Speech & Language Therapist

Candidate
Information
Pack

For The Role Of:
Speech & Language
Therapist
(Maternity Cover)

02

Contents

ABOUT OUR CHARITY

WELCOME FROM OUR CEO

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

THE ROLE

04

05

06

Role Overview & Application Process 07
08
Person Specification
11
Job Description

03

ABOUT
OUR TRUST

Our dedicated staff are committed to ‘Changing children’s lives,
building better futures’.

West Kirby Educational Trust is a trust made up of two schools,  Acre View Primary School and
West Kirby School and College.

West Kirby School started as a Convalescent Home for children in the 1800s, became a Boarding
School in 1905, and in1979 the school’s name was changed to West Kirby Residential School.
Gradually, more and more of the children became day pupils therefore the name was changed
again to West Kirby School and College. In August 2024 the residential provision was closed.

Acre View Primary School was opened in the summer of 2024. The building was a former Nursing
Home and is now being used to help young children blossom into kind and respectful young
people.

As non-maintained special schools, West Kirby School & College and Acre View Primary School
caters for CYP, aged 5-19 years, with a range of complex special educational needs and disabilities
(‘SEND’). We support pupils with social and communication difficulties; Autistic Spectrum
Condition; ADHD; PDA; related learning and emotional, sensory and motor needs, across a range
of cognitive abilities.

Our aim is for young people to leave school with academic accreditations, together with
developed social, emotional and communication skills. We achieve this through a structured,
supportive learning environment with an individualised curriculum, based on relevant and
meaningful learning, where CYP make aspirational progress from individual starting points.

In tandem with this, we promote the development of life
skills, personal wellbeing and good mental health
through structured activities and adventures, both in and
outside school. These enrich learning opportunities and
give pupils an appreciation of the wider world, of
community and charitable partnerships.

Liverpool and Chester with their wealth of art, culture
and history are within easy reach.

04

WELCOME FROM OUR
CEO

Dear Candidate,

I am delighted that you are interested in joining West Kirby
Educational Trust as a Speech & Language
Therapist

I hope that this information pack gives you a flavour of this
role and our wonderful school community.

Welcome to West Kirby Educational Trust, 2 non-maintained special schools, with our first school
West Kirby School and College initially founded over 100 years ago as a hospice for children. Since
that time we have grown and developed into the successful school we are today, and opened a
further school in Sefton. Times have changed, but we remain enthused by the opportunity to
support, enable and develop children and young people towards realising their aspirations.

Ultimately, we want to support each of our pupils towards ‘living their best life’.

As a Charity, we are driven to inspire and motivate pupils, ensuring they are equipped with
knowledge, skills and experiences which will help them achieve their goals and ultimately reach
their full potential. We understand that each child and young person is different and has individual
needs. Therefore we tailor teaching, learning and therapeutic interventions - making activities
accessible so pupils can flourish and thrive.

Our nurturing environment, culture of respect, and promotion of acceptance and diversity is a
backdrop which allows pupils to grow into young adults, who have an understanding of
themselves and those around them.

Our safe and accepting space also allows pupils to express themselves so they feel part of our
community. Coupled with this, we are dedicated to working within our community, using our
expertise to offer support to local schools, colleges and parent groups in areas of Special
Educational needs and Disabilities. We are currently developing a programme of free training and
support which will be offered across the Local Authority.

As CEO of WKET, I would be delighted to welcome you to the Charity to see for yourself our
inspirational environment and for you to meet our equally inspiring pupils.

With Warm Regards,

Ms Sian Thomas
CEO

05

EMPLOYEE
BENEFITS

Looking After You and Your Health
All employees are enrolled (free of charge) into our Healthcare Scheme – provided by Benenden
Healthcare. From day 1 of your employment, and through your Benenden membership, you can:

✓ Get access to and talk to a GP 24/7 and a 24/7 mental health helpline
✓ Get care planning and social care advice
✓ Get access to medical diagnostics (when the wait on the NHS is over 3 weeks)
✓ Get support with medical treatment and surgery (when the wait on the NHS is over 3 weeks)
✓ Get access to physiotherapy and mental health counselling support

School Facilities
You will have access to our School Gym

You will also have access to a free
school lunch – a choice of hot meal,
salad bar, sandwiches and wraps as
well as a selection of cakes

We offer half-termly well being
afternoons for our staff where they
can take part in a variety of activities
such as yoga, golf … and more!

Looking After You and
Your Family in the Difficult
Times

All employees are enrolled (free of
charge) into our Group Life Assurance
Scheme – provided by Aviva. After 6
months of employment, and through
Aviva, if you were to die unexpectedly
your nominated beneficiary would
receive up to 4 x your annual salary.

