 sessions per week (flexible).
Location: Alexandra Avenue Health & Social Care Centre Primary Care Hub, Town London. Salary: £55,524 – £62,652 pro‑rated per annum.
Job Overview
We are launching an exciting new Early Years Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) initiative as part of the Best Start in Life programme. A Band 7 Speech and Language Therapist will lead an innovative pilot to strengthen early identification and support for speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) in nursery‑aged children.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the delivery of universal SLCN screening across participating nurseries.
- Analyse screening outcomes and contribute to evaluation reports.
- Train nursery staff to coach parents and facilitate short parent‑child interaction sessions.
- Work collaboratively with early years partners, Family Hubs and BSIL leads.
- Support sustainable long‑term practice change in settings.
- Collect, analyse and interpret screening data, staff questionnaires and parent/carer feedback at baseline and 6‑month review points.
- Align the project with Harrow’s SEND Strategy, Families First and national SEND reforms.
- Promote early identification and prevention culture.
- Produce high‑quality reports on outcomes, impact and learning for strategic planning.
Credentials and Experience
- Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree or equivalent.
- Registered Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and Health Professions Council.
- Post‑graduate short courses in parent coaching, early language development and training the trainer.
- Experience working with preschool children and early identification of SLCN.
- Experience delivering training, coaching or workshops to early‑years practitioners or parents.
- Experience working within multi‑agency early years systems including Health Visiting, Family Hubs, Early Help and SEND.
- Experience managing a complex workload independently.
Skills & Knowledge
- Strong understanding of early language development and early indicators of SLCN.
- Knowledge of universal, targeted and specialist early‑years pathways.
- Skilled in using assessment tools for preschool children.
- Evidence‑based intervention & communication‑supportive practice knowledge.
- Excellent interpersonal, coaching and communication skills.
- Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
- Knowledge of clinical governance and safeguarding responsibilities.
- Ability to interpret early‑years policy and support service development.
Benefits
- Fully flexible working options and bank assignments.
- Generous relocation package (subject to eligibility).
- Structured induction and supervised clinical teams (supervision every 8 weeks).
- Opportunities for continued professional development and CEN memberships.
- Designated admin and planning time.
- Access to clinical specialists across all areas.
Additional Information
CNWL NHS Foundation Trust is committed to safeguarding and applying safe recruitment practices for vulnerable adults and children. The role may involve vaccination and statutory duties.
Contact
Fiona Weir, Clinical Service Manager – Children's SLT. Phone: 07986262923. Email: fionaweir@nhs.net.
Highly Specialist Speech & Language Therapist - Best Start in Life employer: CNWL
At CNWL, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Our London-based team provides unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young patients, with competitive salaries and benefits including a relocation package and lifestyle perks that enhance your work-life balance.
