Specialist Speech and Language Lead Practitioner (Clinical Lead)

Job title: Specialist Speech and Language Lead Practitioner (Clinical Lead)

Responsible to: Head of Therapy

Pay: £46,183 - £50,977 (Therapy Pay Scale 5)

Start Date: January 2026

Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week.

Working weeks: 42 weeks per year (term time plus three additional weeks during the school closure period including Saturdays as required (total working weeks: 42 weeks per year)

Role Overvie

wThe Specialist Speech and Language Lead Practitioner (Clinical Lead) plays a central leadership role within Dawn House School’s highly skilled therapy team. This role exists to provide clinical expertise, management support, and strategic oversight to ensure that the school delivers exceptional, evidence-based speech and language therapy for children and young people with complex communication needs

.
Key Responsibiliti

• esSupport, coordinate and lead a team of Speech and Language Therapists, apprentices and assistant
• s.Deputise for the Head of Therapy and Assessment Servic
• e.Ensure the delivery of high-quality clinical practice, reporting and supervisio
• n.Lead on clinical audits, service development and quality assuranc
• e.Work collaboratively with education staff to ensure therapy aligns with curriculum and EHCP need
• s.Provide expert guidance and support to staff, families and external professional
• s.Maintain your own specialist caseload and professional registratio
• n.Contribute to whole-school development, training, and strategic plannin

g.
What we are looking

• forDegree-level Speech & Language Therapy qualificati
• on.HCPC and RCSLT registrati
• on.Extensive post-qualification experience with complex caseloa
• ds.Experience supervising and supporting other SL
• Ts.Strong leadership, communication and organisational skil
• ls.Ability to analyse complex assessments and deliver evidence-based interventi
• on.Experience working within multidisciplinary te

ams
Abou

t UsDawn House, a Speech and Language UK school, is a day and residential school dedicated to supporting children with complex speech and language challenges. We provide integrated education, therapy, and care to pupils aged 5-19. Our school has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and offers a collaborative, child-centred environment with communication at its heart. Join our passionate and dynamic team, where we give young people the communication skills they need to face the future with confidence. Visit our website h

ere.
Wh

y Us?Because…Dawn House School is a Speech and Language UK specialist school for children aged 5-19 with complex or severe speech and language challenges. You will collaborate with a team of therapists, educators, and external professionals and shape mental health practices and drive meaningful change in educa

tion.Because…We know that with the right help, children can go on to thrive and our school is designed to give them the best possible futures. You will work closely with students aged 5-19 who face communication and emotional challe

nges.Because…1.9 million children in the UK are currently struggling with talking and understanding words and you can help change

that.
How to

ApplyFor informal enquiries or visits to school please contact Andrea Robinson, Head of Therapy and Assessment Service on andrea.robinson@dawnhouse.

org.uk
The closing date for this vacancy is 9am on Monday 15th December 2025 with interviews taking place week commencing 12th January 2026, date to be con

firmed.
Have a look at our application pack to find out more about this opportunity and the difference you can make to children’

s lives.To apply please complete the application form (application pack attached) and send this to Catherine Ingram, School Business Administrator catherine.ingram@dawnhous

e.org.uk
Accessibilit

y SupportWe are committed to ensuring that our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. If you require any adjustments or need to apply in a different format, please contact our People Team at hr@speechandlanguage.org.uk and we will be happy to as

sist you.We are a Disability Confident Committed employer. Find out what this m

eans here
Sa

feguardingWe are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we carry out safer recruitment principles, as well as appropriate vetting and verifications on all sch

ool staff.In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education the successful candidate’s employment is subject to an enhanced DBS and barred list check. All shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online search covering content that is in the publ

ic domain.A copy of our Safeguarding policy can be found here: School Safeguard