Speech and Language Therapist

Collectively known as the Vale Federation Special Schools, Booker Park and Stocklake Park are located in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, and cater for a wide range of students with complex special educational needs across the whole age range (3-19 years). The Vale Federation Schools use the SCERTS framework. A Total Communication Approach is incorporated into classroom practice, and a variety of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) are used extensively across the schoolsWe employ our own well established, friendly and supportive Speech and Language Therapy Team consisting of 6.5 WTE therapists. Therapists enjoy excellent terms and conditions, in working term time + 2 weeks, but with fully paid school holidays, equating to a generous amount of paid annual leave. We are seeking to expand our team by appointing a Speech & Language therapist to a permanent post, working term time plus two weeks during the holiday periods. This post will include covering communication needs within the school, and we would particularly welcome anyone with dysphagia training and experience. For those without existing dysphagia training, a willingness to undergo dysphagia training is desirable, but not essential. Vale Federation will be able to support this through access to appropriate external training courses, as well as practical experience and dysphagia supervision from within the Speech and Language Therapy team.We are seeking someone who will complement our existing team skill set, and would therefore invite applications at newly qualified, Band 5, or Band 6 level, dependent on therapist knowledge, skills, and experience.Information about our schoolBooker Park is a member of the Vale Federation of Special Schools, together with the secondary and post-16 school Stocklake Park. With 237 pupils on roll, Booker Park caters for primary aged children with a broad diversity of complex needs including profound and multiple, severe and moderate learning difficulties. Almost half of the pupils have an additional diagnosis of an autistic spectrum condition. We are fortunate enough to have wonderful facilities including two large halls, a computer suite, hydrotherapy pool, soft play room, an observational mirror room, dark room and sensory theatre. We have purpose built outdoor spaces including a MUGA (multi use games area), climbing castle, pirate ship and sensory path which are available to all pupils. We are close to bus and train links and on-site parking is available for all staff.Safeguarding StatementThe Vale Federation of Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to provide two satisfactory references, undertake pre-employment checks including a health check and have a cleared Enhanced Disclosure & Barring check. An online search (including social media checks) will be carried out for all shortlisted candidates as part of our recruitment processThe roleTo complement the work of the therapy team, contributing to a range of activities and to work collaboratively as part of a professional team. The role will include significant opportunities for meaningful direct work with pupils. Within the role, there will be opportunities to work collaboratively with teaching staff in classroom settings to integrate speech and language therapy recommendations (both communication, and eating and drinking) into daily classroom practice; and opportunities to deliver training for staff and parents on a range of topics. Please see candidate pack for further details.The candidateIdeal candidates for this role will have experience of working with children who have a range of special educational and complex needs either in a special school or similar setting, or maybe through different job role. You will be able to liaise with other professionals in order to carry out recommendations required and also work on your own initiative. A good working knowledge of ICT to be able to effectively support learning and a commitment to training is expected. Resilience, common sense and a commitment to working as part of a team are also key attributes. Please see candidate pack for further detailsEnjoy the benefits of working at The Vale Federation: friendly and supportive staff in a family-like environment, large staff rooms and ample free parking. Also enjoy the benefits of working within Buckinghamshire Council which includes an employer contribution pension scheme, financial rewards, and purchases from local shops, cafes and restaurants, and a 24 hour free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme.How to applyVisits to the school are warmly welcome. To arrange a visit or to find out more about the role, please contact Lynne Worley on the number below.For further information on our recruitment process please visit our website.Completed applications should be emailed to: ##### Date:
04/11/2023 Interview Date: To be conducted as suitable candidates applyIf you have not been contacted within three weeks of submitting your application, you must assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. Start date:
As soon as possible, upon completion of all pre-employment checks with satisfactory results. School address and websiteSchool Address: Stoke Leys Close, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP21 9ETIf you would like to apply for this position, please complete the application form below. If you are unable to print the documents or have a disability that makes it difficult for you to complete the forms, please contact us so that we can post them to you or make alternative arrangements.When completing the application form please account for all your time since leaving full-time education including part-time and voluntary work. Any gaps in your employment history should be fully explained. Please also complete the section relating to previous criminal convictions and sign the application form.HR AssistantBooker Park SchoolStoke Leys CloseAylesburyBucksHP21 9ET
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