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- Tasks: Support children with speech and language needs in schools, working closely with therapists.
- Company: Join Surrey County Council's innovative team dedicated to helping children with additional needs.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, extensive training, wellness support, and lifestyle discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 2 years' experience as a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant and familiarity with communication strategies required.
- Other info: This role offers opportunities for professional development and a chance to impact local communities.
The predicted salary is between 18700 - 25700 £ per year.
The starting salary for this position is £22,010 per annum based on working 28.80 hours per week, across 42 weeks per year. The role is term time, plus an additional 12 days per year.
Our innovative and supportive school-based Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) service is looking for a Senior Speech and Language Therapy Assistant to work in Special Schools in North East Surrey. You will have a Surrey base in Dakota, our Weybridge office, and work in schools. As well as working with children and young people under the direction of a Speech and Language Therapist, you will join a supportive network of Speech and Language Therapy Assistants who meet regularly for learning and peer support.
Rewards and Benefits
- Flexible working around core school hours with mobile and agile working solutions
- Comprehensive clinical supervision programme, extensive in-house training programme and formal external training opportunities
- A mixed and varied caseload across settings and age groups
- Termly themed study days for the whole SALT team
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
- An extensive Employee Assistance Programme to support health and wellbeing
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
- 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependants leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
We are a large and supportive team and can offer you strong line management, peer observations, joint working and a thorough induction and in-house training programme.
About the Team
The School-Aged Speech and Language Therapy Service is part of Surrey County Council's support for children with additional needs and disabilities, working collaboratively in the Inclusion and Additional Needs team in Surrey's Children, Families and Learning Directorate with other teams like Educational Psychology and specialist teachers. We aim to deliver the right support at the right time through assessment and intervention, equipping families and professionals with the skills and resources to work together to help and support children with Speech, Language and Communication Needs. We offer universal, targeted and specialist support for children, families and the school workforce, and work with children and young people with Education, Health & Care Plans and those at Special Education Needs support.
About the Role
Working under the supervision of a Speech and Language Therapist, your role will be to play a pivotal part in supporting children to achieve the outcomes agreed by a Therapist, in conjunction with the school and family, through a range of activities which will include:
- Working individually with a child/young person within a school, using some specialist approaches including AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)
- Modelling strategies to class teachers/teaching assistants
- Working with a small group
- Supporting the admin for dysphagia (feeding) caseloads
- Creating resources for the therapy team
- Giving both written and verbal feedback to school staff and parents
- Keeping accurate written case notes
- Offering shadowing opportunities and peer support to less experienced Therapists
Shortlisting Criteria
To be considered for shortlisting for this position your CV and answers to the questions below will clearly evidence:
- 2 years' experience of working with children and young people as a SLT Assistant as part of a Speech and Language Therapy Team within specialist schools
- Evidence of supporting others
- Experience of using a range of communication approaches used in Speech and Language Therapy, including specialist approaches like AAC
- Evidence of use of IT systems such as Word and Excel, Outlook, Teams
- Evidence of working independently and flexibly
Surrey has both urban and rural areas and Speech and Language Therapy staff will be expected to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK, access to a vehicle and be willing to travel to meet the demands of the role. Reasonable adjustments where needed will be made for successful applicants who have a disability or long-term health condition to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the job.
As part of your application, you will be asked to answer the following questions:
- Have you worked as a speech and language therapist assistant in a school with children or young people for at least two years? Please can you tell us more about this experience.
- Please briefly describe a speech and language strategy or approach that you have supported staff or children to understand and use. What was its impact?
Contact Us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. For an informal discussion please contact Melissa Sartin via email at melissa.sartin@surreycc.gov.uk.
The closing date for this advert is 23:59 on 6th July 2025, although we will be looking at applications as they come in and may shortlist in advance of the closing date. We therefore recommend an early application. Interviews will take place the following week.
An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.
Our Commitment
Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:
- The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
- The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form
Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.
Senior Speech and Language Therapy Assistant employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Speech and Language Therapy Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific communication approaches mentioned in the job description, such as AAC. Being able to discuss these methods confidently during your interview will show your understanding and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Speech and Language Therapy Assistants, especially those who have worked in similar settings. They can provide valuable insights into the role and may even share tips on how to impress during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience working independently and flexibly, as this is a key requirement. Think of specific examples where you successfully managed your time and responsibilities without direct supervision.
✨Tip Number 4
Since the role involves collaboration with teachers and parents, practice articulating how you've effectively communicated and supported others in previous roles. Highlighting your teamwork skills will be crucial in demonstrating your fit for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Speech and Language Therapy Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience as a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant. Focus on your two years of experience working with children and young people, and include specific examples of communication approaches you've used.
Answer the Application Questions Thoughtfully: When responding to the application questions, provide detailed answers that showcase your experience. For instance, describe a specific speech and language strategy you supported and its impact on the children or staff.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your proficiency in IT systems like Word, Excel, and Teams, as well as your ability to work independently and flexibly. Mention any experience you have with AAC or other specialist approaches.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Showcase Your Experience
Make sure to highlight your two years of experience working as a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've supported children and young people, particularly in a school setting.
✨Demonstrate Communication Strategies
Prepare to explain a speech and language strategy or approach you've used. Discuss how you supported staff or children in understanding and implementing it, and be ready to share the impact it had on their communication skills.
✨Familiarise Yourself with AAC
Since the role involves using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), brush up on your knowledge of these methods. Be ready to discuss how you've applied AAC strategies in your previous roles and how they can benefit children with communication needs.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and the support provided for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.