BSL Teaching Assistant

Academics; Tunbridge Wells; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Academics is seeking a skilled BSL Teaching Assistant to support students in a specialist Deaf Unit within a mainstream secondary school in the Tunbridge Wells area.

You will work with deaf students to aid learning, communication and participation across lessons, using British Sign Language. The role involves collaboration with teachers and support staff, adapting resources and building student confidence.

Qualifications

• Strong BSL skills and confidence communicating with deaf students.
• Experience with deaf children or young people in an educational setting.
• Experience as a Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant or similar role.
• Patient, supportive and encouraging approach.
• Ability to work effectively with teachers and specialist support staff.
• Genuine interest in helping students reach their full potential.

Responsibilities

• Providing communication and learning support to deaf students using BSL.
• Supporting access to lessons and the wider curriculum.
• Working with teachers and specialist staff to ensure appropriate support.
• Helping students develop confidence, independence and communication skills.
• Assisting with classroom activities and adapting resources.

Skills

BSL communication

Deaf education experience

Teaching Assistant experience

Patient & supportive

Team collaboration

Student development

Education

BSL qualification / Deaf Studies

Job description

BSL Teaching Assistant - Deaf Unit

Location: Tunbridge Wells
Salary: Competitive daily rate, dependent on experience
Start Date: ASAP
Contract: Temporary / Long-term, with potential for permanent opportunities

Are you a BSL-qualified Teaching Assistant looking for a rewarding role supporting deaf students within a mainstream secondary school?

A well-regarded secondary school in the Tunbridge Wells area is looking for a dedicated BSL Teaching Assistant to join its specialist Deaf Unit and provide tailored support to students across the school.

The Role

As a BSL Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with deaf students to support their learning, communication and wider development. You will work as part of the school's specialist provision while also supporting students to access the mainstream curriculum and participate fully in school life.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing communication and learning support to deaf students using British Sign Language (BSL)
• Supporting students to access lessons and the wider curriculum
• Working alongside teachers and specialist staff to ensure students receive appropriate support
• Helping students develop their confidence, independence and communication skills
• Supporting students within both the Deaf Unit and mainstream classroom environment
• Assisting with classroom activities and adapting resources where appropriate
• Building positive relationships with students and contributing to their overall progress and wellbeing

About You

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• Strong BSL skills and confidence communicating with deaf students
• Previous experience working with deaf children or young people, ideally within an educational setting
• Experience working as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or similar role
• A patient, supportive and encouraging approach
• The ability to work effectively alongside teachers and specialist support staff
• A genuine interest in supporting students to achieve their full potential

Relevant qualifications or experience in BSL, Deaf Studies, Deaf Education or British Sign Language interpreting would be highly advantageous.

The School

This is an excellent opportunity to join a supportive secondary school with an established specialist Deaf Unit. You will be working within a dedicated team and have the opportunity to make a genuine difference to students' educational experience and development.

Salary will be determined by the successful candidate's qualifications and relevant experience, and will be in accordance with the client's pay policy.