Principal Speech and Language Therapist

Are you an experienced Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist with a passion for clinical leadership, team development, and shaping how exceptional therapy is delivered? We are looking for a Principal Speech and Language Therapist to join a specialist paediatric therapy centre in London – a role that places you at the heart of the clinical team, combining a meaningful hands‑on caseload with genuine responsibility for the quality and growth of the SLT service.

About the Role

This is a rare opportunity to step into a position that carries real clinical and organisational weight – not just a title, but a genuine leadership role within a growing, specialist clinic. You will lead and expand the SLT service, set the standard for clinical practice, and shape how a high‑performing team develops over the years ahead, within a richly multidisciplinary environment that places sensory integration at the heart of its work.

Setting

A specialist paediatric therapy centre in the heart of London, delivering high‑quality, evidence‑based assessments and interventions to children and young people aged 6 months to 25 years with speech, language, communication, and eating and drinking difficulties. The clinic operates across both private and LA‑commissioned pathways and has a strong multidisciplinary ethos, with a Clinic Director who is an internationally recognised Sensory Integration trainer and practitioner.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a growing team of Band 5, 6, and 7 Speech and Language Therapists, providing clinical guidance and line management support.
• Carry a clinical caseload of children with a range of speech, language, communication, and feeding needs, delivering high‑quality assessments and evidence‑based interventions.
• Conduct and oversee standardised assessments including CELF‑5, PLS‑5, BPVS‑3, VMPAC, and oro‑motor and feeding assessments, producing clear reports for EHCP, tribunal, and clinical purposes.
• Apply and model strong clinical reasoning across the team, supporting junior SLTs to develop their analytical skills and professional judgement.
• Oversee the quality of assessments, interventions, and progress documentation across the team, including receptive and expressive language, speech sound development, social communication, AAC, and eating and drinking.
• Design and implement specialist intervention programmes for clients with complex needs, including those with social communication difficulties, AAC requirements, or significant dysphagia.
• Deliver home and school recommendations and implement communication and feeding programmes.
• Provide clinical supervision and professional development to junior staff while fostering a supportive team environment.
• Communicate therapy plans and progress effectively to parents and professionals, ensuring consistency and quality across the team.
• Conduct online therapy sessions for clients who cannot attend in person.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team including Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, Educators, and Administrative Staff.
• Participate in strategic service development and contribute to the clinic's overall goals.

What We're Looking For

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Speech and Language Therapy, current HCPC registration, and RCSLT membership.
• A minimum of 5 years' experience in speech and language therapy, with at least 2 years in a paediatric setting.
• Previous experience in a senior, lead, or supervisory role is essential.
• Demonstrable experience across paediatric speech, language, and communication needs; dysphagia assessment and management is highly desirable.
• Experience with standardised paediatric assessments including CELF‑5, PLS‑5, BPVS‑3, VMPAC, and feeding/oro‑motor tools (or willingness to develop proficiency).
• Experience with augmentative and alternative communication approaches is desirable.
• Eligibility to work in the UK (sponsorship may be available).

Training and Development

• Comprehensive onboarding programme tailored to your experience and leadership remit.
• Structured clinical leadership development working alongside the Clinic Director.
• Exposure to Ayres Sensory Integration principles and how they intersect with communication and feeding profiles.
• Ongoing peer reflection and senior‑level clinical supervision.
• A growing supervisory caseload with scope to shape how junior SLTs are recruited, onboarded, and developed.
• CPD funding and access to specialist training programmes.

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Access to a 24/7 General Practitioner.
• 24/7 helpline for stress, personal issues, bereavement, and emotional support, including counselling sessions.
• Legal Assistance ‒ 24/7 legal support for personal legal issues.
• Fitness discounts, including access to over 3,600 health clubs.
• Lifestyle discounts across a wide range of categories.
• CPD funding and specialist training support.
• Structured six‑month salary review.