Speech & Language Therapist

Medway Council; Chatham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering school as a Speech and Language Therapist where your expertise is valued. At Danecourt School, you will work with pupils with complex learning needs, delivering interventions that empower and motivate. Collaborate within a supportive and multidisciplinary team, making a significant impact on children's lives.

Benefits

Access to CPD and development opportunities

Local Government Pension Scheme membership

Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible working patterns available

Qualifications

• Proactive, experienced therapist with SEND expertise.
• Able to implement AAC tools and techniques effectively.
• Dysphagia-trained, essential for some student needs.

Responsibilities

• Deliver targeted interventions for communication needs.
• Implement AAC as part of the Total Communication approach.
• Collaborate with teachers and families on communication strategies.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

AAC Implementation

Compassion

Dysphagia Support

Education

HCPC Registration

Qualified Speech and Language Therapist

Job description

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Are you a passionate, experienced Speech and Language Therapist looking to make a real difference in a setting where your expertise will be valued and your impact visible every single day? Danecourt School offers a truly unique opportunity to work with pupils with special educational needs in a nurturing, inclusive, and therapeutic environment.

About the Role

This is a fantastic opportunity for a Speech and Language Therapist who is developing a specialism in supporting children with complex learning needs. At Danecourt, you’ll join a team committed to helping every child communicate, learn, and thrive.

You’ll work alongside our Occupational Therapist, Behavioural Specialist, and Therapies Assistant, delivering integrated support within our primary-aged special school. You’ll also collaborate closely with NHS therapists and our skilled teaching teams to ensure communication strategies are embedded across the school day.

Here’s what you’ll be doing:

• Empowering Pupils: Deliver targeted, specialist, and universal interventions to meet a wide range of communication needs
• Using AAC: Implement low, lite, and high-tech AAC, as part of a Total (inclusive) Communication approach tailored to individual pupils
• Supporting Dysphagia Needs: Provide support for a small but growing number of pupils with assessed/known feeding difficulties (basic dysphagia training is essential)
• Working Across Teams: Collaborate with families, teachers, and external professionals to develop and maintain consistent communication support
• Training Others: Deliver engaging and practical training for parents, class teams, and whole-school staff
• Contributing to EHCPs: Provide reports and input into annual reviews and SEND planning
• Professional Support and Supervision: You’ll receive regular supervision and support from our Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a proactive, experienced, and compassionate therapist who is:

• Qualified and HCPC-Registered
• Experienced in SEND, with confidence in working with children with complex needs
• AAC Confident, with skills in implementing a range of tools and approaches
• Dysphagia-trained (basic level essential)
• A Strong Communicator, able to work collaboratively and compassionately with pupils, families, and colleagues
• Driven by Outcomes, and aspirational in your approach to helping children achieve their fullest potential

Why Danecourt?

At Danecourt, no two days are the same — but every day is meaningful. You'll experience the joy of seeing children achieve communication breakthroughs that transform their learning and relationships.

Here’s why our team loves working with us:

• A Meaningful Impact: Your therapy skills will be embedded in daily school life — and you’ll see the immediate results of your support in children’s development and wellbeing
• A Supportive, Collaborative Team: Our in-house therapy team works hand-in-hand with education staff in a truly multidisciplinary environment
• A Culture of Innovation and Inclusion: As part of the Maritime Academy Trust, we are part of a innovativenetwork of schools prioritising inclusive practice and collaboration
• Professional Growth: We offer regular CPD, development opportunities, and support for specialism and progression
• Flexible Working Patterns: While the role is full-time, we’re open to discussing alternative working patterns that support a healthy work-life balance
• Excellent Benefits: Including membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, access to the Employee Assistance Programme, Wagestream for financial flexibility, and more

Ready to Make a Difference?

This is a rewarding opportunity to join a vibrant and pioneering school where your specialist skills will make a real and lasting impact. If you're looking for a role that combines purpose, progression, and a supportive community — we’d love to hear from you!

We warmly invite you to visit us to see our therapeutic, pupil-focused approach in action. Alternatively, for an informal chat about the role, please contact Lou Elliott on 01634 232589.

Please don’t wait to apply—we may interview and appoint candidates as applications are received and reserve the right to close the advert early.

Maritime Academy Trust embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

The Trust and its academies are committed to recruiting with care and safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. The post is subject to a successful Enhanced DBS check and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before an appointment is confirmed.

In line with KCSIE 2024 guidance, as part of the shortlisting process, the Trust reserves the right to conduct an online search on shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence and to share any pertinent information found concerning a candidate's suitability to work with children with Hiring Managers to be discussed at interview stage