Communication Support Worker

Durham County Council; North East; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 19,000; Part time

Job summary

Durham Gilesgate Primary School invites applications for a part-time Communication Support Worker to aid deaf pupils with BSL/SSE in the Enhanced Learning Provision. The role starts January 2027 or ASAP and covers term-time plus two weeks, with strong teamwork and flexible placement across age groups.

You will work in a supportive environment, contributing to inclusive learning and school development alongside a dedicated staff and services in County Durham.

Qualifications

• BSL Level 3 or equivalent.
• Experience with deaf children/young people.
• Knowledge of CSW roles in educational settings.
• Understanding impact of deafness on education and wellbeing.
• Good interpersonal skills and teamwork.
• Flexibility across age ranges and settings.
• May require travel across the county with own transport.

Responsibilities

• Provide communication and signed support (BSL/SSE) to deaf students in the Enhanced Learning Provision.
• Support in Key Stage 2 within the school setting.
• Assist communication and promote inclusion in lessons and activities.
• Collaborate with deaf and hearing services in County Durham to support learners.

Skills

BSL Level 3

Experience with deaf children

Interpersonal skills

Flexible across age ranges

Own transport

Education

GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4

Job description

Temporary Contract review will take place at end of July 2027.

Part time - 8 hours per week

Term time only plus 2 weeks

Required to start January 2027 or ASAP

Are you looking or a role in school supporting the communication for deaf children?Do you want to work in a school that will challenge your skills, develop you as communicator and value your contribution?

We are a successful community school with an enhanced mainstream provision for deaf pupils and we are committed to continual improvement and the provision of rich learning experiences.

We are seeking to appoint a highly committed and enthusiastic Communication Support Worker to work within our school, initially to support in Key Stage 2.

Currently the role is to provide communication/signed support (BSL/SSE) to deaf students within the Enhanced Learning Provision at Durham Gilesgate Primary School.

You will have the following qualifications and experience:

• British Sign Language Level 3 (or equivalent)
• Minimum GCSE Grade C/Level 4 or equivalent in English and Maths
• Significant experience of working with deaf children/young people
• Knowledge of the role of CSW in educational settings
• Knowledge and understanding of the potential impact of deafness on educational attainment and social and emotional development and well-being
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team to support communication and promote effective inclusion
• The ability to work flexibly across age ranges and settings as required
• You may be required to travel across the county and will have your own transport arrangements to enable you to do so

The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post

We can offer you:

• friendly and caring pupils who are welcoming to all
• a committed and dedicated staff who care about children
• a supportive working environment
• a dedicated Governing Body who are passionate about the school and its place in the local community
• the opportunity for professional development
• the right environment where you can develop your skills and where you will develop good working relationships with the staff from the deaf and hearing service in County Durham.

For an informal discussion about the post please contact Mark Turner (Head Teacher) on 0191 3847284; visits to the school are strongly encouraged and can be arranged.

Calculation of term time only plus two weeks' pay

Term time only plus two additional weeks' pay is calculated on the basis of the following:

• Number of 'teaching' weeks - 38 weeks; plus
• Public (bank) holidays - 1.6 weeks (8 days); plus
• Two additional weeks, inclusive of CPD - 2 weeks; plus
• Individual leave entitlement - 5.4 weeks (27 days) or 6.4 weeks (32 days)

Individual leave entitlement is calculated on the length of continuous service. Employees with less than 5 years' service will receive 27 days annual leave. Employees with more than 5 years' service will receive 32 days annual leave.

For example:

• Calculation for employees with less than 5 years' service: 40 weeks (term time plus 2) + 27 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 47 weeks' pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments
• Calculation for employees with more than 5 years' service: 40 weeks (term time plus 2) + 32 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 48 weeks' pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and, if successful, you will need to apply for an enhanced DBS disclosure.

As a disability confident employer, we are committed to employing disabled people and people with health conditions making reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants when required.

Closing Date for application: Wednesday 18th November 2026 at 12:00 noon

Interview date: Tuesday 1st December 2026

Durham Gilesgate Primary School
Kepier Cres, Durham DH1 1PH

Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]