Snowfields Academy has a fantastic, brand new opportunity available and are seeking a specialist Speech & Language Therapist starting from September 2020. The successful candidate will join and enhance the work of the team who provide therapy within an outstanding special educational needs environment. The department benefits from incredibly strong leadership and this is a great opportunity for a therapist who is looking to set the standard for speech and language therapy across the academy. The successful candidate will be responsible for their own caseload and will work in partnership with colleagues to ensure delivery of a high quality service.

Whilst this is a stand-alone role within the academy to begin with, the position suits a highly experienced therapist who has the potential to take on the role of Therapy Team Leader in the near future as the academy grows, and who will take the lead on expanding the SaLT team.

This role is ideal for those who have a real interest in working with children who have experience of working with higher attaining secondary aged students who have Autism. Relevant training can be provided.
We offer a working basis of Term Time + 2 weeks inset, 4 or 5 days per week depending on the successful candidate’s preference - this can be discussed during the interview. The salary offered depending on the days per week is as follows;

£27,682 for 4 days per week / £34,141 for 5 days per week (FTE £39,472)

Please note that due to the current pandemic, the role is likely to be based at Tree Tops Primary Academy until the new building can be opened.



What are we looking for in you? As a Trust, we seek to recruit talented individuals that can not only help to build the success of our academies but also people that are engaging and passionate about what they do. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate/evidence the following:

RCSLT recognised degree/diploma and a registered member of RCSLT
Membership if the Health Professionals Council
Experience of assessment and management of complex language, social and communication needs associated with Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Experience of specialist visual support to support understanding, social communication and sensory and emotional regulation needs and some experience of alternative and augmentative communication systems
Experience of and commitment to multi-disciplinary/agency working
Experience of working in a school setting (particularly special schools is desirable but not essential)
Experience of prioritisation and caseload management
Understanding and experience of SEND legislation and how to apply this in a special school setting
In return, we can offer:

Clinical supervision
Excellent CPD opportunities
The chance to join a brand new, purpose built specialist ASD Academy for secondary aged students
The chance to be part of a wider successful multi-academy Trust, sharing best practice in every way possible


Working with us at Snowfields Academy: Snowfields Academy is a new secondary provision for students with ASD. We will offer 140 places across year groups 7-13 for young people who are working at or close to age related expectations. Class sizes will be small with 12 in each class, supported by 2-3 teaching assistants according to need. We will offer a range of GCSEs and other qualifications for young people on a blend of academic and vocational pathways.

The academy will benefit from being a brand new school with a design tailored to the students it provides for, carefully considered to make the most of both its inside and outside environments in order to enhance the learning of its students. The environment will support specialisms in horticulture and catering with a purpose designed teaching kitchen, servery and cafe, and internal and external horticulture facilities supporting our students into employment. We will work closely with local businesses to offer an outstanding range of work experience opportunities and supported internships.

At Snowfields Academy we will:

Inspire and engage our children so they develop a lifelong love of learning, working towards the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme at Key Stage 3
Deliver a quality, inclusive education so all children are able to achieve to their full potential
Create a learning environment where barriers to learning are overcome and students feel safe and happy and are ready to learn
Ensure that all children feel valued and celebrate their individuality and success at every opportunity
Always work within a multi-disciplinary framework alongside families and other professionals
Use personalised approaches to manage behaviour and reduce anxieties
Ensure safeguarding, pastoral support and embedding British Values are at the heart of all we do
Create a culture where staff work collaboratively as part of the wider team, sharing ideas and good practice and offering support to each other.


Working with Leigh Academies Trust: As of January 2020, our Trust is comprised of 25 geographically organised academies (11 secondaries, 13 primaries and 1 special) educating over 15,000 students, and employing over 2,500 talented staff. We also have three further academies in development phase, due to open between September 2020-2021. The Trust is establishing four ‘clusters’ of academies: North West Kent; Central Kent; South East London; Medway. In addition, the Trust is responsible for one of the region’s biggest initial teaching training providers and a large teaching school.

As part of Leigh Academies Trust you will have ample opportunity to collaborate with your peers both

within the academy and across the whole Trust. This is an important part of our vision as we know through experience that we perform better when we work together. You are supported to undertake regular self-development to continue your professional development and hopefully progress further within the organisation.

We strive to offer a range of benefits that all employees can take advantage of which we regularly review and add to - click here to view what you’d receive as a member of staff with Leigh Academies Trust.

Diversity at our core: As a Trust we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals we all bring something unique to the role regardless of age, gender, race, beliefs or disabilities which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. All roles within the Trust are subject to an Enhanced DBS check in addition to other pre-employment checks.

Recruitment and hiring during COVID-19: Despite the challenges we face, recruitment and hiring will continue for all Leigh Academies Trust vacancies with as little disruption as possible over the coming weeks and months. This is for all senior, teaching and support staff appointments. Applications will still be reviewed and interviews conducted in a timely manner, although interview activities will vary. If you have any queries or concerns, please get in touch with the LAT Talent Team - talent@latrust.org.uk