Speech and Language School Assistant (SALSA)

Speech and Language School Assistant (SALSA)

30 hours per week, 8:00am – 2:30pm

Permanent, term-time only

Grade 6 – FTE £28,792 - £31,022 per annum

Actual salary – £20,067 - £21,621 per annum

Required as soon as possible

St Mark’s CE School is one whole school community, where we create a sense of belonging for all who enter our school. Our ethos of nurture and high standards and expectations will be modelled through the school by excellent staff.

We are looking for someone who can support the children in our secondary school phase with speech and language needs. This requires the ability to be able to run programmes to meet NHS targets and also targets set by our own identification processes. You will need to be able to communicate with children across all age ranges to support differing needs. It’s a unique and essential position supported by the wider inclusion team.

To be successful, you will have strong communication and interpersonal skills, excellent organisational and IT skills with a passion for working with children and young people.

About the Role

The role includes responsibility for:

• To support Class Teachers to devise and deliver programmes for identified children with specific speech and language needs and to develop specialised knowledge and understanding of strategies to assist these children;

• To develop, prepare and maintain therapeutic materials and resources for use with identified children and to support the children in using them;

• To establish supportive, caring and secure relationships with the children, promoting respect, self-esteem and a positive, inclusive whole school ethos;

• To work with pupils on a one-to-one basis to support speech, language and communication skills;

• To support and facilitate group therapy activities;

• To provide support to children in class as a Teaching Assistant with speech and language specialism as required.

• To facilitate and support Makaton provision within the school and to train others as required;

• To help, support and motivate the children, encouraging independent learning and behaviour and enabling learning targets and outcomes to be achieved;

• To contribute to monitoring and recording pupils’ progress, maintaining records and providing relevant feedback to teachers;

• To provide welfare support to children as required;

• As directed by the Class Teacher or SENCo/ Head of SEND, to liaise with outside agencies as appropriate;

• To assist with general school duties which may include:

a. Setting up classrooms, preparing resources and displays and tidying and clearing away

b. Supervision of children during playtimes

c. Supervision of children entering and leaving school premises

The full can be found in the Applicant Information Pack

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking someone who has:

Essential

• Previous experience of working with/ guiding the learning of children, preferably within a school setting

• Demonstrable evidence of an interest in speech and language skills and ability/aptitude to support children’s development in this area

• Strong administrative skills and experience

• GCSE Grade C (or equivalent) in English and Maths

• Ability to observe, monitor and analyse learning and outcomes in a practical context

• Ability to communicate information and ideas effectively to a range of audiences, particularly children with specific speech and language needs, through good written and oral communication skills

• Ability to maintain children’s interest and motivation for learning and to maintain discipline

• Ability to work well as a member of a team

• Awareness of needs/demands of young children and how they act/react

• Ability to work with, support, understand and empathise with children who will have particular specific needs

• Understanding of key safeguarding issues and procedures

The full person specification can be found in the Applicant Information Pack

Why Join us?

• A strong Christian ethos where love, service, and belonging are lived daily

• A supportive senior leadership team that values pastoral work

• A school community where pupils are known, valued, and listened to

• Opportunities to shape and strengthen whole-school pastoral practice

• A role that balances strategic leadership with meaningful pupil contact

What We Offer

• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme

• Secure on-site car parking

• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme, including confidential 24/7 counselling support

• Access to a Benefits Hub, offering a range of discounts and offers

• Occupational Health support

• On-site hot and cold food options

• Access to online training and personal development courses

• The opportunity to work in a brand-new, high-specification school environment

• Career development opportunities within a supportive organisation

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated professional to make a meaningful contribution within a caring and ambitious school community.

How to Apply

Closing date: 11:55pm on Sunday 7th June 2026

Applications can be made directly via the school website:

Please return completed applications to: View email address on tes.com

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

We reserve the right to call candidates for interview and appoint to the role before the closing date.

Safeguarding Statement

St Mark’s Church of England School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.

Southampton City Council is an equal opportunities employer.