Job reference: 006431
Salary: Band 4 AFC equivalent
Department: Not specified
Hours Per Week: 35
Closing date: 01/09/2026
Job Description
Exceptional People Deserve Exceptional Staff
About Shaftesbury Statement
Shaftesbury is a disability charity offering care, education, vocational and rehab services. The charity also provides residential care, nursing, and supported living.
Within the education sector, Shaftesbury has one school, Shaftesbury Victoria School, and 2 further education colleges, Shaftesbury Millie College and Shaftesbury Nash College. The school is for students aged 3-19, and the colleges are for students aged 16-25. All students have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), as well as physical and/or intellectual disabilities, and some have profound and complex learning needs.
About the Role
We now have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and compassionate Speech and Language Therapy Assistant to join our multidisciplinary Therapy and Wellbeing Team at Nash College.
This important role supports students to access learning, develop communication skills, participate in college life, and work towards their EHCP outcomes. You will deliver delegated speech and language therapy programmes under the guidance of qualified Speech and Language Therapists.
You will work directly with students with a range of communication needs, including those who use AAC, visual support, and personalised communication strategies. You will contribute to therapy sessions, prepare resources, record outcomes, and liaise with education staff and families as directed by the therapist.
This is a varied and rewarding role for someone who enjoys practical, student-centred work and can contribute positively as part of a supportive team.
The successful candidate will be a caring, organised and adaptable individual with experience supporting young people with SEND or communication needs. You will be confident working under supervision, able to follow therapy plans, and committed to helping students communicate, participate, and build independence.
Key Responsibilities
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Deliver delegated speech and language therapy activities and programmes for students under the supervision of qualified Speech and Language Therapists.
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Support students with a range of communication needs, including the use of AAC, visual supports, symbols, communication books, and other personalised strategies.
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Prepare therapy resources, communication materials, and activities to support individual and group sessions.
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Work with education staff to help embed communication strategies into classroom routines, community learning, and college activities.
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Record session outcomes, student responses, and relevant observations clearly and accurately, sharing information with the therapist as required.
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Support students to develop functional communication, social interaction, independence, and participation in preparation for adulthood.
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Contribute to multidisciplinary work by liaising appropriately with therapists, education staff, families, and other professionals.
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Follow safeguarding, confidentiality, health and safety, infection control and professional standards at all times.
Essential Skills & Qualifications
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Relevant Level 3 qualification or equivalent experience in health, education, social care, childcare, therapy support or related field.
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Experience working with young people with SEND, learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities, or communication needs.
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Understanding speech, language, and communication needs and an interest in supporting students to communicate effectively.
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Ability to follow therapy plans, work under supervision, and know when to seek advice from a qualified therapist.
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Good communication, organisation and record-keeping skills, including confidence using basic IT systems.
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A calm, patient and flexible approach, with a commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and student-centred practice.
Why Join Us?
What you will enjoy:
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The opportunity to develop your skills in speech and language therapy support within a specialist in further education setting.
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Working as part of a supportive and collaborative multidisciplinary team.
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The chance to make a meaningful difference to students’ communication, independence, and preparation for adulthood.
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Access to supervision, induction, and professional development opportunities.
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Term-time working, offering the flexibility to support your work-life balance and personal commitments.
Safeguarding
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Shaftesbury Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and staff. It is the responsibility of all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check and will follow our rigorous safer recruitment processes.
Equality and Diversity
Shaftesbury is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
Shaftesbury aims to create and sustain an inclusive work environment which provides equality of opportunity for everyone and reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. The post holder is required to uphold the Equality and Diversity policy and comply with the code of conduct which sets out our standards of behaviour towards those who use our services or work within them.
Application Process
Job Description and Application Form on request – please contact Guigui Mawete gmawete@shaftesburygroup.org
Closing date: 31.08.26
Interview Dates: w/c 1st September 2026
Early applications are strongly encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the advert should we feel able to appoint an appropriate candidate before the above dates.
Visits to the setting are welcomed, and encouraged, by arrangement.