Job Description

Principal Speech and Language Therapist

London

Permanent

Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:30

£48,000–£55,000 per annum, with a structured pay review at 6 months

Are you an experienced Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist with a passion for clinical leadership, team development, and shaping how exceptional therapy is delivered? We are looking for a Principal Speech and Language Therapist to join a specialist paediatric therapy centre in London — a role that places you at the heart of the clinical team, combining a meaningful hands-on caseload with genuine responsibility for the quality and growth of the SLT service.

About the Role

This is a rare opportunity to step into a position that carries real clinical and organisational weight — not just a title, but a genuine leadership role within a growing, specialist clinic. You will lead and expand the SLT service, set the standard for clinical practice, and shape how a high-performing team develops over the years ahead, within a richly multidisciplinary environment that places sensory integration at the heart of its work.

The Setting

A specialist paediatric therapy centre in the heart of London, delivering high-quality, evidence-based assessments and interventions to children and young people aged 6 months to 25 years with speech, language, communication, and eating and drinking difficulties. The clinic operates across both private and LA-commissioned pathways and has a strong multidisciplinary ethos, with a Clinic Director who is an internationally recognised Sensory Integration trainer and practitioner.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a growing team of Band 5, 6, and 7 Speech and Language Therapists, providing clinical guidance and line management support
• Carry a clinical caseload of children with a range of speech, language, communication, and feeding needs, delivering high-quality assessments and evidence-based interventions
• Conduct and oversee standardised assessments including CELF-5, PLS-5, BPVS-3, VMPAC, and oro-motor and feeding assessments, producing clear reports for EHCP, tribunal, and clinical purposes
• Apply and model strong clinical reasoning across the team, supporting junior SLTs to develop their analytical skills and professional judgement
• Oversee the quality of assessments, interventions, and progress documentation across the team, including receptive and expressive language, speech sound development, social communication, AAC, and eating and drinking
• Design and implement specialist intervention programmes for clients with complex needs, including those with social communication difficulties, AAC requirements, or significant dysphagia
• Deliver home and school recommendations and implement communication and feeding programmes
• Provide clinical supervision and professional development to junior staff while fostering a supportive team environment
• Communicate therapy plans and progress effectively to parents and professionals, ensuring consistency and quality across the team
• Conduct online therapy sessions for clients who cannot attend in person
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team including Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, Educators, and Administrative Staff
• Participate in strategic service development and contribute to the clinic's overall goals

What We're Looking For

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Speech and Language Therapy, current HCPC registration, and RCSLT membership
• A minimum of 5 years' experience in speech and language therapy, with at least 2 years in a paediatric setting
• Previous experience in a senior, lead, or supervisory role is essential
• Demonstrable experience across paediatric speech, language, and communication needs; dysphagia assessment and management is highly desirable
• Experience with standardised paediatric assessments including CELF-5, PLS-5, BPVS-3, VMPAC, and feeding/oro-motor tools (or willingness to develop proficiency)
• Experience with augmentative and alternative communication approaches is desirable
• Eligibility to work in the UK (sponsorship may be available)

Training and Development

• Comprehensive onboarding programme tailored to your experience and leadership remit
• Structured clinical leadership development working alongside the Clinic Director
• Exposure to Ayres Sensory Integration® principles and how they intersect with communication and feeding profiles
• Ongoing peer reflection and senior-level clinical supervision
• A growing supervisory caseload with scope to shape how junior SLTs are recruited, onboarded, and developed
• CPD funding and access to specialist training programmes

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a 24/7 General Practitioner
• 24/7 helpline for stress, personal issues, bereavement, and emotional support, including counselling sessions
• Legal Assistance — 24/7 legal support for personal legal issues
• Fitness discounts, including access to over 3,600 health clubs
• Lifestyle discounts across a wide range of categories
• CPD funding and specialist training support
• Structured six-month salary review