At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide tailored support to autistic children through innovative speech and language therapy.
- Company: Join Swalcliffe Park School, an Outstanding-rated institution dedicated to empowering autistic young people.
- Benefits: Enjoy 13 weeks paid holiday, NHS-comparable pension, and free onsite parking in a beautiful countryside setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive, multidisciplinary team.
- Qualifications: Must be a final year student or newly qualified Speech & Language Therapist, registered with HCPC and RCSLT.
- Other info: Comprehensive training and career development opportunities available, with a focus on neuro-affirmative approaches.
The predicted salary is between 24900 - 30500 £ per year.
Are you a Final Year Speech & Language Therapist Student, Graduate, Newly Qualified and/or experienced Band 5 Speech and Language Therapist? Do you want to work in a beautiful Oxfordshire countryside setting? Do you want to provide weekly intervention and consistent, regular, and collaborative care to autistic children and young people? Do you want to work in a highly supportive team where you can learn from Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Clinical Psychologists? If your answer is yes, then this is the perfect opportunity for you.
Swalcliffe Park School is a non-maintained charitable incorporated organisation specialising in day and residential education and care for autistic young people (aged 10-19 years old). We currently have 74 students on role and have been awarded Outstanding by Ofsted for both Education (2019) and Residential care (2025). The school also has Advanced Level Autism Accreditation and an Enhanced Practitioner Commendation.
We would welcome your application if you are a final year SaLT student, newly qualified therapist, or more experienced Band 5 Speech & Language Therapist who would like to join a school and team where you can truly make a difference to the quality of life of autistic young people.
SALARY: £29,970 - £36,483 per annum DOE (Band 5) Pay Award Pending NHS 2025-2026 + Benefits
LOCATION: Swalcliffe, Nr Banbury, Oxfordshire
JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Permanent, Term Time plus 13 weeks paid holiday and LGPS membership comparable to NHS pension
JOB OVERVIEW
Our team of Speech and Language Therapists have a passion for delivering innovative, personalised, and neuro-affirming care to our students. The team is embedded throughout the school, both in education and in the residential setting and specialises in empowering our students to develop their strengths, interests, and abilities. Through the use of neuro-affirmative approaches including encouraging all forms and styles of communication we are able to support our students to develop meaningful and functional ways to communicate their needs, share their interests, develop friendships and self-advocate. We also support our students to develop their verbal and written language skills such as using the Shape Coding System, preparing them for exams, providing vocabulary support and developing reading comprehension.
If you are a newly qualified Speech & Language Therapist or starting out in your career, we can support you to complete your newly qualified competencies and we can provide high levels of support, clinical supervision, and dedicated time for CPD and reflective practice. We have a wealth of knowledge within our therapy team of Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Clinical Psychologists and work very closely together including time for regular learning opportunities such as joint working, team meetings, case discussions and MDT reflective practice.
As a successful Speech & Language Therapist you will:
- Be registered (or pending registration) with HCPC and RCSLT
- Be responsible for a small caseload
- Plan and deliver individualised and person-centred support utilising best practice and neuro-affirming approaches
- Plan and deliver high quality small group interventions e.g. Lego Therapy, Vocabulary groups, Independence/Project
- Assess the speech, language, and communication needs of our students
- Work closely with teaching staff to support language and communication in the classroom
- Work closely with other therapists to provide holistic multi-disciplinary support
- Support functional communication and independence within a range of activities such as going shopping, cooking, using public transport, keeping safe online
What Swalcliffe Park School can offer you:
- Outstanding benefits package including 13 weeks paid holiday, and a pension scheme comparable to the NHS
- Beautiful countryside setting with ample and free onsite parking
- Lunch provided
- Commutable distance from Banbury, Chipping Norton, Stratford Upon Avon, Leamington Spa and surrounding areas
- Working in an Outstanding (2024 & 2025) Ofsted rated school with Advanced Autism accreditation
- Comprehensive induction and ongoing training and career opportunities
- Develop your understanding, knowledge and use of neuro-affirming approaches to support autistic young people
- Access to a wide range of assessment and resources to support clinical work
- Fully integrated working within the school in a well-established therapy service
- Being part of and working closely with a supportive, proactive and forward-thinking multidisciplinary team of Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Clinical Psychologists
- Regular MDT working
- Support to complete your newly qualified competencies, if required
- Dedicated time for CPD, regular onsite clinical and managerial supervision, reflective practice, case discussions and access to relevant CENs
- Weekly team meetings for best practice sharing, peer support and team development
This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be expected to undertake an enhanced disclosure. We are an equal opportunities employer.
NO AGENCIES PLEASE
APPLY TODAY
Speech & Language Therapist / Final Year Students and Newly Qualified in Banbury employer: Swalcliffe Park School
Contact Detail:
Swalcliffe Park School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Speech & Language Therapist / Final Year Students and Newly Qualified in Banbury
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of autistic children and young people. Understanding neuro-affirmative approaches and how they can be applied in therapy will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Swalcliffe Park School. Engaging with them can provide you with valuable insights into the school culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when discussing your fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific interventions you've studied or implemented during your training. Highlighting your practical experience with techniques like Lego Therapy or vocabulary groups will show that you're ready to contribute effectively from day one.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your eagerness for continuous professional development. Mention any relevant workshops, courses, or reading you've done related to speech and language therapy, especially those focused on working with autistic individuals, to show your dedication to growth in this field.
We think you need these skills to ace Speech & Language Therapist / Final Year Students and Newly Qualified in Banbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills related to speech and language therapy. Emphasise any placements, internships, or volunteer work with autistic children or in educational settings.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for working with autistic young people. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to provide personalised care and support, and how you align with the values of Swalcliffe Park School.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, including your registration status with HCPC and RCSLT. If you're a final year student or newly qualified, mention your coursework or projects that relate to neuro-affirming approaches.
Showcase Your Teamwork Skills: Since the role involves working closely with other therapists and teaching staff, provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated in a team setting. This could include joint projects, case discussions, or any multidisciplinary work you've been involved in.
How to prepare for a job interview at Swalcliffe Park School
✨Know Your Neuro-Affirmative Approaches
Familiarise yourself with neuro-affirmative approaches and how they can be applied in practice. Be ready to discuss specific techniques you might use to support autistic students, as this will show your understanding of the school's ethos.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Skills
Highlight your ability to work within a multidisciplinary team. Prepare examples of past experiences where you've collaborated with other professionals, such as teachers or therapists, to enhance student outcomes.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle real-life situations. Think about potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would address them.
✨Show Passion for Supporting Autistic Young People
Express your genuine interest in making a difference in the lives of autistic children and young people. Share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive your passion for this field.