How to Become a Speech Therapy Assistant in the UK
Speech therapy assistants, often called speech and language therapy assistants, support qualified speech and language therapists. You run therapy activities the therapist has planned, prepare resources, record progress, and help children or adults practise speech, language, communication or swallowing skills. You might work in NHS clinics, hospitals, special schools, mainstream schools or people's homes.
No degree is needed. Employers look for experience with children or adults with communication needs, good literacy and a caring manner. Many assistants later train as speech and language therapists.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £24,000 - £27,000
- Mid-career salary
- £27,000 - £31,000
- Senior salary
- £30,000 - £36,000
- Work environment
- Hospital, clinic or community setting
- Time to entry
- 0 - 12 months
- Degree required
- Not required
- Category
- Healthcare and Care
Compare pay across careers in the UK salaries by career report. Also in: No-degree careers, Stable careers, Career change.
What a Speech Therapy Assistant does
Support speech and language therapists running sessions with children and adults.
- Paediatric SLT Support - Support SLTs working with children in clinics and schools.
- Adult SLT Support - Support adults after stroke or with degenerative conditions.
- Specialist School Support - Embedded support in special schools.
- Bilingual SLT Assistant - Support SLT services in additional languages.
How to become a speech therapy assistant in the UK
Most people get in through experience as a teaching assistant, special educational needs support worker, nursery worker, healthcare assistant or carer. NHS posts are usually Band 3 assistant roles, with Band 4 senior assistant or associate roles for those with more experience or further training. Some employers offer a Level 3 apprenticeship for allied health profession support workers. The role itself is not registered with a regulator, but you need an enhanced DBS check. To become a speech and language therapist you need an approved degree or degree apprenticeship and HCPC registration.
- Get experience supporting people with communication needs, for example as a teaching assistant, SEN support worker, nursery practitioner or care worker.
- Learn a signing and symbol system such as Makaton, which many speech and language therapy teams use with children and adults.
- Read about the types of difficulty therapists treat, such as speech sound disorders, developmental language disorder, stammering, aphasia after stroke and swallowing problems.
- Apply for speech and language therapy assistant posts on NHS Jobs and with schools, local authorities and charities, and get an enhanced DBS check.
- Ask your employer about the Level 3 allied health profession support apprenticeship or other in-house training to move towards a Band 4 role.
- If you want to become a therapist, apply for an approved speech and language therapy degree or degree apprenticeship and register with the HCPC once qualified.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experience in schools, care or health, then assistant post | 0-12 months | Training on the job | People with experience of children or disability |
| Level 3 allied health support apprenticeship | About 12-18 months | Paid by the employer | Earning while gaining a recognised qualification |
| Assistant role, then speech and language therapy degree | 3-4 years after starting | Tuition fee loan or employer-funded apprenticeship | People aiming to become a qualified therapist |
How long it takes
With relevant experience you can be working as an assistant within 0 to 12 months. Becoming a qualified speech and language therapist takes a further 3 to 4 years of study.
Speech Therapy Assistant salary in the UK
Speech therapy assistants usually start on around £24,000 to £27,000, often on NHS Band 3. With experience you can earn £27,000 to £31,000, and senior or associate practitioner roles, often Band 4, pay £30,000 to £36,000. NHS pay is set nationally and rises each year, with extra pay in London. School-based roles may be term-time only, which reduces annual pay. Qualifying as a speech and language therapist is the main route to higher earnings.
Key skills
- Communication
- Patience
- Working with children
- Recording
- Teamwork
Speech Therapy Assistant FAQs
How do I become a speech therapy assistant?
Build experience with children or adults with communication or learning needs, for example as a teaching assistant or support worker. Then apply for speech and language therapy assistant posts with the NHS, schools or charities, and complete an enhanced DBS check.
Do you need qualifications to be a speech and language therapy assistant?
No degree is needed. Most employers ask for good GCSEs in English and maths and relevant experience. Some prefer a Level 3 qualification in health, care or childcare, and training such as Makaton is a useful extra.
How much does a speech therapy assistant earn?
Starting pay is around £24,000 to £27,000, usually NHS Band 3. Experienced assistants earn £27,000 to £31,000, and senior assistants or associate practitioners earn £30,000 to £36,000. Term-time contracts in schools pay less over the year.
Can a speech therapy assistant become a speech and language therapist?
Yes, many do. You need to complete an approved speech and language therapy degree, postgraduate qualification or degree apprenticeship, then register with the HCPC. Experience as an assistant is a strong advantage when you apply.
Is Speech Therapy Assistant right for you?
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