Head of Therapy

Are you a forward-thinking Speech & Language Therapist or Occupational Therapist with a vision for clinical and collaborative leadership? Are you passionate about embedding therapy directly into the educational journey of young people with complex communication, sensory, and interaction needs?

Stony Dean School is seeking an exceptional, dynamic professional to join us as Head of Therapy.

In this pivotal leadership role, you will shape and drive our integrated therapy model uniting SALT, OT, and specialist provisions to empower pupils to achieve functional independence, effective communication and interaction, and success beyond school and training.

About Stony Dean School

Stony Dean School is an inspirational special school supporting pupils aged 11-19 with a range of neurodiverse profiles and complex communication, interaction, sensory and learning needs.

We are committed to creating an inclusive, nurturing and aspirational environment in which therapeutic practice is embedded throughout teaching, learning and school life. Our multidisciplinary team works collaboratively with pupils, families, education staff, external professionals, employers and partner organisations to deliver coordinated support at universal, targeted and specialist levels.

Our wider provision includes an established partnership with Amersham School and a Supported Internship Programme, enabling therapeutic support to continue across mainstream inclusion, post-16 pathways, employment preparation and transition into adulthood.

As the Head of Therapy, you will provide professional guidance and operational leadership to our dedicated multidisciplinary therapy team of Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and therapy assistants/apprentices. Working alongside the Headteacher, Senior Leadership Team, and teaching staff, you will ensure our therapeutic provision is innovative, evidence-based, and embedded into the curriculum.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Strategic Direction: Provide strategic leadership for the therapy department, driving service development plans and collaborating with the Senior Leadership Team to align therapeutic goals with wider school development priorities.

Curriculum Integration: Embedding therapeutic strategies into daily classroom practice, enabling pupils to access learning and develop key life skills.

Clinical Practice: Managing a specialist clinical caseload (SALT or OT) using evidence-based assessment and personalised intervention.

Team & Staff Leadership: Line managing, supervising, and mentoring therapy staff while driving an impactful CPD programme for school staff and families.

EHCP Management: Ensuring full compliance and high standards for EHCP provisions and statutory reporting.

Admissions support: Collaborate with Admissions lead and contribute specialist clinical advice regarding placement suitability, required provision, staffing, resources and potential funding implications. This may include attendance at tribunals.

Who We Are Looking For

We are primarily seeking an experienced Speech and Language Therapist (SALT); however, experienced Occupational Therapists (OT) with strong leadership capability and a background in special education needs settings are highly encouraged to apply.

Our ideal candidate will possess:

Professional Credentials: Recognised degree/qualification in SALT or OT with current HCPC registration (and RCSLT or RCOT membership).

Clinical Expertise: Substantial post-qualification experience supporting children or young people with ASC, language disorders, sensory and physical needs.

Leadership Ability: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and inspire a multidisciplinary team within an educational setting.

Personal Qualities: An innovative, collaborative mindset with outstanding communication skills and a commitment to child-centred practice.

What We Offer

A supportive, warm, and collaborative working environment alongside dedicated educators and therapists.

A key seat in driving school-wide strategy with backing from an engaged Senior Leadership Team.

Generous continuous professional development (CPD) funding and regular clinical supervision.

A structured Bucks pay scale mapped to the NHS Agenda for Change framework, together with generous school holiday entitlement.

How to Apply

To request an application pack or to arrange an informal conversation/visit to the school, please contact Rachel Franklin, HR & Compliance Officer [email removed]

Important Note: Application Deadline: Rolling recruitment - early applications are strongly encouraged.

Closing Date: 16th September 2026

Interview: Week Commencing 21st September 2026

Start Date: 02 October 2026 or ASAP thereafter.