Aspiring Speech And Language Therapist - Learning Support Assistant Hillingdon

AMA Admin; Greater London; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site parking

Excellent transport links

Job summary

AMA Admin in West Drayton is seeking an Aspiring Speech and Language Therapist - Learning Support Assistant to gain real-world experience before a MSc or NHS placement. You will work with children who have speech and language challenges, global developmental delay, PMLD, and complex communication needs, gaining hands-on exposure in a specialist provision.

You will learn to recognise non-verbal communication, support functional communication using Makaton, PECS, and AAC devices, and observe how

Qualifications

• A Linguistics, Psychology, or Speech and Language Therapy graduate is preferred for this role.
• This position provides hands-on exposure before your MSc or NHS placement.
• You will develop core communication assessment and support skills.

Responsibilities

• Support non-verbal and verbal learners in a SEN setting to develop communication.
• Assist in implementing communication programmes using Makaton, PECS and AAC tools.
• Observe and record language development and responses during sessions.
• Collaborate with SLTs and teaching staff to support students' communication goals.

Education

Linguistics

Psychology

Speech and Language Therapy

Tools

Makaton

PECS

AAC devices

Job description

ASPIRING SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPIST - LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANT West Drayton

Hillingdon | SEN School Experience | Education & Training

THE ESSENTIALS

Pay £108 per day
Start Dates September 7th and 14th, 2026
Hours Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:45 PM (Term Time Only)
Location Hillingdon (excellent transport links + on-site parking)
Contract Term Time Only - Long-term role

Aspiring Speech and Language Therapist - Learning Support Assistant Hillingdon

ASPIRING SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPIST? THIS IS YOUR CLINICAL CLASSROOM.

If you are a Linguistics, Psychology, or Speech and Language Therapy graduate looking to build real-world experience before your MSc or NHS placement, this role offers something unique.

You will be working with children who have speech and language challenges, global developmental delay, profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), and complex communication needs—gaining hands‑on exposure to the very challenges you will treat as a qualified speech and language therapist.

This specialist provision in Hillingdon supports children and young people with non-verbal communication needs, SLCN, and PMLD, offering you an exceptional opportunity to develop your clinical skills in a real-world educational setting.

ASPIRING SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPIST - Learning Support Assistant Hillingdon - Education and Training - Aspiring Speech and Language Therapist - Learning Support Assistant Hillingdon

WHY THIS ROLE IS THE PERFECT LAUNCHPAD FOR SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY

Understand Communication in All Its Forms

Many of the students we support are non-verbal or have significant speech and language delays. You will learn to recognise and interpret alternative forms of communication—from gestures and facial expressions to behaviour and vocalisations—building the foundational skills every SLT needs to assess and support children with complex needs.

Support the Development of Functional Communication

You will work alongside speech and language therapists to implement communication programmes, using tools such as Makaton, PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. This hands‑on experience gives you a significant advantage when you begin your SLT placements.

Understand the Link Between Communication and Behaviour

Many of the students we support experience frustration, anxiety, and challenging behaviour because they cannot express their needs, wants, or emotions verbally. You will learn how to identify communication breakdowns and support children to find alternative ways to make themselves understood—a crucial skill for any speech and language therapist.

Develop Your Clinical Observation Skills

You will learn to assess a child's receptive and expressive language, attention and listening skills, and social communication abilities in real-world settings. You will see how environmental factors, sensory needs, and physical positioning impact a child's ability to communicate effectively.

Build Therapeutic Rapport with Non‑Verbal Children

Communication is about more than words. You will learn to build trust through consistency, active listening, and patience—skills that are essential when working with children who have speech and language challenges or cognitive impairments.

Aspiring Speech and Language Therapist - Learning Support Assistant