Details
Speech and Language Therapist | SEND School | London (Chelsea / Imperial Wharf)
Location: Imperial Wharf, Chelsea (Hammersmith & Fulham), London
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Contract: Full-time, Permanent (Monday to Friday)
Setting: SEND / Autism Specialist Primary School
At First Bridge School, we are hiring for a Speech and Language Therapist (SaLT). This is a fantastic opportunity to use your SaLT expertise where it matters most: a school built specifically for children who need it most.
About First Bridge School
First Bridge School is a DfE-registered specialist SEND school for pupils aged 2 to 11 with autism and complex developmental needs, located in Chelsea, London.
Communication is at the heart of everything we do. Our Speech and Language Therapists are not peripatetic visitors. They are core members of a fully integrated multidisciplinary team, working daily alongside Teachers, Occupational Therapists, and Behaviour Specialists to ensure communication strategies are embedded across every part of the school day.
The Role
As our Speech and Language Therapist, you will lead communication assessment and intervention for pupils with autism, complex communication needs, and language development delays. You will work directly with pupils, support classroom teams, and contribute to an environment where every adult around a child speaks the same communicative language.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive SaLT assessments for pupils with autism, AAC needs, and speech, language, and communication difficulties
- Design and deliver evidence-based individual and group SaLT intervention programmes
- Develop and implement AAC systems, PECS programmes, and communication passports
- Collaborate closely with Teachers and TAs to embed communication strategies into classroom routines
- Work with OT and Behaviour Specialists to ensure consistent, integrated therapeutic approaches
- Contribute to EHCP assessments, annual reviews, and multi-agency planning
- Produce clear, professional SaLT reports for EHCPs, tribunals, and external professionals
- Train and coach classroom staff to use SaLT strategies with confidence and consistency
- Maintain clinical records in line with RCSLT standards and GDPR
- Uphold safeguarding and child protection procedures at all times
Requirements
Essential
- Degree in Speech and Language Therapy and HCPC registration
- Membership of RCSLT
- Experience working with children with autism and complex communication needs
- Confident in AAC assessment and implementation
- Strong knowledge of EHCPs, SEND legislation, and multi-agency working
- Ability to train and support non-clinical staff in communication strategies
- Clear written and verbal communication skills
- Commitment to safeguarding and child-centred practice
Desirable
- Experience in a specialist SEND school, early years, or paediatric community setting
- Training in Makaton, PECS, LAMP, or SCERTS frameworks
- Experience supporting pre-verbal or minimally verbal pupils
- Familiarity with structured teaching approaches (e.g. TEACCH)
What You Get
- Competitive salary with progression
- A genuine multidisciplinary team, not a token one
- Funded CPD and specialist SaLT training
- Manageable caseload with real clinical autonomy
- 34 days holiday (inclusive of bank and public holidays)
- Laptop for work and home use
- Strong staff support and supervision structures
- Clear career progression within a growing specialist school
Who This Role Is For
- SaLTs who want specialist paediatric practice with a deep autism focus
- Clinicians who want to be embedded in a school, not rotating through one
- Therapists who value being genuinely integrated with teachers and TAs
- SaLTs motivated by communication outcomes over throughput
Who This Role Is Not For
- SaLTs seeking a mixed adult or community caseload
- Those who prefer clinic-based, isolated working
- Clinicians uncomfortable with the pace and environment of a specialist school
Safeguarding
We expect everybody to share our commitment to safeguarding.
Our vacancies are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Pre-employment checks are carried out, professional references sought and successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and other relevant checks.
We comply with the DBS code of practice. As such, having a criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with us; the nature of the position and the circumstances and context of your offences will be considered.
Online Searches
An online search is carried out on all shortlisted candidates.
An online search is carried out on all shortlisted candidates.
Share An Initial Interest
Please submit your CV and a brief statement outlining why you would like to work at FBS and how you feel your experience makes you a suitable candidate for this role.
Please submit your CV and a brief statement outlining why you would like to work at FBS and how you feel your experience makes you a suitable candidate for this role.
Apply
After expressing an initial interest and reviewing the information on our website, suitable applicants will be invited to an initial screening phone call and to complete our application form.
After expressing an initial interest and reviewing the information on our website, suitable applicants will be invited to an initial screening phone call and to complete our application form.
Click the links to download the forms.
FBS Application form
FBS Self-disclosure form
Trial Visit & Formal Interview
Applicants who are shortlisted will be required to attend an assessment and interview day.
Referral Awards
We offer referral awards to existing colleagues for recommending people who come to work with us.
We offer referral awards to existing colleagues for recommending people who come to work with us.
Speech and Language Therapist | SEND School | London (Chelsea / Imperial Wharf) employer: First Bridge School
First Bridge School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for Occupational Therapists passionate about making a difference in the lives of children with autism and complex developmental needs. Located in the vibrant area of Chelsea, London, we provide competitive salaries, funded professional development opportunities, and a purpose-built specialist SEND environment that fosters both personal and professional growth. Our commitment to multidisciplinary teamwork ensures that you will have the autonomy to implement therapeutic strategies effectively while enjoying a healthy work-life balance with 34 days of holiday.
