Speech and Language Therapy Assistant - Full-time - Special Needs Position

The Ifield School, Gravesend

• Ref:KCC886-7039-591S
• Posted:24/06/2026
• Pay:Kent Scheme C + SEN allowance pro-rata
• Start Date:September 2026
• App Close Date:10/07/2026 at 09:00
• Interviews:14th July 2026

Advert

Ifield School is seeking to appoint a full-time Speech and Language Therapy Assistant to join our friendly and professional therapy team. You will support pupils aged 4–19 with speech, language and communication difficulties associated with profound, severe and complex needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

This role offers the right candidate the opportunity to join an apprenticeship programme and train to become a qualified Speech and Language Therapist.

About the Role

The successful candidate will work under the guidance of qualified Speech and Language Therapists to deliver and support therapy programmes across the school. This is a rewarding opportunity to play a vital role in helping our pupils develop their communication skills and reach their full potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of speech and language therapy programmes across Early Years through to Sixth Form.
• Assist in the preparation and use of resources to support our Total Communication Approach.
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff and therapists to embed communication strategies within the classroom.
• Provide support for outreach activities where appropriate.
• Contribute to training and guidance for staff and families as directed by therapists.

About Us

Ifield School is an outstanding school with a strong commitment to developing communication through a Total Communication Approach. We provide an in-depth training programme for all staff and foster a highly supportive and collaborative working environment.

There may also be opportunities to support outreach work with mainstream schools in and around Gravesend, including our partner school within the Cedar Federation.

About You

We are looking for a committed and enthusiastic individual who:

• Has a passion for supporting children and young people with complex needs
• Has excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Is able to follow therapy programmes and work under guidance from qualified therapists
• Experience in a school or therapy setting is desirable but not essential
• Is willing to learn and engage in ongoing professional development
• Is keen to pursue a career as a Speech and Language Therapist and fully commit to the role, and keen to pursue a career as a Speech and Language Therapist and fully commit to the role, understands and meets the prerequisite educational criteria at GCSE and A Levels or equivalent.

What We Offer

• A supportive and experienced therapy team
• High-quality training and development opportunities
• The chance to make a real difference in pupils’ lives
• Opportunity to enrol on an Apprenticeship programme to become a Qualified Speech and Language Therapist

Safeguarding

Ifield School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Appointment to this position will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure.

For further information or an informal conversation regarding the role and opportunities for development, please contact Kirsty Jewell, Assistant Headteacher and Director of Therapies on 01474 365485.

Information about the school

Ifield School is a Foundation co-educational school for pupils aged 4 to 19 years of age with Profound, Severe and Complex learning needs, including Communication and Interaction difficulties. The majority of pupils have learning difficulties associated with Autism, Speech, Language and Communication and, in addition, some pupils have complex medical conditions.

Ifield School is federated with King’s Farm Primary School.

Ifield Nursery was established in 2007 and is based at King’s Farm Primary School. It is a joint Early Years provision for pupils aged from 2 to 5 years old. This setting enables the pupils to learn and play alongside their mainstream peers whilst formal assessments are completed and all pupils at the nursery benefit from the resources and facilities that Ifield School offers.

Ifield School has a strong collaboration with North Kent College located 1.9 miles from the school site. 16 – 19 year old students attend Ifield Sixth Form based at North Kent College. LINK stands for “Learning With Ifield and North Kent” and reflects the close working partnership that exists between Ifield School and North Kent College. Students who attend The LINK Centre have a building and resources that have been specifically tailored to support their learning and medical needs. The students follow a highly personalised curriculum within a safe and secure environment and are also able to enjoy the benefits of the college’s restaurant and library facilities. Sixth Form students focus on preparing for adulthood and securing the outcomes identified on their Education, Health and Care Plans. Many of the students leave Ifield’s Sixth Form to attend courses at other colleges of further education or to move into employment.

Ifield School initiated a Post 19 provision in September 2014 as a pilot to focus on learners working towards independence and employability, while strengthening mathematics and English skills. LINK19 College Ltd was formed in January 2018 for 19-25 year olds. LINK19 College is a separate provision to Ifield School, but cohabits the same building as Ifield’s Sixth Form.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Gemma Waghorn
• Address:Cedar Avenue, Gravesend , Kent, DA12 5JT
• Telephone: 01474 365485
• Email: gwaghorn@ifield.kent.sch.uk