Programme Lead for Early Language Support for Every Child in Hartlepool

Reporting to: Head of Delivery

Location: Combination of home and locally based work in Hartlepool

Pay: Actual: £34,015.20 - £37,596 (£56,692-£62.660)

Contract: Fixed term contract until Aug 2027; 21 hours per week (0.6 FTE)

Role Overview:

We are really excited to be working with partners from Hartlepool Council, Integrated Commissioning Board and local NHS Trust to deliver the Early Language Support for Every Child (ELSEC) pilot project. ELSEC is a two year pathfinder programme being co-led by the DfE and NHS England as one of the reforms being tested in the SEND and Alternative Provision Change Programme. The programme is funding innovative workforce models to identify and support children with speech and language challenges at an early stage. Hartlepool is one of nine local authorities (LAs) taking part in the programme. We are supporting the programme by providing a Programme Lead and Senior Speech and Language Therapist to be part of the established ELSEC team. The teacher will be working with two Speech and Language Therapists (the Programme Lead and an experienced therapist) and seven “speech and language support workers” (specific job title to be confirmed) to create the model of early intervention support.

We are seeking a highly experienced Speech and Language Therapist with demonstrable expertise in leading services/projects that improve outcomes for children who have, or are at risk of developing speech and language challenges.

The postholder will:

• Ensure effective operational management of a staff team and ensure successful delivery of the national ELSEC programme.
• Collaborate effectively across a large number of local stakeholders, providing input, advice and leadership on how we support children / young people with speech and language challenges.
• Contribute to raising our profile as the leading children’s charity supporting children with speech and language challenges, and raising awareness of the ELSEC project locally.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the operational delivery of the ELSEC programme locally
• Manage and support a multidisciplinary team, including recruitment and performance management
• Develop and oversee project plans, budgets, KPIs, and reporting
• Build strong relationships with partners including the Local Authority and NHS
• Provide strategic leadership and expert advice on speech and language support
• Ensure high-quality evaluation, reporting, and continuous improvement

What we are looking for:

• Qualified Speech and Language Therapist registered with RCSLT and HCPC
• Strong experience in multi-agency working
• Proven leadership experience managing staff and delivering services
• Experience in project management, monitoring, and evaluation
• In-depth knowledge of speech, language and communication needs (0–7 years)

About Us:

We are Speech and Language UK – we want every child to face the future with confidence. For 2 million children in the UK, learning to talk and understand words feel like an impossible hurdle. Without the right help, this can destroy their world. They feel disconnected from their family. Unable to make friends. Unfairly punished for not following instructions they don’t understand. What does the future hold for them?

Why Us?

• Speech and Language UK is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for children and young people with communication needs.
• Impactful Work: You will contribute to meaningful projects that support individuals with speech and language challenges.
• Collaborative Environment: Working with passionate and dedicated teams committed to making a difference.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for personal and professional development within a supportive organization.
• Benefits include a competitive salary, 28 days holiday (pro rata for part time), group pension scheme, life assurance and the opportunity to work in an organisation where every job matters!

How to Apply:

The successful candidate will be within easy reach of Hartlepool. For either post your CV should be accompanied by a personal statement of no more than 2 sides of A4 detailing:

• Your knowledge and qualifications to undertake the role, including any relevant professional registration and your passion for our cause
• Your experience of working in education settings in Early Years and Primary
• Your experience of developing / delivery quality training both in person and online
• Your experience of improving outcomes for children with speech and language challenges
• Your extensive knowledge and understanding of education practice and Communication and Language/speech and language challenges
• Your experience of line managing or supervising other staff to enable them to deliver effective support to children in school / pre-school settings
• Your experience of working as part of a multi-agency/multi-disciplinary team

Please submit your up-to-date CV and a supporting statement of no more than two pages, addressing how you meet the criteria outlined in our candidate pack and why you want to join the cause to:

Deadline for applications: 5pm on Monday, 4th May 2026

Safeguarding

Speech and Language UK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We carry out appropriate vetting and verifications on all staff. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education the successful candidate’s employment is subject to an enhanced DBS and barred list check.

Accessibility Support:

We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. If you require any adjustments or need to apply in a different format, please contact our People Team and we will be happy to assist you.

We are a Disability Confident Committed Employer.