At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with speech, language, and communication needs in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Inclusive primary school in Blackpool dedicated to nurturing every child's potential.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, ongoing training, and a supportive team.
- Other info: Enjoy a term-time schedule for a great work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's communication development while building your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Speech and Language Therapy and passion for working with children.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
Location: Blackpool
Contract: Full-time / Term-time only
About Our School
We are a welcoming and inclusive primary school in Blackpool committed to providing every child with the support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our pupils come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and we place a strong emphasis on early intervention, communication development, and nurturing confidence in every learner.
We are currently seeking a passionate and motivated Graduate Speech and Language Therapist to join our dedicated team as a Teaching Assistant, with a specialist focus on supporting children with speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN).
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity for a recent graduate in Speech and Language Therapy who is looking to gain hands-on school-based experience while making a real impact on children's communication development. You will work closely with class teachers, the SENCO, and external speech and language therapists to deliver targeted interventions, support classroom learning, and help children overcome barriers to communication. This role is ideal for someone considering a future career in paediatric speech and language therapy, education, or SEN support.
Key Responsibilities
- Support pupils with identified speech, language, and communication needs across EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2
- Deliver 1:1 and small group interventions under the guidance of the SENCO and/or qualified Speech and Language Therapist
- Implement individual education plans (IEPs) and therapy programmes in the classroom and intervention settings
- Use evidence-based strategies to support language development, vocabulary acquisition, articulation, and social communication
- Support pupils with alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) where required
- Monitor and record pupil progress, contributing to reports and review meetings
- Work collaboratively with teaching staff to embed communication-friendly strategies across the curriculum
- Foster a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment
- Support emotional regulation and social interaction skills through structured activities and play-based learning
Person Specification
Essential:
- Degree in Speech and Language Therapy (or related discipline)
- Strong understanding of child development and communication needs
- Passion for working with children with additional needs
- HCPC registration (or working towards registration)
- Previous experience working in a school or with children
- Knowledge of SEN frameworks and EHCPs
- Experience delivering speech and language interventions
- Familiarity with Makaton, PECS, or other communication systems
What We Offer
- A supportive and experienced SEN and pastoral team
- Opportunity to gain valuable school-based clinical experience
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Mentoring from experienced SENCO and external Speech & Language Therapists
- A welcoming and inclusive school community
- Opportunities for career progression into specialist SALT or SEN pathways
- Term-time working pattern with excellent work-life balance
This role as a Graduate Speech and Language Therapist offers a bridge between clinical speech and language therapy and education.
Please apply now or contact Issy via (url removed) / (phone number removed)
Graduate Speech & Language Therapist — School-Based Support employer: Tradewind Recruitment
Our primary school in Blackpool is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for both staff and students. We offer a unique opportunity for professional growth through ongoing training and mentorship from experienced professionals, all while maintaining a healthy work-life balance with our term-time only contract. Join us to make a meaningful impact on children's lives and develop your career in speech and language therapy within a welcoming community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Speech & Language Therapist — School-Based Support
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your university alumni, join relevant groups on social media, and connect with professionals in the field. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can offer you some insider tips.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to speech and language therapy. Think about how you can showcase your passion for working with children and your understanding of their communication needs. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply and wait! Follow up on your applications after a week or two. A quick email expressing your continued interest can set you apart from other candidates. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and really keen on the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure to highlight any relevant experience in your conversations. Whether it's volunteering, internships, or even coursework, we want to hear how you've applied your skills in real-world settings. And remember, applying through our website gives you a direct line to us!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Speech & Language Therapist — School-Based Support
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for working with children and supporting their communication needs. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to know how you can contribute to our school and support our pupils effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've worked with children before, especially in a school setting, be sure to mention it! Talk about any interventions you've delivered or strategies you've used to support speech and language development.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you on board as soon as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tradewind Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of speech and language therapy principles, especially as they relate to children. Familiarise yourself with common communication needs and the strategies used to support them, like Makaton or PECS. This will show your passion and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss any relevant experience you have, whether it's from your degree, placements, or volunteer work. Share specific examples of how you've supported children with speech and language needs, and highlight any successful interventions you've been part of.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the school's approach to supporting children with SLCN. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Talk about why you chose this career path and what excites you about making a difference in children's lives. A genuine passion can set you apart from other candidates.