Speech and Language Teaching Assistant

eTeach UK Limited; Leeds; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Therapy dog Rufus

Art room access

Job summary

Clapgate Primary School is seeking a dedicated Speech & Language Teaching Assistant to deliver targeted SALT sessions for EYFS and KS1 pupils. You will work under the direction of the SENDCO and external therapists, supporting children with diverse communication needs and monitoring progress.

The role involves collaboration with teaching staff, attendance at training, and maintaining therapy materials. A proactive, patient approach and strong literacy/numeracy skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Experience of supporting children with speech, language and communication needs.
• Familiarity with speech and language intervention strategies and visual supports.
• Proven ability to recognise and support communication difficulties.
• Strong literacy and numeracy skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Deliver targeted 1:1 and small group speech and language interventions under guidance.
• Support EYFS and KS1 pupils with SALT sessions.
• Collaborate with teachers, SENDCO, therapists and external professionals to plan interventions.
• Maintain therapy materials and monitor pupil progress.

Skills

Speech therapy support

Phonics

Curriculum knowledge

Strong communication

Behaviour management

Tools

Read Write Inc

Job description

Welcome to Clapgate Primary School. Clapgate Primary School is a large and vibrant two form entry school with a 78-place nursery. Despite being in an area with a surplus of school places, Clapgate stands out for its warm, nurturing environment, high academic standards, and excellent pupil progress. We pride ourselves on offering a rich, creative curriculum and a caring approach that nurtures confident, motivated, and enthusiastic learners.

Job Vacancy: Speech & Language Teaching Assistant

Location: Clapgate Primary School
Contract: Permanent, Term-Time Only
Hours: 32.5hrs (Monday to Friday - 8.30am – 3.30pm - half hour lunch)
Salary: B1 points 4-6 (pro rata)
Start Date: ASAP
Reports To: SENDCO / Senior Leadership Team
Enhanced DBS Check Required

About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to join our supportive team. In this unique role, you will deliver targeted speech, language, and communication therapy sessions, primarily working with EYFS and KS1 pupils.

Key Responsibilities

Speech & Language

• Deliver targeted 1:1 and small group speech & language interventions under the direction of our SENDCo and external Speech & Language Therapist from Chatterbugs
• Recognise and support a range of communication difficulties under professional guidance.
• Collaborate with teachers, SENDCO, therapists, and external professionals to plan and implement individualised SALT interventions.
• Maintain therapy materials and monitor pupil progress, adjusting support as needed.

Other Duties

• Comply with all school policies including safeguarding, health and safety, and confidentiality.
• Participate in professional development and training.
• Maintain professional relationships with colleagues, pupils, and external agencies.
• Complete First Aid training if required.
• Undertake lunch and break duties as required.
• Teach a Phonics group in EYFS or KS1.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Experience of supporting children or young people with speech, language and communication needs.
• Familiarity with speech & language intervention strategies, communication aids or visual supports.
• Proven skills in recognising and supporting a range of communication difficulties.
• Strong literacy and numeracy skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.etc.

Ideal Candidate Qualities

• Creative, committed, and enthusiastic with a passion for supporting children’s communication and learning.
• Confident in curriculum content across the primary age range.
• Ability to engage children as active, independent learners.
• Skilled in behaviour management and maintaining a positive learning environment.
• Empathetic and patient, with a nurturing approach to children’s individual needs.
• Confident in delivering speech and language interventions.
• Collaborative, flexible, and proactive in their own professional development.
• Reflective and observant, able to provide clear feedback on pupil progress and identify misconceptions.
• Brings energy, initiative, and enthusiasm to the wider school community.
• Promotes high-quality oracy, encouraging pupils to communicate confidently and effectively.
• Takes a creative and adaptable approach to supporting teaching and learning.
• Knowledge of the Read, Write, Inc Phonics programme.

Why Join Clapgate Primary School?

At Clapgate, we value the vital role teaching assistants play in helping pupils become confident, independent learners. Our most recent Ofsted inspection (July 2024) recognised our outstanding personal development and Early Years provision, highlighting our welcoming community and high ambitions for every pupil, including those with SEND.

Please view our full Ofsted report. Link included in vacancy information.

We offer:

• A happy, motivated, and friendly staff team.
• Enthusiastic pupils, eager to learn.
• A vibrant, creative atmosphere that celebrates innovation.
• Supportive leadership committed to raising standards and improving children’s lives.
• A rich, creative curriculum with distinctive golden threads.
• Comprehensive TA training and weekly collaboration time with class teachers.
• A robust appraisal process supporting your professional growth.
• Our much-loved therapy dog, Rufus.
• A dedicated art room to support creative learning.
• A clear and consistent approach to behaviour, supported by our therapeutic team.
• A strong respect for work–life balance.

Visit our website to watch our school video and learn more about our community, link included in vacancy information.

Safeguarding and Equality

Clapgate Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all children, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts at the school are classed as regulated activity and therefore require an Enhanced DBS check with a barred list check.

If shortlisted, applicants will be asked to disclose relevant information regarding their criminal history, and an online search will be conducted using only publicly available information.

This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK—either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement Scheme, or through another relevant visa route. If you do not currently have the right to work in the UK and the role is not eligible for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the criteria to apply.

We welcome applications from all groups and particularly encourage those from underrepresented backgrounds, including ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, and religion. We value diversity and aim for a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds.

Appointments are subject to satisfactory references, medical clearance, and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. All appointments are subject to a six-month probationary period (if applicable).