At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our therapy team to support students with communication needs through assessment and tailored therapy.
- Company: Oak Lodge School is a pioneering institution dedicated to educating D/deaf and language-challenged students.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension scheme, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in students' lives while working in a supportive and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2 years as an SLT, BSL Level 1 required, Level 3 preferred.
- Other info: Flexible hours available; training in BSL provided.
The predicted salary is between 39381 - 52077 £ per year.
Specialist Speech & Language Therapist – Advanced – Specialist (Full Time / Part-time) – Oak Lodge School
About Us
£39,381 – £52,077 per annum (PO2/31- equivalent to NHS band 6 £23.67 per hour to £52,077 PO6/45(equivalent to NHS band 7) – £31.30 per hour)
36 hours per week (other hours will be considered)
39 weeks (Term-time only)
Start date: September 2025 (depending on pre-employment checks)
Our Therapy Team is looking for a skilled and innovative speech and language therapist(s) with experience of working in a range of settings, who is keen to further develop specialist skills in Deafness and SCLN.We require a minimum of 2 years’ experience as an SLT and a minimum BSL Level 1 (BSL Level 3 is desirable). The role can be flexible.
We have an exciting opportunity to join the therapy team at Oak Lodge School, an innovative and successful school in Balham, London SW12 8NA. We are looking for someone with enthusiasm, excellent interpersonal and team-working skills, and an interest and experience of working with school-aged children and young people.You would be part of a team consisting of Speech and Language therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy. The therapy team also work in collaboration with very supportive teaching staff.
You will organise and manage your own caseload; whilst receiving regular supervision/peer mentoring from the team. You will have opportunities to work closely with colleagues within the team.
You will be a member of the RCSLT and HCPC who has an interest working with D/deaf and/or SCLN students, within a school setting. The right candidates would preferably have some experience of working with D/deaf children and/or AAC.The ability to use BSL would be a distinct advantage, however the opportunity to learn BSL will be part of the training, as required. Interest in signing is highly desirable.
Oak Lodge provides education for D/deaf students and for students whose primary difficulties are linked to language and communication.As students present with a range of learning, communication and language issues, BSL and Sign Supported English (SSE), spoken language and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods are applied as appropriate to meet the needs of all our students. The position involves assessment, delivery of therapy, training and close working with teaching staff, parents/carers and other professionals to promote language and communication development across the curriculum.
You will need to have:
- Experience of working with children with a range of communication needs.
- Knowledge of core assessment and intervention approaches for children.
- The ability to work closely and effectively in partnership with school staff, parents and others in order to support children.
- The ability to devise, implement and review therapy plans.
- Knowledge of current intervention policies, practice and national drivers.
- The ability to work within a team, flexibly and under pressure.
- Enthusiasm, imagination, and initiative.
The school will provide all necessary training to fulfil the job description, time allowance to attend relevant training and special interest groups (SIG). There will also be regular supervision as part of your ongoing CPD requirements.
This is a permanent post. Salary will depend on qualifications and experience. The full-time equivalent salary range will be equivalent to NHS band 6 or 7. Benefits include a generous pension scheme.
An information pack, including a Job Description and Person Specification can be downloaded below .
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
CVs are not accepted.
Oak Lodge School
Salary £39,381 – £52,077 per annum (PO2/31 – equivalent to NHS band 6 £23.67 per hour to £52,077 PO6/45 (equivalent to NHS band 7) – £31.30 per hour)
Job Reference randw/TP/55/8518
Contract Type Term Time
Closing Date 31 August, 2025
Job Category Schools / Academies – Support staff roles
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Specialist Speech & Language Therapist - Advanced – Specialist (Full Time / Part-time) - Oak Lo[...] employer: Richmond and Wandsworth Councils
Contact Detail:
Richmond and Wandsworth Councils Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Speech & Language Therapist - Advanced – Specialist (Full Time / Part-time) - Oak Lo[...]
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of D/deaf students and those with speech, communication, and language needs (SCLN). Understanding the unique challenges they face will help you demonstrate your commitment and suitability for the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of speech and language therapy, especially those who work with D/deaf children. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to build connections and gain insights that could be beneficial in your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase any experience you have with BSL or AAC methods in your discussions. Even if you are not fully qualified, expressing a willingness to learn and develop these skills can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to collaboration with teaching staff and parents. Highlighting your teamwork skills and how you plan to integrate therapy into the classroom will demonstrate your understanding of the role's requirements.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Speech & Language Therapist - Advanced – Specialist (Full Time / Part-time) - Oak Lo[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the specific requirements and responsibilities of the Specialist Speech & Language Therapist position. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your experience in speech and language therapy, particularly with D/deaf children and those with SCLN. Include any relevant qualifications, such as BSL Level 1 or 3, and detail your experience working in educational settings.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for working with children and your commitment to supporting their communication needs. Mention specific examples of your previous work and how it relates to the role at Oak Lodge School.
Highlight Teamwork Skills: Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively with other professionals, such as teachers and therapists. Provide examples of how you have successfully worked in a team to support children's development in the past.
How to prepare for a job interview at Richmond and Wandsworth Councils
✨Showcase Your Experience
Make sure to highlight your relevant experience working with children who have communication needs. Be prepared to discuss specific cases where you've successfully implemented therapy plans or collaborated with other professionals.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of BSL
Since the role values BSL skills, even if you're not fully proficient, express your willingness to learn and any previous exposure you have had to BSL. This shows your commitment to supporting D/deaf students.
✨Emphasise Teamwork Skills
The position requires effective collaboration with teaching staff and other therapists. Share examples of how you've worked in a team setting, particularly in educational environments, to support children's development.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-life scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in your previous roles and how you addressed them, especially in relation to therapy and communication strategies.