Lead SaLT (Speech & Language Therapy) SpLD specialist

Lead Speech and Language Therapist 

The Moat School is seeking to appoint an experienced Lead Speech and Language Therapist to work as part of our exceptional, multi-disciplinary team of staff.

The Moat School is an Independent School for pupils aged 9-18 that is mainstream in structure and specialist in nature. We support pupils with dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia and high-functioning autism.

At The Moat School, we deliver a bespoke education for every pupil, developing and expanding their unique talents and helping to bring about positive change to their self-esteem. We offer a specialist education in a mainstream setting, with a strong focus on attaining GCSEs and progressing forward to further education. This consistent academic focus is balanced with our consistent specialist pastoral support. Pupils are supported, physically, emotionally and academically in order for them to reach their true potential whilst with us.

The Moat School is part of Cavendish Education.

Job Description

Therapy/Teaching

Identify and prioritise pupils for Speech and Language Therapy this is carried out in consultation with the SENCo and Deputy Head Pastoral. 

Provide therapy for pupils who have a wide range of literacy and speech and language difficulties for 1:1 sessions, paired/small group tuition or monitoring. 

Support teachers and LASs in mentoring. 

Enable pupils to access the full curriculum by providing support within the classroom as necessary.

To prepare suitable materials to support therapy.

Plan and coordinate Social Communication teaching groups in consultation with teachers and LSAs to develop social language skills and social understanding.

Teach/support Skills for Learning lessons with an emphasis on social communication skills, attention, concentration and listening, understanding language structure and speaking/listening skills. 

Assessment

Undertake speech and language screenings/assessments to ascertain pupil’s speech, language and literacy skills and suitability for Moat School placement; make recommendations to address these speech, language and literacy needs.

Screen new pupils when they join the school and make information then made available to the admissions team.

Gather information from assessments, school staff and parents to help create Speech, Language and Literacy profiles. 

Discuss Speech, Language and Literacy strengths and needs with the pupils themselves to support them in building up a realistic and positive self-image.

Transdisciplinary and Collaborative Practice

Provide induction for new members of staff to enable them to work effectively with Speech and Language and develop their understanding of pupils' needs.

Advise teaching staff about the spectrum of language and literacy difficulties experienced by the pupils; offer advice and strategies designed to help pupils access the curriculum.

Contribute to and attend EHCP Annual Review meetings of pupils who have Speech and Language input.

Regularly provide INSET training for staff on a range of topics relating to Speech and Language.

Offer guidance and support to staff regarding appropriate Speech and Language approaches for individual pupils.

Organise and monitor SaLT caseloads.

Regularly meet with the Deputy Head Pastoral.

Attend scheduled staff meetings and briefings.

Liaison with Parents

Write Speech and Language Curriculum Maps for every targeted student and report on the progress of pupils in accordance with the school’s reporting cycle.

Consult and liaise with parents about their child’s speech, language and literacy needs.

Meet with parents at formal Parents’ Evenings and at Annual Reviews.  

Provide resources for parents to use at home.  

Further duties

Lead the SaLT team and complete appraisals as appropriate.

Regularly update the SEN/SaLT register.

Update and modify the Speech and Language development plan on a regular basis.

Act as the main point of contact in relation to SaLT concerns and requests.

Monitor and evaluate the progress of pupils on the Speech and Language caseload in relation to their EHCP.

Promote, foster and maintain effective working relationships with all stakeholders.

Manage a complex caseload whilst recognising own professional boundaries and access to supervision, advice and support when necessary.

Deadline for applications: 7th February 2020