At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver tailored speech and language therapy to students with complex needs.
- Company: Join the innovative Ruskin Mill Trust at Ashdown Garden School.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health cash plan, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a unique Steiner-inspired educational approach in a beautiful setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Recognised Speech and Language Therapy qualification and experience with SEND children.
The predicted salary is between 44567 - 50778 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Speech and Language Therapist (SaLT) to join the team at our new Ashdown Garden School, in Forest Row. The post holder will work therapeutically with students, delivering high-quality speech and language support tailored to individual needs. You will play a key role in supporting communication development across the school, enabling students to access learning, build relationships and reach their full potential. This includes working closely with the senior leadership team in the development of the school curriculum, braiding the land, seasons, the national curriculum, PSTE (Practical Skills Therapeutic Education) with the insights of Rudolf Steiner, for children and young people with complex learning needs. The school is aiming to open September 2026 and is based near the Emerson College site near the beautiful Ashdown Forest and the village of Forest Row.
The key duties in this role will include:
- Deliver speech and language therapy to individuals and small groups of students with complex needs, including autism and learning disabilities
- Assess students’ communication needs and develop personalised therapy plans
- Contribute to and review EHCP targets, ensuring communication outcomes are effectively supported
- Provide specialist advice and practical strategies to teaching and care staff
- Develop and adapt therapeutic resources and communication tools
- Monitor, record and evaluate student progress and outcomes
- Produce reports for annual reviews, assessments and professional meetings
- Liaise with families, external professionals and multidisciplinary teams
- Support staff training and development in communication approaches
- Ensure safeguarding, wellbeing and inclusive access for all students
To undertake this position successfully you will have:
- A recognised Speech and Language Therapy qualification
- HCPC registration and membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)
- Experience working with children and young people with SEND, particularly autism
- Strong knowledge of assessment and therapeutic intervention approaches (e.g. AAC, PECS, Makaton, Intensive Interaction)
- Experience delivering 1:1 and group therapy sessions
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to work creatively and flexibly across a range of environments
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting student welfare
- Understanding of safeguarding practices and statutory responsibilities, including Keeping Children Safe in Education
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to present and report to a range of audiences
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
- Competence in using IT systems, including Microsoft Office and school MIS platforms
- Ability to inspire, support, and challenge others to achieve high standards
- Commitment to inclusive education and securing positive outcomes for students with SEN
- Willingness to work within the Ruskin Mill Trust’s Steiner-inspired Practical Skills Therapeutic Education approach
Working at Ruskin Mill Trust is incredibly rewarding; we offer competitive salaries and holiday allowances, an auto-enrolment pension scheme with a salary sacrifice option, a health cash plan and employee assistance programme via Medicash. In addition, staff receive valuable training opportunities including an in-depth interactive induction to enable our new team members to experience our Practical Skills Therapeutic Education (PSTE) curriculum and also opportunities for further training and academic research including our own MSc in Practical Skills Therapeutic Education. Full details of our benefits can be viewed on www.rmt.org/careers.
Ashdown Garden School, located nearby the ancient area of Ashdown Forest, is a specialist school for SEND children between the ages of 7–16 years, offering a range of practical land and craft learning activities. Ashdown Garden School is part of Ruskin Mill Trust. The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Level Disclosure as well as a medical check, references, evidence of qualifications, plus verification of the right to work in the UK.
Speech and Language Therapist (part-time) employer: Ruskin Mill Trust
Ruskin Mill Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the professional growth of its staff. Located near the picturesque Ashdown Forest, the new Ashdown Garden School provides unique opportunities for Speech and Language Therapists to engage in meaningful work with children and young people with complex learning needs, while benefiting from competitive salaries, comprehensive training programmes, and a commitment to safeguarding and wellbeing.
