Speech & Language Therapist

About the school:

Thames Valley School is a special free school  for Autistic students between the ages of 5-16, catering for students whose needs are not currently being met by the spectrum of provision on offer. Our purpose built school will helps to prepare young autistic people from Reading and surrounding boroughs to have successful educational placements. We will then support transition into further education and employment and participation in their local community.

The NAS Academies Trust currently includes two other free schools, Church Lawton & Vanguard school (opening January 2020) It has been designated that Thames Valley School & Vanguard School will be partner schools, under the leadership of an Executive Principal and Executive Business & Finance Manager. Both schools will work collaboratively to maximise the standards, curriculum offer, training and employment opportunities. This new role will enable you to influence & contribute to the future of the NAS Academies Trust schools

The successful candidate will start in September and work alongside the Executive Principal. The Headteacher will be responsible for the operational management of the school, ensuring the highest quality specialist education for our students.

Who we are looking for:

Here at Thames Valley School we have an exciting opportunity to join our transdisciplinary team as a Specialist Speech & Language Therapist. This role would suit someone who is passionate and enthusiastic about supporting our students within our school.

You would become part of an existing dedicated team of therapists who strive to deliver best practice at all times. You will be responsible for evaluating children’s abilities, presenting findings in reports and setting collaborative goals with those that support the student. You role would also include opportunities to deliver training, support environmental modifications as well as direct group and individual therapy sessions. You will be expected to work autonomously and be confident in representing Speech & Language Therapy within annual reviews, team meetings etc. along with ensuring effective service delivery and facilitating positive outcomes for our students

You must hold a recognised Speech & Language Therapy qualification and be registered with the HCPC.  

You will:

• Embrace the changing landscape in specialist education and oversee the development and operational management of the school with the support of the UK’s leading charity for autistic people.

• Create a distinctive culture and philosophy so that from the moment a person enters the building they will know this is a school where pupils are respected, achieve beyond what is expected, are empowered to make positive choices about their own lives and have rich and varied experiences.

To be considered for this role, you will need to be able to demonstrate strong leadership qualities (including those of innovation and vision), as well as demonstrating specialist autism knowledge (through experience and practice).

About us:

The National Autistic Society is here to transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people.

We transform lives by providing support, information and practical advice for the 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK, as well as their three million family members and carers. Since 1962, autistic people have turned to us at key moments or challenging times in their lives, be it getting a diagnosis, going to school or finding work.

We change attitudes by improving public understanding of autism and the difficulties many autistic people face. We also work closely with businesses, local authorities and government to help them provide more autism-friendly spaces, deliver better services and improve laws.

We have come a long way, but there is still so much to do to, together we can help create a society that works for autistic people.

Hours of work:

You are contracted to work 195 days per annum including 190 pupil days in accordance with your school terms and work programmes, and a maximum of 1265 hours as reasonably directed by the Director of Education. Normal hours may be varied to meet the changing needs of the school. There may be occasions when additional hours are necessary to meet specific or special requirements.

What we can offer you

•    Excellent induction, training and development programme including Autism specific interventions and NAS conference opportunities

•    Reflective supervision, mentoring and coaching

•    24 hour access to online training

•    Online staff discount scheme for a range of benefits(e.g. childcare voucher and cycle to work schemes)

•    Access to a 24 hour Employee Assistance counselling programme

•    Teacher’s Pension scheme

•    Annual leave entitlement of 12 weeks inclusive of bank holidays

•    Career progression opportunities

How to apply

•    Please click apply and complete the online application form.

•    When completing the supporting statement, please refer to the job description and person specification and highlight any information that shows your suitability for the role.

•    For more information about this job please email Carly Sidhu, at carlysidhu@thamesvalley.reading.sch.uk

Closing date: 06/01/2020

Interview date: w/c 11/01/2020

Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from those with a diagnosis of autism or Asperger syndrome.

The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks.

Charity number 269425 (England and Wales); SC039427 (Scotland)

We are an equal opportunities employer.