Speech & Language Teaching Assistant

Teaching Vacancies; Leeds; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

TA training and development

Weekly collaboration time with class教师

Therapy dog Rufus

Art room access

Supportive leadership and safeguarding

Job summary

Clapgate Primary School in Leeds is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to deliver targeted speech, language and communication therapy sessions primarily for EYFS and KS1 pupils. You will work under the guidance of the SENDCo and external SALT Therapist to support individual and small group interventions.

The role involves creating engaging activities, maintaining therapy materials, monitoring progress, and collaborating with teachers and external professionals.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with speech, language and communication needs.
• Familiarity with SALT 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.
• Experience working within the primary curriculum, ideally up to Year 6.

Responsibilities

• Deliver targeted 1:1 and small group speech & language interventions under guidance.
• Recognise and support a range of communication difficulties under professional guidance.
• Collaborate with teachers, SENDCO, therapists, and external professionals to plan interventions.
• Maintain therapy materials and monitor pupil progress.

Skills

Speech language support

SALt strategies familiarity

Verbal & written communication

Literacy & numeracy basics

Education

Experience in primary curriculum

EYFS/KS1 exposure

Tools

Read Write Inc Phonics

Job description

What skills and experience we're looking for

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Experience working within the primary curriculum, ideally up to Year 6.

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.

What the school offers its staff

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.

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. https://www.clapgateprimaryschool.co.uk/

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): Childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Medical Online and social media Prohibition from teaching Right to work Satisfactory references Suitability to work with children If shortlisted, applicants will be asked to disclose relevant information regarding their criminal history