At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a borough-wide service for children and young people’s communication support.
- Company: Join Merton's inclusive education and SEND support system.
- Benefits: Collaborative culture, opportunities for innovation, and commitment to equality and diversity.
- Other info: Supportive leadership team and strong partnerships across education, health, and social care.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people through effective communication.
- Qualifications: Recognised SLT qualification, HCPC/RCSLT registration, and at least six years’ experience.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Advert Text
Are you an experienced, passionate Speech & Language Therapist ready to shape the future of communication support for children and young people?
Do you thrive in leadership roles where your ideas, expertise and vision can directly influence service development and outcomes?
If so, this is your opportunity to step into a pivotal role at the heart of Merton’s inclusive education and SEND support system.
- Why This Role Matters
- Role
- As our
Deputy Principal Speech & Language Therapist , you’ll play a central role in leading and developing a dynamic, borough-wide service that supports children and young people across:
- Secondary schools
- Specialist schools (SEMH, MLD, SLD, PMLD)
- Youth Justice Service
- Traded/Buy-Back services
- Virtual School provision
You’ll work closely with the Principal SLT to shape strategy, drive innovation, and ensure high quality, evidence based practice across all settings.
This is a role for someone who wants to make a real difference — not just clinically, but systemically.
- What You’ll Be Doing
- Provide highly specialist assessment and intervention, including complex case management.
- Lead on service development, quality assurance and clinical pathways.
- Support and mentor SLTs across the team, helping them grow and excel.
- Build strong partnerships with education, social care, health and Youth Justice colleagues.
- Deliver specialist training to educators, parents and professionals.
- Champion communication needs across the borough, raising awareness and promoting inclusive practice.
- Contribute to strategic planning, policy development and innovative service models.
You’ll also maintain a small clinical caseload (up to 0.4 FTE), keeping you connected to the young people and families we serve.
What You Bring
- A recognised SLT qualification and HCPC/RCSLT registration.
- At least six years’ specialist experience and strong post graduate CPD.
- Expertise in assessment and intervention for complex SLCN.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and leadership skills.
- A passion for developing others and driving high quality practice.
- The ability to work flexibly, collaboratively and with emotional resilience.
If you’re ready to step into a senior leadership role — or already working at that level — we’d love to hear from you.
Why Join Merton?
- A supportive, forward thinking SLT leadership team
- A strong culture of collaboration across education, health and social care
- Opportunities to innovate and shape borough wide practice
- Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusive education
- A service that values your voice, your expertise and your wellbeing
This is your chance to influence change, empower others and help young people thrive through communication
Ready to Lead With Us?
If you’re excited by the opportunity to shape a high impact service and support the next generation of SLTs, we’d love to welcome you to the team.
- Interview Dates 30th September
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Deputy Principal Speech and Language Therapist employer: London Borough of Merton
The London Borough of Merton is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises neurodiversity and professional growth. With opportunities for career development and a flexible hybrid working model, employees can thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact on the lives of secondary school pupils. The competitive salary package, along with comprehensive training support, makes this position particularly attractive for those seeking a rewarding career in speech and language therapy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Principal Speech and Language Therapist
✨Get Involved in Local Health Initiatives
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We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Principal Speech and Language Therapist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for the Deputy Principal Speech and Language Therapist at London Borough of Merton, focus on highlighting your clinical experience and any specific training you've undergone. Include any relevant placements or internships you’ve completed, as well as any certifications that bolster your qualifications in human medicine.
Highlight Your Soft Skills:In the field of human medicine, soft skills are just as crucial as technical knowledge. Mention your communication skills, empathy, and teamwork experiences in your CV and cover letter. This shows that you can work well in a clinical setting and with patients, which is super important in this industry!
Tailor Your Cover Letter Thoughtfully:Be sure to personalise your cover letter for the Deputy Principal Speech and Language Therapist at London Borough of Merton. Mention why you’re passionate about human medicine and how you align with the company’s mission. This is your chance to convey your enthusiasm and make a case for why you'll be a valuable addition to the team!
Include Continuing Education:Make sure to mention any ongoing education or courses you’re taking to keep your skills sharp. In human medicine, staying updated with the latest practices is key. It shows you’re dedicated to your field, which employers like London Borough of Merton will definitely appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Merton
✨Brush Up on Clinical Knowledge
Since you're aiming for a role in human medicine, make sure you’re sharp on the latest clinical guidelines and practices relevant to the position. Be prepared to discuss case studies or scenarios you might encounter in the role. This will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also ready to apply that knowledge in real-life situations.
✨Demonstrate Soft Skills
In human medicine, technical skills are crucial, but don’t forget to showcase your soft skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork. In your answers, share specific examples of how you've worked effectively with patients or colleagues in the past, as these traits are highly valued in clinical settings.
✨Know Your CV Backwards
As you’re applying for a full-time position, your CV should tell a story. Be ready to discuss every part of it, especially your clinical experiences, the impact you had, and what you learned. Employers want to see how your journey has prepared you for this role, so think of it like you're taking them through your professional narrative.
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Ethics are a big deal in human medicine, so expect questions that assess your decision-making in tricky situations. Think about how you'd handle ethical dilemmas or patient confidentiality concerns. Prepare a few examples that illustrate your thought process and how you prioritise patient welfare in your decision-making.
