Lauren Whitehead
Hungerford,West Berkshire
Summary
Newly qualified Speech and Language Therapist with experience across adult and paediatric services, including acute stroke, neurorehabilitation, progressive neurological conditions and complex communication needs in educational settings. I have supported assessment and intervention for individuals with a wide range of communication profiles, including developmental and neurodivergent communication needs. I am passionate about helping people express themselves using their preferred and most authentic communication methods, and I am committed to neuroaffirming, person‑centred practice that values autonomy, identity and communication diversity. I work collaboratively with families, carers and multidisciplinary teams to create supportive environments that enhance communication, participation and wellbeing. I am motivated to develop my skills within a service where inclusion, strengths‑based practice and meaningful outcomes are central to care.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
12-1900
12-1900
12-1900, 12-1900
01.2026 - 03.2026
12-1900
Student Speech and Language Therapist
Neurorehabilitation and Stroke Ward
Swindon, Wiltshire
10.2025 - 12.2025
- Delivered personalised therapy sessions tailored to individual client needs and goals, ensuring effective rehabilitation.
- Provided therapy sessions targeting communication and dysphagia rehabilitation for clients.
- Delivered dysphagia assessment and management alongside communication therapy support.
- Assisted in assessment and therapy for progressive neurological conditions, addressing specific speech needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams including physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
- Built strong relationships with patients through empathetic communication, enhancing engagement and trust during therapy.
- Applied evidence-based practices by keeping research knowledge up to date.
- Completed clinical documentation and detailed therapy notes after sessions.
- Observed and engaged in community stroke rehabilitation services.
Student Speech and Language Therapist
Acute Stroke Ward
Winchester, Hampshire
11.2024 - 06.2025
- Facilitated communication interventions for children with autism and complex needs, fostering improved expressive and receptive language skills
- Implemented visual supports and structured communication approaches to promote understanding and engagement in learning activities
- Partnered with teachers and learning support assistants to develop tailored strategies that enhanced student learning outcomes
Student Speech and Language Therapist
Complex Needs School
Swindon, Wiltshire
04.2023 - 06.2023
- Delivered therapy sessions supporting speech, language and communication development.
- Developed and implemented personalised therapy plans to meet the unique needs of each pupil.
- Conducted formal and informal assessments of pupils to inform tailored intervention strategies.
- Collaborated with teachers, support assistants, and families to enhance support for pupil communication development.
- Facilitated the implementation of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) strategies in classroom settings.
- Supported pupils in developing communication within everyday school activities.
- Developed therapy resources and communication supports.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to coordinate and implement comprehensive care plans for pupils.
Nursery Nurse
Acres of Fun
, Berkshire
01.2012 - 08.2020
- Facilitated engaging learning activities designed to promote early literacy and numeracy skills in a playful environment.
- Planned and delivered play activities with structure and enthusiasm, encouraging group participation.
- Planned engaging messy play activities that promoted children's sensory development.
- Designed tailored activities and games to meet children's developmental needs. to suit children's ages and abilities.
- Guided children's social development through a balanced approach that integrated learning and free play.
- Monitored children's progress through observations and assessments, sharing insights with parents and caregivers.
- Observed children at play and during learning periods to identify concerns and informed parents of serious issues.
- Administered first aid and managed minor injuries, maintaining a calm and reassuring presence for children.
- Performed thorough cleaning and sanitisation of play areas and equipment to maintain health standards.
Student Speech and Language Therapist
Mainstream Paediatric Speech and Language Therapy Service
Reading, Berkshire
01.2023 - 03.2023
- Developed and implemented personalised therapy plans to meet the unique needs of each client.
- Facilitated therapy sessions for children with speech and language delays, enhancing their communication skills.
- Collaborated with parents and educational staff to develop supportive strategies for children’s speech and language development.
- Observed and supported speech and language assessments to identify client needs.
- Developed therapy activities and resources.
Teaching Assistant in Special Educational Needs
Speenhamland School
, Berkshire
01.2012 - 10.2012
- Facilitated access to the teaching environment for a student with special educational needs, ensuring her safety and engagement.
- Supervised and supported SEN pupils to complete in-class activities.
- Delivered individual support to students during learning activities, promoting understanding and participation.
- Enhanced social skills of students through structured group activities and peer interactions.
- Provided hands-on support during school outings, ensuring safety and inclusion of SEN students.
- Supervised children during activities and play, helping maintain safety and proactively address behavioural problems.
- Maintained a safe and tidy classroom, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
Nursery Nurse
Springburn Childcare
, West Berkshire
08.2008 - 01.2012
- Targeted activities and games to suit children's ages and abilities.
- Designed and set up stimulating learning environments that encouraged exploration and discovery.
- Created fun resources for children to aid learning and development.
- Worked closely with nursery managers, providing comprehensive care plans for children through play and education.
- Observed children at play and during learning periods to identify concerns and inform parents of serious issues.
- Maintained accurate records of children's development, attendance, and any incidents, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
Education
MSci - Speech and Language Therapy
University of Reading
Reading06-2026
Access to Higher Education Diploma - Health Professionals
Open College Network West Midlands
01-2022
Foundation Degree - Children’s Development and Learning
University of Reading / Newbury College
Newbury01-2016
NVQ Level 3 - Transition to Playwork
CACHE
01-2012
NVQ Level 3 - Children’s Care, Learning and Development
City and Guilds
01-2012
NVQ Level 2 - Children’s Care, Learning and Development
Newbury Colege
2009
GCSEs - Maths and English Grade C
-
Skills
- Communication assessments
- Functional communication support
- Multimodal communication support
- Neuroaffirming practice
- Evidence-based interventions
- Facilitation of communication
- Collaborative support for individuals and families
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Accessible report writing
- Strengths-based goals
- Safeguarding knowledge
- Sensory regulation awareness
- Adaptable communication strategies
- Empathetic, person-centred communication
- Rapport building
- Reflective practice and professional boundaries
- Cultural and communication diversity awareness
References
- Aimee Jennings, Flo Hanson Michelle Prout - Complex Needs School - salt@crowdyshill.swindon.sch.uk
- Lucinda Spurway - Speech and Language Therapist - lucinda.Spurway@hcrgcaregroup.com
- Julia Nasarwanji - Lead Stroke Speech and Language Therapist -Julia.Nasarwanji@hhft.nhs.uk
Timeline
12-1900
12-1900
01.2026 - 03.2026
Student Speech and Language Therapist
Neurorehabilitation and Stroke Ward
10.2025 - 12.2025
Student Speech and Language Therapist
Acute Stroke Ward
11.2024 - 06.2025
Student Speech and Language Therapist
Complex Needs School
04.2023 - 06.2023
Student Speech and Language Therapist
Mainstream Paediatric Speech and Language Therapy Service
01.2023 - 03.2023
Nursery Nurse
Acres of Fun
01.2012 - 08.2020
Teaching Assistant in Special Educational Needs
Speenhamland School
01.2012 - 10.2012
Nursery Nurse
Springburn Childcare
08.2008 - 01.2012
MSci - Speech and Language Therapy
University of Reading
Access to Higher Education Diploma - Health Professionals
Open College Network West Midlands
Foundation Degree - Children’s Development and Learning
University of Reading / Newbury College
NVQ Level 3 - Children’s Care, Learning and Development
City and Guilds
NVQ Level 3 - Transition to Playwork
CACHE
NVQ Level 2 - Children’s Care, Learning and Development
Newbury Colege
GCSEs - Maths and English Grade C
-