At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop Speech and Language Therapy for secondary-aged students with complex communication needs.
- Company: Join a supportive specialist secondary school in Eltham, London.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £40,000, 40 days annual leave, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Enjoy a flexible working pattern with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of autistic students while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised Speech and Language Therapy qualification and current HCPC registration.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
Band 6 Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist – Eltham, London, SE9
Join a specialist secondary school in Eltham as a Band 6 Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist, starting in September 2026.
This permanent, full-time role offers a salary starting from £40,000 per annum, paid across the full year, with only 36 weeks requiring attendance at the school.
- Employment Details
- Permanent, full-time position.
- September 2026 start.
- Based at a specialist secondary school in Eltham, London, SE9.
- Salary paid across the full year.
- Salary & Benefits
- Starting salary of £40,000 per annum, negotiable depending on experience.
- 40 days of paid annual leave.
- Private healthcare.
- Employer-funded relevant CPD and clinical training.
- Working hours broadly aligned with the school day during school-based weeks.
- Permanent employment with predictable year-round income.
- Regular support from experienced Speech and Language Therapy colleagues.
- Opportunities to develop leadership, autism-specialist and caseload-management skills.
- Professional autonomy to shape the school’s Speech and Language Therapy provision.
- Long-term professional development within a growing independent therapy service.
- Annual Working Pattern
This role follows a school-calendar working model rather than a standard term-time-only contract.
- 36 weeks working at the specialist school.
- Three weeks working from home during the academic year.
- 25 additional days of flexible home-based work during the school holidays.
- 44 working weeks in total each year.
- 40 days of paid annual leave.
About the Role
As the lead Band 6 Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist for the school placement, you will take ownership of the day-to-day caseload while remaining connected to an experienced and supportive wider clinical team.
The caseload primarily consists of verbal autistic secondary-aged students with complex communication needs.
You will provide tailored assessment, intervention and practical strategies supporting social communication, emotional awareness and regulation, self-advocacy, functional communication, relationships and preparation for greater independence.
You will work collaboratively with Occupational Therapists, Drama Therapists, dyslexia specialists, teachers, teaching assistants, SEND professionals and families.
Together, you will embed effective communication support across therapy, classroom learning and daily school life.
You will also lead the school’s Speech and Language Therapy provision for verbal autistic secondary-aged students, delivering engaging, person-centred and neurodiversity-affirming assessment and intervention.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the day-to-day delivery and continued development of paediatric Speech and Language Therapy provision within the school.
- Assess students’ speech, language, communication and functional needs across education and daily life.
- Plan and deliver creative, individualised and neurodiversity-affirming therapy programmes.
- Support students with social communication, emotional regulation, self-advocacy and functional communication.
- Develop meaningful goals with students, families, school staff and other professionals.
- Maintain accurate clinical records, therapy plans, progress information and professional documentation.
- Provide practical strategies that help school staff embed communication support throughout the school day.
- Work closely with the multidisciplinary team and students’ families.
- Manage and prioritise the school caseload, ensuring continuity, quality and appropriate follow-up.
- Contribute to staff knowledge and a safe, inclusive and communication-supportive school culture.
Requirements
- Right to work: Applicants must be able to demonstrate their current right to work in the UK.
- Qualification: A recognised Speech and Language Therapy qualification.
- Registration: Current HCPC registration and appropriate RCSLT professional standing.
- Experience: Current Band 6-level experience and suitable paediatric clinical experience supporting children or young people.
- Relevant background: Experience within education, SEND, autism, paediatric Speech and Language Therapy or a comparable specialist setting is desirable.
- Clinical knowledge: Confidence supporting autistic young people with social communication, emotional regulation, self-advocacy and functional communication needs.
- Caseload management: Ability to assess complex communication needs, make well-reasoned clinical decisions and plan effective intervention.
- Communication: A warm, engaging and confident approach, with the ability to build trusting relationships with secondary-aged students.
- Independence: Confidence leading school-based paediatric SLT provision while collaborating with wider clinical and multidisciplinary teams.
- Company Culture
You will join a friendly, collaborative and close-knit clinical team that values thoughtful practice, professional relationships and meaningful outcomes for young people.
You will have the autonomy to shape provision around each student’s strengths and communication style while receiving support, shared learning and clinical reflection from established Speech and Language Therapy colleagues.
Relevant CPD is funded to support your continued development in autism, secondary-school practice, leadership and caseload management.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received.
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Band 6 Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist employer: Recruit by Nature
Join an award-winning Reggio Emilia-inspired nursery in Horsham, West Sussex, where creativity and child-led discovery are at the heart of our ethos. We offer extensive professional development opportunities, a supportive leadership team, and a vibrant work culture that values collaboration and innovation. With purpose-designed learning environments and a strong commitment to reflective practice, this is an exceptional place for passionate educators to inspire young minds and grow their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Band 6 Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at Recruit by Nature. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Recruit by Nature.
We think you need these skills to ace Band 6 Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Recruit by Nature:Take some time to research Recruit by Nature and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruit by Nature
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Recruit by Nature's values and approach.
