Job Description

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Treetops Learning Community
Centre of Excellence

Buxton Road, Grays, Essex, RM16 2WU
Tel.: 01375 372723
Email: admin@tlctrust.org

SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPIST

Job Title: Speech and Language Therapist (HCPC and RCSLT Registered)

Location: Treetops Learning Community

Salary: £30,271 - £34,932 Band D + SEN Allowance (approx. NHS equivalent Band 5)

Hours: Full Time (37 hours per week)

Responsible to: Assistant Headteacher and Therapy Lead

Start Date: November 2026 (flexible for the successful candidate)

The Trust: In March 2025 Treetops School was judged by Ofsted to have maintained the standards identified at the previous inspection. The previous inspection was in February 2020, at which time Treetops was judged as Outstanding. Treetops Free School, which officially opened in September 2022, was judged Good in its first Ofsted inspection in March 2024.

Students throughout Treetops Learning Community have complex needs varying from moderate to severe learning difficulties, which may include speech and communication difficulties, autism and global developmental delay.

The Role: We are seeking a qualified Speech and Language Therapist to join our enthusiastic multidisciplinary team working across all pathways within the Treetops Learning Community Trust. This role will provide support to pupils aged 5 to 19 with a range of learning disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, helping to develop communication skills and maximise individual potential.

The successful candidate will have energy, patience and a genuine commitment to working with children and young people with complex learning difficulties. Clinical supervision and opportunities for collaborative working will be provided within a well-established therapy team.

Duties & Responsibilities:

· Assess, monitor and review the speech, language and communication needs of pupils across the Trust.

· Deliver individual and group speech and language therapy interventions.

· Develop and implement communication programmes to support pupils' individual needs.

· Promote and implement Total Communication approaches across all pathways.

· Support the development of communication-rich learning environments.

· Provide advice, training and support to teaching staff, support staff and families.

· Contribute to Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) assessments, annual reviews and reports.

· Work collaboratively with teachers, support staff and the wider multidisciplinary team to ensure a joined-up approach to pupil development.

· Liaise with external professionals, including NHS teams and other specialist services.

· Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and professional discussions.

· Support outreach work and provide specialist advice to other educational settings where required.

· Maintain accurate and up-to-date clinical records in accordance with professional standards.

· Contribute to the ongoing development of therapy provision across the Trust.

· Keep up to date with current professional practice and undertake continued professional development.

· Adhere to all safeguarding, health and safety and confidentiality requirements.

· Undertake any other duties appropriate to the post as directed by the Therapy Lead or Headteacher.

The Team: The successful candidate will work collaboratively within a close multidisciplinary team including Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Music Therapists, Thrive Practitioners, Specialist Therapy Assistants, Teaching Staff and Learning Support Assistants.

Essential Requirements:

· Degree or recognised qualification in Speech and Language Therapy.

· Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

· Membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).

· Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

· Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

· Commitment to supporting children and young people with complex special educational needs.

Application Process: As well as applying on Essex Schools Jobs, an application form can be downloaded from our website www.treetopslearningcommunity.org and submitted via email for the attention of Sara Peaford Smith, Assistant Headteacher and Therapy Lead, at speaford@tlctrust.org.

For informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Sara Peaford Smith using the email address above.

Closing Date for Applications: Tuesday 3rd November 2026

Interviews: Week commencing 9th November

The governing body is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check, a medical check, satisfactory references and the successful completion of a six-month probationary period.

Information about the School

The governing body is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check, a medical check, satisfactory references and the successful completion of a 6 month probationary period.