Annual Leave

All employees who work a 52 week
contract with annual leave entitlement
can take up to 5 days (pro rata) of their
holiday entitlement during term time

Building Your Capability
From day 1 of your employment you
will be supported with your
Continuous Professional
Development, with a focus on
supporting you
to build your personal levels of
capability; helping you to become the
best version of you that you can be.

Saving for the Future
All non-teaching staff are eligible (and
will be automatically enrolled) to join
the School’s Private Pension Scheme,
after 3 months of employment.

The School will match your
contributions (like for like) to your
private pension up to 7% of your
annual salary.

*Please note, Employee Benefits are subject to change from time to time and are non-contractual.

2306

ROLE OVERVIEW
& APPLICATION PROCESS

West Kirby Educational Trust is Seeking to Appoint a
Maternity Cover Speech & Language Therapist

Salary: £34,324.16 – £39,670.81 (23 – 27)

Contract: Maternity cover until March 2027, working term time only (44.6 weeks)

Hours: 37 hours per week (part time working possible, with flexibility on working
pattern)

Role Overview:

As a member of the Speech & Language Therapy team you will provide a highly
specialised clinical service to children/young people with SCLN, ASC and a range of
other special needs in a special school setting. You will ensure the SaLT Department
puts in place effective provisions and interventions for children and young people.
You will assist in the direction and leadership of the Speech & Language
Department.

You will be predominantly based at West Kirby School, with a requirement to be
able to go to Acre View as an when needed.

Application Process:

Application forms and further information can be found via the school website:
www.wkrs.co.uk or contact recruitment@wkrs.co.uk. The school does not accept
CVs.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and
young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The
successful applicant will be subject to rigorous recruitment checks and an enhanced
DBS check.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications
for the role.
Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as
possible.

2307

PERSON
SPECIFICATION

Person Specification – Speech & Language Therapist

West Kirby Educational Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare
of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this
commitment.

Essential

Desirable

Qualifications

Experience

These are qualities without
which the applicant could
not be appointed

• Qualification i.e. degree
in Speech & Language
Therapy, which gives
licence to practice
• Registered member of

RCSLT and HCPC

• Drivers licence

• Leading a team
• Working with

children/young people
with SEN, particularly
those on the Autism
Spectrum
• Working with

children/young people
with receptive and/or
expressive language
difficulties

• Differential diagnosis;
formulation of therapy
plans; providing
appropriate
intervention(s);
evaluating outcomes
• Carrying out formal and
informal assessments
and observations

• Report writing
• Using Autism specific
strategies/approaches

These are extra qualities
which can be used to choose
between applicants who
meet all of the essential
criteria

• PECS

Method of
Assessment

• Production of

the
Applicant’s
Certificates

•

Joint working with
education staff in a
classroom environment

• Working with

children/young people
with SEMH e.g.,
attachment and trauma,
anxiety

• Delivering training

• Contents of

the
Application
Form

•

Interview

• Professional
References

08
23

PERSON
SPECIFICATION (Cont.)

Person Specification – Speech & Language Therapist

West Kirby Educational Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare
of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this
commitment.

Essential

Desirable

These are qualities
without which the
applicant could not be
appointed

These are extra qualities
which can be used to choose
between applicants who
meet all of the essential
criteria

Method of
Assessment

• Able to provide
rationales for
interventions from
evidence based practice
and individual need

• Understand and
promote holistic
approach

• Understand the
difficulties of
motivating young
people with low self-
esteem and high
anxiety

• Have an understanding
of ASC and possible co-
occurring diagnoses

• Effectively manage a
personal caseload
• Relate theory to

•

practice
Initiative, problem
solving skills

• Approach therapy with
creativity and flexibility

• Excellent

communication and
interpersonal skills

Knowledge

Skills

• How SCLN impacts the

• Contents of

development of functional
skills – and how this can
be supported

the Application
Form

•

Interview

• Professional
References

• Experience of planning

• Contents of

and developing
group/class interventions
• Support others in working

the Application
Form

with children/young
people e.g., providing
(indirect) intervention
programmes, advice

•

Interview

• Professional
References

2309

PERSON
SPECIFICATION (Cont.)

Person Specification – Speech & Language Therapist

West Kirby Educational Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare
of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this
commitment.

Essential

Desirable

These are qualities
without which the
applicant could not be
appointed

These are extra qualities
which can be used to choose
between applicants who
meet all of the essential
criteria

Method of
Assessment

• Clear written and
spoken English

• Good organisational

skills

Skills (cont.)

Personal
Attributes

• Adaptable and flexible
• Passionate about

maximising each child’s
potential

• Enthusiasm, ability to
motivate others, and
promote positive
behaviour in a nurturing
environment

• Willingness to becomes
involved in all aspects of
school life

• Emotional resilience in

working with
children/young people
who may present with
behaviours which
challenge

• Ability to work as a

team and
independently
• Sense of humour
• Patience
• Ability to build good
relationships with
pupils, teaching staff,
parents and carers-
whilst maintaining
appropriate boundaries

• Contents of

the Application
Form

•

Interview

• Professional
References

• Contents of

the Application
Form

•

Interview

• Professional
References

2310

JOB
DESCRIPTION
Job Description – Speech & Language Therapist

West Kirby Educational Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the
welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share
this commitment.

