Speech and Language School Assistant (SALSA) in Southampton

Role Overview: Speech and Language School Assistant (SALSA) – 30 hours per week, 8:00am – 2:30pm, permanent, term‑time only. Grade 6 – FTE £28,792 – £31,022 per annum (regular salary). The role supports children in the secondary school phase with speech and language needs, running programmes to meet NHS targets and school‑specific identification processes.

Responsibilities:

• Support Class Teachers in devising and delivering programmes for identified children with specific speech and language needs and develop specialised knowledge of strategies to assist these children.
• Develop, prepare and maintain therapeutic materials and resources for use with identified children and support their use.
• Establish supportive, caring and secure relationships with the children, promoting respect, self‑esteem and a positive, inclusive whole‑school ethos.
• Work with pupils on a one‑to‑one basis to support speech, language and communication skills.
• Support and facilitate group therapy activities.
• Provide support to children in class as a Teaching Assistant with speech and language specialism as required.
• Facilitate and support Makaton provision within the school and train others as required.
• Help, support and motivate the children, encouraging independent learning and behaviour and enabling learning targets and outcomes to be achieved.
• Contribute to monitoring and recording pupils' progress, maintaining records and providing relevant feedback to teachers.
• Provide welfare support to children as required.
• As directed by the Class Teacher or SENCo/Head of SEND, liaise with outside agencies as appropriate.
• Assist with general school duties which may include setting up classrooms, preparing resources and displays, and tidying and clearing away.
• Supervision of children during playtimes.
• Supervision of children entering and leaving school premises.

Qualifications:

• Previous experience of working with or guiding the learning of children, preferably within a school setting.
• Demonstrable evidence of an interest in speech and language skills and ability/aptitude to support children's development in this area.
• Strong administrative skills and experience.
• GCSE Grade C (or equivalent) in English and Maths.
• Ability to observe, monitor and analyse learning and outcomes in a practical context.
• Effective written and oral communication skills, capable of conveying information to a range of audiences, particularly children with specific speech and language needs.
• Ability to maintain children's interest and motivation for learning and to maintain discipline.
• Ability to work well as a member of a team.
• Awareness of the needs and demands of young children and how they act and react.
• Ability to work with, support, understand and empathise with children who have particular specific needs.
• Understanding of key safeguarding issues and procedures.

Why Join us?

• A strong Christian ethos where love, service, and belonging are lived daily.
• A supportive senior leadership team that values pastoral work.
• A school community where pupils are known, valued, and listened to.
• Opportunities to shape and strengthen whole‑school pastoral practice.
• A role that balances strategic leadership with meaningful pupil contact.

What We Offer:

• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Secure on‑site car parking.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme, including confidential 24/7 counselling support.
• Access to a Benefits Hub, offering a range of discounts and offers.
• Occupational Health support.
• On‑site hot and cold food options.
• Access to online training and personal development courses.
• The opportunity to work in a brand‑new, high‑specification school environment.
• Career development opportunities within a supportive organisation.

St Mark's Church of England School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to appropriate pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Southampton City Council is an equal opportunities employer.