Speech & Language Therapist - Paediatric

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.
\n 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.

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Job Title: Speech and Language Therapist (Paediatrics)\n

Location:Petals Therapy Clinic, Earl Shilton, Leicestershire (LE9), with community and school-based work. Current school contracts are based in Hinckley, Nuneaton and Rugby.

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Reports to:Lead Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

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Salary:£32,500 £48,500 (dependent on experience)

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Hours:Full-time (37.5 hours per week). Part-time and Term Time Only applications will also be considered (minimum 3 days per week).

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Start Date:As soon as possible.

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Essential Criteria\n

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• BSc (Hons), MSc or equivalent qualification in Speech and Language Therapy.
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• Current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
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• Membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).
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• Minimum of one year experience working with children and young people.
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• Sound knowledge of a range of paediatric speech, language and communication needs (SLCN), including developmental language disorder, speech sound disorders and social communication differences.
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• Experience of planning, delivering and evaluating evidence-based assessment and intervention programmes.
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• Experience of supporting children using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), including visual supports, Makaton and/or communication devices where appropriate.
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• Ability to produce high-quality clinical documentation, including assessment reports, intervention plans and outcome measures.
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• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, schools and other professionals.
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• Ability to work autonomously, prioritise a varied caseload and manage time effectively.
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• Commitment to person-centred, neuroaffirming and evidence-informed practice.
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• Demonstrates high levels of professionalism, integrity and clinical reasoning.
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• Commitment to continuing professional development and reflective practice.
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• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and the ability to work within professional, ethical and legal frameworks.
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• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for travel between clinic, schools and community settings.
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• Right to work in the UK.
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Desirable Criteria\n
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• Experience working within independent practice, schools and/or community paediatric settings.
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• Experience supporting autistic children and young people using neuroaffirming, strengths-based approaches.
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• Experience supporting children with ADHD, developmental language disorder (DLD), speech sound disorders and/or social communication differences.
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• Knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) legislation, including Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
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• Experience contributing to EHCP assessments, annual reviews and multidisciplinary meetings.
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• Experience delivering training, workshops or coaching to parents, school staff and other professionals.
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• Familiarity with a range of standardised paediatric speech and language assessments.
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• Experience working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
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• Interest in service development and contributing to the growth of an independent practice.
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What We Offer\n

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• Private healthcare cover.
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• 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.
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• Annual CPD budget with protected opportunities for professional development through both external courses and in-house learning.
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• Regular clinical supervision, peer support and mentorship within a collaborative multidisciplinary team.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• A varied and rewarding caseload across clinic, schools and community settings, enabling you to build long-term relationships with children, families and education staff.
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• The opportunity to help shape a growing independent practice. Your ideas, creativity and clinical expertise are genuinely valued, with opportunities to contribute to service development and new initiatives.
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• Career progression based on your contribution, performance and aspirations, rather than fixed timeframes or organisational structures.
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• Clinical freedom. 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.
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• A friendly, approachable and supportive team culture. We operate an open-door policy where questions are encouraged, ideas are welcomed and every member of the team is valued.
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• Regular team socials and wellbeing events to celebrate successes, strengthen relationships and enjoy time together outside of the clinical environment.
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Skills

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• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive, trusting relationships with children, families, schools and professionals.
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• Strong clinical reasoning, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
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• Ability to adapt assessment and intervention to meet the individual needs of each child and family.
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• Ability to manage and prioritise a varied workload, balancing both clinical and administrative responsibilities effectively.
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• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to work independently and use initiative
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• Ability to communicate complex clinical information clearly and accessibly through both verbal discussions and high-quality written reports.
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• Confidence facilitating collaborative discussions, setting functional goals and supporting shared decision-making with families and professionals.
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• Emotional resilience and professionalism when managing sensitive conversations or complex situations.
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• A proactive, reflective approach to learning, service development and continuous quality improvement.
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Personal Attributes

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• Compassionate, approachable and child-centred.
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• Passionate about delivering high-quality, neuroaffirming therapy.
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• Self-motivated with the confidence to work independently while valuing collaboration.
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• Adaptable and able to embrace new ideas within a growing practice.
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• Committed to maintaining high professional standards and acting with integrity.
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• Positive, enthusiastic and motivated to contribute to the ongoing development of the service.
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Additional Information

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• This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List.
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• Evidence of the right to work in the UK is required.
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• The role involves travel between clinic, schools, homes and community settings; therefore a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential.
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• 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.
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• Flexible working arrangements are available to support a healthy work-life balance.
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• Regular clinical supervision, mentoring and continuing professional development opportunities are provided.
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To apply, please submit your CV. Upon receipt, you will be sent a Petals Therapy application form to complete and return before being considered for interview.\n

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