Summary of The
Role:

Line Management
Responsibility to:

Main Duties &
Responsibilities:

You will be a member of the Speech & Language Therapy team;
providing a highly specialised and clinical service to children/young
people with SCLN, ASC and a range of other special needs in a special
school setting. You will work under the leadership of the Head of
Department, alongside Speech & Language Therapy colleagues and
report to the Head of Inclusion and Clinical Services.

Head of Inclusion and Clinical Services

Clinical:
• Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people
for who you are responsible and with whom you come into contact
with

• To carry a personal caseload and be responsible for managing the
assessment; treatment; implementation and documentation
(including target setting and evaluating outcomes) of Speech and
Language Therapy interventions

• To provide Speech & Language Therapy specialist

assessment/observations, recommendations and interventions –
using differential diagnosis, clinical reasoning, prioritisation,
demonstrating critical thinking, reflection and analysis
• To write, implement and evaluate measurable targets and

interventions for pupils

• To demonstrate clinical effectiveness, underpinned by the use of

evidence based practice and outcome measures

• Use sound clinical reasoning skills, to analyse and interpret

assessment findings in order to help establish appropriate goals and
integrate these appropriately into interventions,
advice/recommendations, IEP’s and EHCP’s

• To be responsible for the review and discharge of pupils
• Participate with collecting and submitting timely caseload data
• Provide advice/recommendations, targets, resources, or other pupil

specific information for others to follow

• To model and demonstrate specific approaches, strategies or

therapeutic techniques to others

• Work collaboratively with all staff in order to ensure Speech &

Language Therapy is embedded within he school and integrated into
curriculum planning, IEP targets and delivery

2311

JOB
DESCRIPTION (Cont.)

Duties &
Responsibilities
(Cont.):

• To be aware of all departmental and professional standards required.
To strive to achieve these standards in all work carried out, and to
inform senior staff if difficulties should arise

• To communicate with pupils, parents/carers and other professionals

in a clear and concise manner

• Refer on to other services where appropriate, ensuring consent is

obtained.

• Liaise with outside agencies as appropriate; providing professional

advice and feedback

• To work collaboratively with education staff
• To write comprehensive reports for pupils, as required. To attend and
contribute to Annual Review meetings and other pupils meetings, as
required.

• To maintain contemporaneous case notes and clinical records.

Personal and Professional Development:
• Assist the Lead SaLT in the direction and leadership of the

Department

• Access Clinical Supervision and demonstrate reflective practice.
• To be accountable for own professional actions and recognise own
professional boundaries, seeking advice and (Specialist) support
where necessary.

• Maintain up-to-date Health and Care Professions Council and Royal
College of Speech and Language Therapists registration; working to
their standards of proficiency., conduct, performance and ethics
• Demonstrate commitment to continuous professional development

and acquisition of up-to- date skills and knowledge. Participate in the
planning, organising and delivering of training.

• Participate in the school’s appraisal/performance management

process.

• Attend staff meetings, as required
• Support other less experienced members of the team to develop
their clinical and case management skills and to resolve problems

• To support the Department in facilitating university students in

clinical placements, as required.

General:
• To be aware that pupils may not be able to co-operate or comply in
an activity and may present with behaviour that challenges. To form
productive relationships with pupils who may be under stress and/ or
have complex social, emotional or language difficulties – and
motivate them to engage.

• To potentially work with pupils in Primary, Secondary and Post 16 and

residential settings.

2312

JOB
DESCRIPTION (Cont.)

Duties &
Responsibilities
(Cont.):

• To provide an environment which optimises pupil learning and

enables them to reach their potential; maximising their academic ,
social, emotional, language, communication and independence skills

• To complete admin tasks within the team which will aid with the

smooth-running of the Speech and Language Therapy Department.
• To carry out other duties as may be reasonably required; compatible
with the post and commensurate with its seniority, so as to meet the
changing demands of the school. You may be asked to undertake
such other duties at the discretion of the SENCO or Principal.

• Adhere to school policies and procedures
• Maintain confidentiality in line with legislation
• To deal with complaints in a professional manner and that which

follows protocol

• To be aware of, and implement Health and Safety Regulations – such

as risk assessment.

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Acre View Primary School
286 Southport Road
Lydiate
L31 4EQ

West Kirby School & College
Meols Drive
West Kirby
CH48 5DH

0151 317 3370
schooloffice@acre-view.co.uk schooloffice@wkrs.co.uk

0151 632 3201