Location: Braintree, Essex (CM7)
Salary: NHS Band 7 Equivalent (Local Government Scale 10–11), pro rata
Contract: Permanent, Part-Time, Term-Time Only
Hours: 3 days per week, 8:30am – 4:30pm
Start Date: 4th January 2027
Application Deadline: 30th October 2026
About the Role
TeacherActive is recruiting for an experienced and passionate Head of Therapies / Senior Speech and Language Therapist to join a well-established specialist SEND school in Braintree, Essex.
The school supports children and young people aged 3–19 years with a range of additional needs, including autism, Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) and complex communication needs.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Speech and Language Therapist looking to progress into a leadership role or an established therapy leader seeking a new challenge.
You will be responsible for leading an established therapy team, overseeing therapeutic interventions and ensuring that therapy is fully integrated into the school's curriculum and wider SEND provision.
Key Responsibilities
- Therapy Team Leadership
- Lead, manage and support a team of therapists, therapy assistants and apprentices.
- Provide clinical and non-clinical supervision, mentoring and professional development.
- Coordinate therapeutic provision across the school, ensuring high standards of care and support.
- Work closely with senior leadership to develop and improve therapy services.
- Speech, Language and Communication Support
- Oversee assessments and personalised therapy programmes for pupils with complex communication needs.
- Support the implementation of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), visual communication systems and total communication approaches.
- Provide specialist guidance to teaching staff on supporting speech, language and communication development.
- Monitor pupil progress and adapt therapeutic interventions to meet individual needs.
- SEND and EHCP Support
- Ensure therapeutic interventions support pupils with autism, SLD, PMLD and additional complex needs.
- Contribute to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), annual reviews and individual support plans.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, families and external healthcare professionals.
- Promote strategies that develop pupils' independence, communication, emotional wellbeing and engagement in learning.
- Training and Service Development
- Deliver training and guidance to teachers and support staff on therapeutic strategies.
- Develop and review therapy policies, procedures and interventions.
- Ensure therapeutic practice reflects current research and evidence-based approaches.
- Promote a consistent, inclusive and communication-friendly environment throughout the school.
- Recognised qualification in Speech and Language Therapy.
- Current HCPC registration.
- Significant experience supporting children and young people with SEND and complex communication needs.
- Previous experience providing clinical supervision, mentoring or team leadership.
- Strong understanding of autism, learning disabilities and communication difficulties.
- Knowledge of EHCP processes and multidisciplinary working.
- Excellent communication, organisation and leadership skills.
- A commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and evidence-based therapeutic practice.
- Experience working within a specialist SEND school or leading a multidisciplinary therapy team would be highly desirable.
What the School Offers
- Permanent, part-time position working 3 days per week, term-time only.
- A friendly, supportive and experienced multidisciplinary team.
- Opportunities for continued professional development and leadership.
- The chance to shape and improve therapeutic provision across a specialist school.
- A rewarding role making a genuine difference to pupils' communication, independence and development.
Safeguarding and DBS Compliance
TeacherActive is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Safeguarding is central to our recruitment practices, and we expect all applicants to share this commitment. All applicants are subject to thorough vetting and safer recruitment checks before being cleared to work.
Register with TeacherActive or learn more about our services.
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Head Of Therapies in Essex employer: TeacherActive Limited
TeacherActive is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and inclusive environment for Teaching Assistants in Manchester. With a strong focus on professional development and a supportive team culture, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with additional needs. The school’s commitment to ongoing training ensures that staff can grow their skills while contributing to a rewarding educational experience.
