NHS Speech & Language Therapist - Paediatrics

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Speech and Language Therapist to join our small and growing paediatric team, delivering high-quality assessment, diagnosis and therapy for children and young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN). The role involves working across a variety of settings including our clinic, schools, nurseries and family homes, supporting children with a wide range of developmental speech, language and social communication differences. We are a child-centred, inclusive service committed to neuroaffirming, evidence-based practice and to supporting every therapist to develop professionally whilst maintaining an excellent work-life balance. Job Title: Speech and Language Therapist (Paediatrics) Location: Petals Therapy Clinic, Earl Shilton, Leicestershire (LE9), with community and school-based work. Current school contracts are based in Hinckley, Nuneaton and Rugby. Reports to: Lead Specialist Speech and Language Therapist Salary: £32,500 £48,500 (dependent on experience) Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week). Part-time and Term Time Only applications will also be considered (minimum 3 days per week). Start Date: As soon as possible. Essential Criteria BSc (Hons), MSc or equivalent qualification in Speech and Language Therapy. Current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT). Minimum of one year experience working with children and young people. Sound knowledge of a range of paediatric speech, language and communication needs (SLCN), including developmental language disorder, speech sound disorders and social communication differences. Experience of planning, delivering and evaluating evidence-based assessment and intervention programmes. Experience of supporting children using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), including visual supports, Makaton and/or communication devices where appropriate. Ability to produce high-quality clinical documentation, including assessment reports, intervention plans and outcome measures. Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, schools and other professionals. Commitment to continuing professional development and reflective practice. Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and the ability to work within professional, ethical and legal frameworks. Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for travel between clinic, schools and community settings. Desirable Criteria Experience working within independent practice, schools and/or community paediatric settings. Experience supporting autistic children and young people using neuroaffirming, strengths-based approaches. Experience supporting children with ADHD, developmental language disorder (DLD), speech sound disorders and/or social communication differences. Knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) legislation, including Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Experience contributing to EHCP assessments, annual reviews and multidisciplinary meetings. Experience delivering training, workshops or coaching to parents, school staff and other professionals. Familiarity with a range of standardised paediatric speech and language assessments. What We Offer Private healthcare cover. Generous annual leave with 30 days holiday plus an additional 10-day company shutdown over Christmas and New Year, allowing you to fully switch off and spend time with family and friends. Annual CPD budget with protected opportunities for professional development through both external courses and in-house learning. A genuine commitment to work-life balance. We recognise that life extends beyond work and offer flexible working arrangements, including reduced expectations during school holidays wherever possible. Autonomy to be the therapist you trained to be. We prioritise quality, child-centred care over unrealistic targets, allowing you the time and flexibility to deliver meaningful intervention based on clinical reasoning. A varied and rewarding caseload across clinic, schools and community settings, enabling you to build long-term relationships with children, families and education staff. The opportunity to help shape a growing independent practice. Career progression based on your contribution, performance and aspirations, rather than fixed timeframes or organisational structures. You'll have the autonomy to use your professional judgement and deliver therapy that reflects best practice, rather than being restricted by service-driven pathways or arbitrary targets. We operate an open-door policy where questions are encouraged, ideas are welcomed and every member of the team is valued. Regular team socials and wellbeing events to celebrate successes, strengthen relationships and enjoy time together outside of the clinical environment. Skills Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive, trusting relationships with children, families, schools and professionals. Ability to adapt assessment and intervention to meet the individual needs of each child and family. Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to work independently and use initiative Ability to communicate complex clinical information clearly and accessibly through both verbal discussions and high-quality written reports. A proactive, reflective approach to learning, service development and continuous quality improvement. Personal Attributes Compassionate, approachable and child-centred. Passionate about delivering high-quality, neuroaffirming therapy. Additional Information This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List. The role involves travel between clinic, schools, homes and community settings; therefore a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential. Our work spans clinic, schools and community settings across Leicestershire and Warwickshire. As our service continues to grow, there may be opportunities to work across different locations, so flexibility and a willingness to travel are essential. Flexible working arrangements are available to support a healthy work-life balance. Regular clinical supervision, mentoring and continuing professional development opportunities are provided. Upon receipt, you will be sent a Petals Therapy application form to complete and return before being considered for interview.