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- Tasks: Lead a team of Speech and Language Therapists to provide exceptional therapy for children.
- Company: Join the outstanding Dawn House School, dedicated to supporting children with communication challenges.
- Benefits: Full-time role with competitive pay and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives by enhancing their communication skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Speech & Language Therapy and extensive experience required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on child-centred education and therapy.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Specialist Speech and Language Lead Practitioner (Clinical Lead) plays a central leadership role within Dawn House School’s highly skilled therapy team. This role exists to provide clinical expertise, management support, and strategic oversight to ensure that the school delivers exceptional, evidence-based speech and language therapy for children and young people with complex communication needs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support, coordinate and lead a team of Speech and Language Therapists, apprentices and assistants.
- Deputise for the Head of Therapy and Assessment Service.
- Ensure the delivery of high-quality clinical practice, reporting and supervision.
- Lead on clinical audits, service development and quality assurance.
- Work collaboratively with education staff to ensure therapy aligns with curriculum and EHCP needs.
- Provide expert guidance and support to staff, families and external professionals.
- Maintain your own specialist caseload and professional registration.
- Contribute to whole-school development, training, and strategic planning.
What we are looking for:
- Degree-level Speech & Language Therapy qualification.
- HCPC and RCSLT registration.
- Extensive post-qualification experience with complex caseloads.
- Experience supervising and supporting other SLTs.
- Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills.
- Ability to analyse complex assessments and deliver evidence-based intervention.
- Experience working within multidisciplinary teams.
Dawn House, a Speech and Language UK school, is a day and residential school dedicated to supporting children with complex speech and language challenges. We provide integrated education, therapy, and care to pupils aged 5-19. Our school has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and offers a collaborative, child-centred environment with communication at its heart.
How to Apply:
For informal enquiries or visits to school please contact Andrea Robinson, Head of Therapy and Assessment Service on andrea.robinson@dawnhouse.org.uk. The closing date for this vacancy is 9am on Monday 15th December 2025 with interviews taking place week commencing 12th January 2026, date to be confirmed. Have a look at our application pack to find out more about this opportunity and the difference you can make to children’s lives. To apply please complete the application form and send this to Catherine Ingram, School Business Administrator catherine.ingram@dawnhouse.org.uk.
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 at hr@speechandlanguage.org.uk and we will be happy to assist you. We are a Disability Confident Committed employer.
Safeguarding:
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we carry out safer recruitment principles, as well as appropriate vetting and verifications on all school staff. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education the successful candidate’s employment is subject to an enhanced DBS and barred list check. All shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online search covering content that is in the public domain.
Specialist Speech and Language Lead Practitioner (Clinical Lead) employer: Speech and Language UK
Contact Detail:
Speech and Language UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Speech and Language Lead Practitioner (Clinical Lead)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the speech and language therapy field. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to clinical leadership and therapy practices. We recommend role-playing with a friend or mentor to boost your confidence. The more you rehearse, the more natural you'll feel during the real deal!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for helping children with complex communication needs. Share specific examples from your experience that highlight your skills and dedication. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our amazing team at Dawn House School. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Speech and Language Lead Practitioner (Clinical Lead)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Specialist Speech and Language Lead Practitioner. We want to see how you can bring your unique expertise to our team!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, don’t forget to emphasise your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past – we love to see that kind of initiative!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Speech and Language UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your speech and language therapy knowledge, especially around complex communication needs. Be ready to discuss evidence-based practices and how you've applied them in your previous roles.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Specialist Speech and Language Lead Practitioner, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects, and be ready to discuss your approach to mentoring and supporting other therapists.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Dawn House School's mission and values. Think about how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding child-centred approaches and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about their current therapy strategies, how they measure success, or what challenges they face in delivering high-quality clinical practice.
