Speech and Language Therapist (Band 6) - Booker Park School

The role will include significant opportunities for meaningful direct work with pupils. Within the role, there will be opportunities to work collaboratively with teaching staff in classroom settings to integrate speech and language therapy recommendations (both communication, and eating and drinking) into daily classroom practice; and opportunities to deliver training for staff and parents on a range of topics.

Continuing Professional Development is actively encouraged, and the schools have a proactive attitude to training and development opportunities. Regular clinical supervision is in place for the SaLT team, and there is a commitment to evidence-based practice. The Speech and Language Therapy Department is well resourced with it's own budgets for training/CPD, and for equipment and resources. The department is equipped with a comprehensive range of assessments, specialist communication and clinical software, and therapy resources and equipment. The use of electronic and paper-based AAC is established within the school. Therapists are provided with their own laptops and are well supported by the the on-site IT service.

There are many opportunities to work together with the large multi-disciplinary team, which includes Occupational Therapists, School Nurses, Music Therapy, and Physiotherapy.

All applicants must be registered members of both RCSLT and HCPC.

The successful candidate will be independently responsible for a caseload of pupils with complex needs. Qualification and experience in dysphagia is highly desirable, or a willingness to undertake training in this area. Relevant training and supervision will be in place to support the development of dysphagia skills. We would welcome candidates with a particular interest in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC); Complex Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC); and/or Learning Disabilities (LD).

Candidates need excellent communication and interaction skills, a high level of empathy, and a passion for providing speech and language therapy for children and young people with complex needs.

Therapists applying for a Band 6 role must have evidence of specialist knowledge, skills, and experience in relevant clinical areas.

The Vale Federation of Schools incorporates Booker Park Primary Special School and Stocklake Park Secondary Special School, across 2 campuses. Booker Park School currently educates 241 pupils and Stocklake Park School 108 pupils, including a Sixth Form.

Our extensive facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, soft play centre, sensory, swing rooms, rebound trampoline, library audio suite and multiple outdoor activity and learning areas.

Based in Aylesbury, our schools are close to the town centre and local train stations, have excellent bus links and free on-site parking at all sites. We are offering the chance to become part of an amazing team with amazing opportunities.

Website: www.thevalefederation.com

Collectively known as the Vale Federation Special Schools, Booker Park and Stocklake Park are located in Aylesbury, Bucks, and cater for a wide range of students with complex special educational needs across the whole age range. The Vale Federation Schools use the SCERTS framework. A Total Communication Approach is incorporated into classroom practice, and a variety of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) are used extensively across the schools

We employ our own well established, friendly and supportive Speech and Language Therapy Team consisting of 6.5 WTE therapists. Therapists enjoy parity with their teacher colleagues in working term time only with paid school holidays. We are seeking to expand our team by appointing a Speech & Language Therapist to a permanent post, working term time plus two weeks during the holiday periods. This post will include covering communication needs within the school, and we would also welcome anyone with dysphagia training and experience, or an interest in training in Paediatric Dysphagia.

We are seeking someone who will compliment our existing team skill set, and would therefore invite applications at newly qualified Band 6 level, dependent on therapist knowledge, skills, and experience.

Salary Type: Bucks pay

Salary details: Bucks Pay Range 7 £39,646 - £43,759 dependent on experience (NHS Band 6 equivalent)