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Paediatric Band 6 Speech and Language Therapist - Job Opportunity at Linden Lodge School Wandsworth

London, United Kingdom
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: July 27, 2025
On-site
GBP 46,419 - 55,046 per year

Benefits

NHS Agenda for Change pay structure providing standardized and transparent compensation progression
NHS Pension fund access offering one of the UK's most comprehensive retirement benefit packages
Protected CPD training budget ensuring continuous professional development investment
Employee Assistance Programme providing comprehensive mental health and wellbeing support
Complimentary local gym membership promoting physical wellness and work-life balance
Weekly Art and Yoga classes fostering stress management and creative expression
End of term staff recognition awards acknowledging professional achievements
Therapy development days facilitating specialized skill enhancement
Potential Tier 2 visa sponsorship supporting international talent acquisition
52-week annual contract option providing year-round income stability versus traditional term-time roles

Key Responsibilities

Deliver specialized speech and language therapy services to children aged 2-19 with profound and multiple learning difficulties, directly impacting communication development and educational outcomes
Collaborate within an integrated 24-member therapy team to develop evidence-based intervention strategies for pupils with complex sensory impairments including deaf-blindness
Contribute to service development initiatives that shape the future delivery of pediatric therapy services within specialized educational settings
Provide dysphagia assessment and management for students with complex feeding and swallowing difficulties, ensuring safety and nutritional optimization
Work closely with specialized sensory impairment teachers and education teams to integrate therapeutic goals with curriculum objectives
Participate in multidisciplinary care planning for students with complex medical needs, ensuring holistic approach to development
Support the expansion of therapy provision to meet growing demand for specialized pediatric services
Engage in ongoing service evaluation and quality improvement initiatives to maintain evidence-based practice standards

Requirements

Education

Degree in Speech and Language Therapy

Experience

Pediatric speech and language therapy experience

Required Skills

Pediatric speech and language therapy expertise Evidence-based practice implementation Multidisciplinary team collaboration Complex needs assessment and intervention Integrated working approaches Service development contribution CPD commitment

Certifications

HCPC registration Enhanced DBS clearance
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The pediatric speech and language therapy sector is experiencing unprecedented demand growth due to increased recognition of early intervention importance and rising prevalence of complex developmental needs. Government initiatives focusing on special educational needs funding have created expansion opportunities for specialized services, particularly in sensory impairment support. Integration of therapy services within educational settings represents a significant shift from traditional clinical models, with schools increasingly employing direct therapy staff to provide seamless, curriculum-integrated interventions. This trend reflects evidence showing improved outcomes when therapeutic goals align closely with educational objectives. There is growing emphasis on evidence-based practice and measurable outcomes in pediatric therapy, driven by both regulatory requirements and funding accountability. Therapists are increasingly expected to demonstrate competency in research application and service evaluation methodologies.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of £46,419 - £55,046 aligns well with NHS Band 6 speech and language therapist positions and represents competitive compensation for the London market. This range typically reflects 2-5 years of post-qualification experience, with progression based on competency development and additional responsibilities. The 52-week contract option provides approximately 15-20% higher annual earnings compared to term-time only positions.

Role Significance

The successful candidate will join a substantial 24-member therapy team comprising physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech and language therapists. This large team structure suggests opportunities for peer learning, specialization development, and collaborative practice approaches that are rare in smaller clinical settings.
This Band 6 position represents a mid-level therapy role with significant clinical autonomy and service development responsibilities. The therapist will be expected to manage complex caseloads independently while contributing to strategic service expansion, indicating a role that bridges clinical practice with organizational development.

Key Projects

Development and implementation of integrated therapy-education programs for students with sensory impairments Creation of evidence-based intervention protocols for complex feeding and communication needs Establishment of outcome measurement systems for therapy services within educational settings Training and mentorship programs for junior therapy staff and education personnel

Success Factors

Deep understanding of sensory impairment impact on communication development is essential for effective intervention design and implementation with this specialized population Strong collaborative skills are critical for success in the integrated education-therapy model, requiring ability to work seamlessly with teachers, education staff, and multidisciplinary team members Commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional development will be vital given the school's focus on research-informed interventions and service expansion Flexibility and adaptability in working approaches will be important when supporting students with diverse and complex presentations ranging from profound learning difficulties to sensory impairments

Market Demand

High demand exists for pediatric speech and language therapists, particularly those with complex needs and sensory impairment expertise. The specialized nature of this role, combined with London location and integrated service model, positions it favorably in a competitive market where qualified candidates often have multiple opportunities.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Pediatric assessment and intervention expertise is fundamental given the age range and developmental focus of the student population, requiring specialized knowledge of communication development in children with complex needs Dysphagia competencies are increasingly valuable due to the high prevalence of feeding and swallowing difficulties in students with profound learning difficulties and multiple disabilities Evidence-based practice skills are essential for contributing to the school's research-informed approach and meeting accountability requirements for specialized service provision Multidisciplinary collaboration abilities are crucial for success in the integrated model where therapy goals must align with educational objectives and broader student development plans

Beneficial Skills

Sensory impairment specialization would enhance effectiveness with the deaf-blind and visually impaired student population, representing a growing area of expertise demand Service development and quality improvement skills would support career progression and contribute to the school's expansion initiatives Training and mentorship capabilities would be valuable given the large team structure and opportunities for junior staff support Research and outcome measurement competencies would align with sector trends toward evidence demonstration and accountability in specialized services

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to work with one of the largest on-site therapy teams in specialized education, providing rare collaborative learning and development opportunities
Direct employment by the school rather than external contract arrangements enables deep integration with educational objectives and long-term relationship building with students
Flexible working arrangements including both 52-week and 42-week options accommodate different lifestyle preferences while maintaining career progression opportunities
Access to specialized facilities including vision assessment hub and NHS-standard audiology booth provides comprehensive diagnostic and intervention capabilities rarely available in single locations

Career Growth

Progression to Band 7 senior roles typically occurs within 3-5 years for therapists demonstrating clinical excellence and leadership potential. Service management opportunities may arise within 5-7 years, particularly given the school's growth trajectory and expansion plans.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Speech and Language Therapist (Band 7) with team leadership responsibilities and service management duties Therapy Team Lead or Service Manager overseeing integrated therapy provision across educational settings Specialist Clinical Lead in pediatric dysphagia or sensory impairment, developing expertise in highly specialized intervention areas Education-Health Partnership Coordinator facilitating integrated service delivery across multiple organizations

Company Overview

Linden Lodge School Wandsworth

Linden Lodge School operates as a leading specialized educational provider for children and young people with profound learning difficulties and sensory impairments. The school serves students aged 2-19 with complex needs including deaf-blindness, physical disabilities, and multiple medical conditions, positioning it as a highly specialized institution within the special educational needs sector.

The school maintains a strong reputation as a center of excellence for sensory impairment education, with comprehensive specialist facilities including on-site therapy teams, vision assessment capabilities, and audiological testing facilities. Its integrated approach to education and therapy represents best practice in the field and attracts referrals from across London and surrounding areas.
Located in Wimbledon, southwest London, the school serves as a regional hub for specialized sensory impairment education, accepting students from a wide geographical area due to the highly specialized nature of its provision. This regional role provides exposure to diverse cases and establishes the institution as a center of expertise.
The school demonstrates strong commitment to staff development through protected training budgets, comprehensive wellbeing programs, and collaborative team structures. The emphasis on evidence-based practice and service development suggests a progressive, learning-focused environment that values professional growth and innovation.
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