Communication Support Worker

eTeach UK Limited; Leeds; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization in Leeds is hiring a Communication Support Worker for a new Resource Provision for children with Autism and Complex Communication Needs. The role offers the chance to significantly impact students' lives through tailored support and fostering independence. Required qualifications include Level 1 BSL and experience with Autism. Competitive salary and professional development opportunities available.

Benefits

Pension scheme membership

Employee Assistance Programme

£2k Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of inclusive education for children with Autism.
• Experience with complex communication needs.
• Ability to work constructively as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Support a class teacher to lead their class and team.
• Work with pupils using BSL as needed.
• Provide tailored support that fosters independence.

Skills

British Sign Language (BSL)

Support for children with Autism

Tailored educational support

Education

Level 1 BSL certification

NVQ 3 for Teaching Assistants

Job description

Overview

Communication Support Worker (Little London Bridge, Resource Provision)

Salary: C1 (SCP 12-17) £28,598 – £31,022. Actual Salary: £24,597 - £26,681. Hours: 37 hours per week, term time only + 1 working week.

Within GORSE, we are passionate that all children excel, regardless of their background or additional needs. We are excited to advertise for the role of Communication Support Worker within Little London Bridge, a Resource Provision for children with Autism and/or Complex Communication Needs, which opened in January 2025. Little London Bridge joins our pre-existing resource provisions, Rainbow Base and Horizons, and will cater for over 130 Primary and Secondary students with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) by 2026. The provision will benefit from the expertise across our trust while forging its own identity within the Little London community.

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Communication Support Worker with a strong understanding of British Sign Language (BSL). The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of inclusive education for children with Autism and profound hearing loss and will be skilled in providing tailored support to empower pupils, fostering independence and enhancing communication skills.

At Little London Bridge we offer an opportunity to create a new role that directly impacts the lives of our students. You will have the ability to shape the deaf culture within our school and contribute to our vision of becoming a centre of excellence for those with a dual diagnosis of Autism and hearing impairment. Join us in a rewarding environment where your contributions are valued and your professional development is supported.

If you have the skills to teach pupils with complex needs to the highest quality and to embed a learning culture that enables children to become enthusiastic and independent learners, this is the role for you.

Responsibilities

• Support a class teacher to lead their class and a small team of Level 1 Learning Support Assistants.
• Work with pupils with Autism and/or Complex Communication Needs, using BSL where appropriate.
• Provide tailored support that empowers pupils, fostering independence and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum requirement: Level 1 BSL; Level 2 or above preferred.
• Completion of DfE Teacher Assistant Induction Programme or equivalent qualifications or experience.
• NVQ 3 for Teaching Assistants or appropriate classroom experience.
• Ability to work constructively as part of a team.
• Experience with children with Autism and/or Complex Communication Needs.

What we offer

• Membership of a teacher or local government pension scheme, depending on the role.
• Commitment to continued professional investment and support throughout your career in the trust.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential support 24/7.
• Discounts and online offers at major retailers.
• £2k Cycle to work scheme.

About us

Little London Academy joined The GORSE Academies Trust in February 2024. We are a happy school where pupils are encouraged to be considerate and responsible. Little London Bridge will grow to become a provision for 40 primary-aged pupils with EHCP and Autism/Complex Communication Needs, with access to multiple teaching spaces, a purpose-built outdoor provision, a sensory room and a sensory integration room. We value diversity and languages, with over 70 languages spoken in our school.

For more information about our academy, please visit the Little London Academy website.

How to apply

Do you want to be part of our team and contribute to a brand-new provision? If you have the necessary experience and abilities, we look forward to hearing from you. The Job Description, Person Specification and Application Form can be downloaded from the GORSE Academies Trust website. For more information or to arrange a visit to the school, please email Rachael Law, Director of Specialist Provision (see full contact details on the website).

Please note: if you submit an electronic application, a hard copy is not required. CVs are not accepted.

Closing date: Apply now. Interviews: TBC.

We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to full employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure and barring service check. We promote diversity and aim to establish a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK.