Location: Kingston upon Thames, South West London
Contract: Full-time | Term-time only (long-term)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:00pm
Start Date: ASAP / Flexible
Pay: £108 per day
About the School
An independent specialist SEN school in Kingston upon Thames is seeking a motivated and compassionate Aspiring Speech and Language Teaching Assistant to join their multidisciplinary team.
The school supports pupils with complex communication needs, including Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN), Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and associated learning differences. Many pupils have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and benefit from highly individualised learning and therapeutic support.
The provision takes a holistic approach, with close collaboration between teaching staff, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Educational Psychologists. The school is well-resourced, with small class sizes and a strong focus on communication, independence and life skills.
This role is particularly well suited to graduates or aspiring practitioners looking to pursue careers in Speech and Language Therapy, Educational Psychology or specialist SEN teaching.
Role and Responsibilities
Deliver 1:1 and small-group interventions to support speech, language and communication development
Work alongside Speech and Language Therapists to implement targeted programmes and strategies
Support pupils with communication needs using visual supports, Makaton, PECS or AAC tools
Assist the class teacher in adapting lessons to meet EHCP targets and individual learning needs
Promote the development of expressive and receptive language skills in and out of the classroom
Support pupils’ social interaction, emotional regulation and confidence
Monitor, record and report on pupil progress and engagement
Maintain a safe, structured and inclusive learning environmentCandidate Requirements
Degree in Speech Sciences, Linguistics, Psychology, Education or a related field (or currently studying)
Strong interest in speech and language development and supporting pupils with SEN
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Patient, proactive and emotionally resilient approach
Experience working with children or young people is desirable (school, tutoring, care or support work)
Understanding of communication strategies such as PECS, Makaton or AAC is beneficial but not essentialWhy This Role Is a Valuable Stepping Stone
This role provides excellent preparation for careers in:
Speech and Language Therapy
Educational or Clinical Psychology
Occupational Therapy
SEN Teaching or Specialist Education
Child and Adolescent Mental HealthYou will gain hands-on experience working within a specialist setting, supporting complex communication needs and learning directly from experienced therapists and practitioners.
What the School Offers
A highly supportive and specialist SEN environment
Opportunities to work closely with qualified Speech and Language Therapists
Ongoing training and professional development
Small class sizes and a personalised approach to learning
Valuable experience for postgraduate study and professional training pathwaysHow to Apply
If you are passionateabout supporting children with speech, language and communication needs and are looking to build a career in this field, we would welcome your application.
Please apply today with an updated CV or contact Charlie Hayes on (phone number removed) for more information
Salary description
£108.00 - £108.00 per day