Speech and Language Support Assistant

Engage Education; Bradford; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Engage Education in Bradford is seeking a Speech and Language Support Assistant to help pupils access learning and develop communication skills. The role is full-time and long-term, starting in November 2026, supporting students with SLCN in a secondary school setting.

You will work with teaching staff and the inclusion team, delivering targeted 1:1 and small-group support, following SLT guidance, and contributing to an inclusive, safeguarding-focused learning environment.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN).
• Ability to adapt communication methods to individual pupils.
• Patient, empathetic, nurturing approach.
• Ability to build positive relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Experience supporting pupils with SEND or barriers to learning.
• Follow guidance from speech and language therapists, teachers and other professionals.
• Strong behaviour management and ability to encourage engagement.
• Proactive, flexible, and calm in changing pupil needs.
• Good organisational skills and ability to work independently and in a team.
• Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, confidentiality and wellbeing.
• Passion for helping young people develop communication, independence and confidence.

Responsibilities

• Provide targeted one-to-one and small-group support.
• Implement speech and language strategies under guidance of SLTs and teachers.
• Help pupils access learning and participate in lessons.
• Collaborate with teaching staff, inclusion team and specialists.
• Uphold safeguarding and promote pupil wellbeing.

Skills

SLCN experience

Excellent communication

Patience

Team collaboration

Behaviour management

Organisational skills

Safeguarding

Passion for helping pupils

Relationship building

Job description

Speech and Language Support Assistant – Bradford

Are you passionate about supporting young people with their communication and language development? This could be the ideal opportunity for you!

This is a full-time, long-term position starting in November 2026, covering a long-term staff absence, with an ongoing commitment required.

We are seeking a caring, proactive, and dedicated individual to support pupils with speech, language, and communication needs, helping them to access learning and reach their full potential.

The successful candidate will work closely with teaching staff, the school’s inclusion team, and relevant specialists to support pupils who may experience difficulties with speech, language comprehension, expressive communication, and social interaction.

The role will involve providing targeted one-to-one and small-group support, helping to implement speech and language strategies, and adapting communication approaches to meet individual pupils’ needs. You will play an important part in creating an inclusive learning environment where pupils feel supported, understood, and confident in their ability to communicate.

The ideal candidate will have previous experience working with children or young people in an educational or support setting, ideally with an understanding of speech, language, and communication needs. You will need to be patient, adaptable, and confident in building positive relationships with pupils who may require additional support to engage with their learning.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience supporting children or young people with speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN), or a strong interest in developing expertise in this area.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to adapt communication methods to suit individual pupils.
• A patient, empathetic, and nurturing approach, recognising that every pupil develops and communicates differently.
• The ability to build positive, trusting relationships with pupils while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Experience supporting pupils with additional learning needs, SEND, or barriers to learning.
• The ability to follow guidance from speech and language therapists, teachers, and other professionals to implement appropriate support strategies.
• Strong behaviour management skills and the confidence to encourage positive engagement in lessons and interventions.
• A proactive and flexible attitude, with the ability to respond calmly to different situations and changing pupil needs.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to work independently when required, while contributing effectively to a wider team.
• A commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, confidentiality, and promoting the wellbeing of all pupils.
• A genuine passion for helping young people develop their communication skills, independence, confidence, and access to education.

Previous experience as a Speech and Language Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, SEN Teaching Assistant, or in a similar support role would be advantageous.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to make a meaningful difference to young people’s educational experiences and communication development within a supportive secondary school environment.

Why choose Engage Education?

• We pay all our staff in line with the Agency Worker Regulations, meaning your pay will be equal to that of a comparable permanent employee, where applicable.
• You will benefit from your own dedicated Engage consultant who will provide ongoing support and guidance.
• You will be invited to our wide range of continued professional development (CPD) training sessions, provided by our in-house team of experienced senior leaders. These are completely free to attend!
• Receive a £50 Amazon voucher when you refer friends!