Job Description

Job title:

Specialist Speech and Language Lead Practitioner (Clinical Lead)

Responsible to:

Head of Therapy

Pay

: 46,183 - 50,977 (Speech and Language Therapy Pay Scale 5)

Start Date:

January 2026

Hours:

Full time, 35 hours per week.

Working weeks:

42 weeks per year (term time plus three additional weeks during the school closure period including Saturdays as required (total working weeks: 42 weeks per year)

Role Overview

The Specialist Speech and Language Lead Practitioner (Clinical Lead) plays a central leadership role within Dawn House School's highly skilled therapy team. This role exists to provide clinical expertise, management support, and strategic oversight to ensure that the school delivers exceptional, evidence-based speech and language therapy for children and young people with complex communication needs.

Key Responsibilities

Support, coordinate and lead a team of Speech and Language Therapists, apprentices and assistants. Deputise for the Head of Therapy and Assessment Service. Ensure the delivery of high-quality clinical practice, reporting and supervision. Lead on clinical audits, service development and quality assurance. Work collaboratively with education staff to ensure therapy aligns with curriculum and EHCP needs. Provide expert guidance and support to staff, families and external professionals. Maintain your own specialist caseload and professional registration. Contribute to whole-school development, training, and strategic planning.

What we are looking for

Degree-level Speech & Language Therapy qualification. HCPC and RCSLT registration. Extensive post-qualification experience with complex caseloads. Experience supervising and supporting other SLTs. Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills. Ability to analyse complex assessments and deliver evidence-based intervention. Experience working within multidisciplinary teams

About Us

Dawn House, a Speech and Language UK school, is a day and residential school dedicated to supporting children with complex speech and language challenges. We provide integrated education, therapy, and care to pupils aged 5-19. Our school has been rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted and offers a collaborative, child-centred environment with communication at its heart. Join our passionate and dynamic team, where we give young people the communication skills they need to face the future with confidence.

How to Apply

For informal enquiries or visits to school please contact Andrea Robinson, Head of Therapy and Assessment Service on andrea.robinson@dawnhouse.org.uk

The closing date for this vacancy is

9am on Monday 15th December 2025 with interviews taking place week commencing 12th January 2026, date to be confirmed.

Have a look at our application pack to find out more about this opportunity and the difference you can make to children's lives.

To apply please complete the application form (application pack attached) and send this to Catherine Ingram, School Business Administrator

catherine.ingram@dawnhouse.org.uk

Accessibility Support

We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. If you require any adjustments or need to apply in a different format, please contact our People Team at

hr@speechandlanguage.org.uk

and we will be happy to assist you.

We are a Disability Confident Committed employer.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we carry out safer recruitment principles, as well as appropriate vetting and verifications on all school staff.

In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education the successful candidate's employment is subject to an enhanced DBS and barred list check. All shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online search covering content that is in the public domain.

A copy of our Safeguarding policy can be found on the schools website.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 46,183.00-50,977.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Cycle to work scheme Discounted or free food Employee discount Free flu jabs Free parking On-site parking Sick pay
Education:

Bachelor's (preferred)
Licence/Certification:

Member of the RCSLT and HCPC (required)
Work Location: In person