Senior Speech & Language Therapist in London

Hopscotch Children’s Therapy Centre is a leading provider of paediatric therapy services, dedicated to empowering children and their families to thrive. We deliver high-quality, evidence-based interventions through a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach. As the centre continues to grow, we are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Speech and Language Therapist to lead the Speech and Language Therapy department and contribute strategically to the organisation’s development.

The Senior Speech and Language Therapist / Clinical Lead will provide clinical leadership to the Speech and Language Therapy service while maintaining a specialist clinical caseload. This role combines advanced clinical practice, supervision and mentoring of therapists, service development, and active participation within the senior leadership team. The post-holder will play a key role in shaping the growth of the department, ensuring high clinical standards, supporting staff development, and delivering exceptional outcomes for children with complex communication needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Advanced Clinical Practice and Complex Case Management
  • Provide specialist assessment and intervention for children with complex speech, language, communication, feeding, and swallowing needs, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental language disorder, and co-occurring conditions.
  • Manage a clinical caseload, acting as the lead clinician for complex or high-risk cases.
  • Conduct comprehensive assessments using standardized tools, clinical observation, and multidisciplinary input.
  • Develop and implement individualized, evidence-based therapy plans with clearly defined, measurable outcomes.
  • Review progress regularly and adapt interventions in line with best practice and child/family needs.
• Clinical Supervision and Staff Development
  • Provide clinical supervision, mentoring, and professional guidance to Speech and Language Therapists within the department.
  • Support newly qualified and developing therapists through structured supervision, case discussions, and reflective practice.
  • Monitor clinical quality and consistency across the department, ensuring adherence to professional, ethical, and regulatory standards.
  • Identify training needs and support therapists’ continuing professional development (CPD).
• Department Leadership and Growth
  • Lead the development and expansion of the Speech and Language Therapy department, in line with Hopscotch’s strategic objectives.
  • Contribute to service planning, pathway development, and implementation of new therapy programmes or specialisms.
  • Support recruitment, onboarding, and induction of new Speech and Language Therapists.
  • Develop and refine clinical protocols, assessment pathways, and documentation standards.
• Multidisciplinary and Leadership Collaboration
  • Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to support organisational growth, service innovation, and quality improvement.
  • Collaborate with occupational therapists, psychologists, educators, and external professionals to deliver integrated care.
  • Participate in leadership meetings, case reviews, and strategic planning discussions.
  • Provide clinical input into centre-wide policies, safeguarding processes, and service evaluations.
• Family, School, and Stakeholder Engagement
  • Build strong partnerships with families, caregivers, schools, and external agencies.
  • Provide guidance, training, and support to parents, caregivers, and educational staff.
  • Advocate for children’s communication needs and promote early intervention and inclusive practices.
• Documentation, Governance, and Quality Assurance
  • Ensure accurate, timely, and high-quality clinical documentation, including assessments, reports, and progress notes.
  • Maintain compliance with safeguarding, confidentiality, and data protection standards.
  • Contribute to audits, service evaluations, and outcome monitoring to support continuous improvement.
• Professional Development and Leadership Role Modelling
  • Maintain advanced clinical knowledge through ongoing CPD and evidence-based practice.
  • Model professional leadership, ethical practice, and a child-centred approach.
  • Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and learning-focused team culture.

Qualifications and Experience

• Recognised qualification in Speech and Language Therapy (BSc, MSc, or equivalent).
• Registration with the relevant professional body (e.g. HCPC in the UK or equivalent).
• Significant post-qualification experience working as a Speech and Language Therapist with children.
• Experience managing complex caseloads and providing clinical supervision.
• Strong knowledge of child development and evidence-based paediatric interventions.
• Previous experience in a senior, lead, or supervisory role.
• Experience contributing to service development or departmental growth.
• Training or experience in AAC, feeding and swallowing, or specialist intervention approaches.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary or private practice settings.

Key Skills and Attributes

• Advanced clinical reasoning and diagnostic skills.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to balance clinical workload with leadership responsibilities.
• Excellent communication skills with children, families, and professionals.
• Highly organised, proactive, and solution-focused.
• Compassionate, reflective, and committed to clinical excellence.

Why Join Hopscotch?

• Opportunity to shape and lead a growing Speech and Language Therapy department.
• Active role within a supportive and forward-thinking senior leadership team.
• Balance of leadership responsibility and hands-on clinical work.
• Access to ongoing professional development and leadership growth.
• Collaborative, multidisciplinary environment in a modern, child-focused centre.

Employee Benefits

• GP/Physician Services 24/7: Access confidential phone or video consultations with a GP/Physician, available for you, your partner, and children, from anywhere in the world.
• 24/7 Helpline: Live phone helpline for stress, personal issues, bereavement, emotional support, and health information. Includes counselling sessions with unlimited virtual sessions and six in-person sessions.
• Financial Support Services: Receive confidential money advice and assistance in managing your budget.
• Legal Assistance: 24/7 legal support for personal legal issues.
• Wellbeing Resources: Access online wellbeing checks and content on topics like mindfulness to promote mental and emotional health.
• Carer Support: Guidance on caring for elderly family members, special needs care, and tailored advice for caring for neurodiverse loved ones.
• Fitness Discounts: Access discounts at over 3,600 health clubs to support your fitness journey.
• Lifestyle Discounts: Enjoy discounts across a wide range of categories and industries to enhance your personal life.