Communication Support Worker

Durham County Council; Spennymoor; On-site; GBP 5,200 - 6,500; Full time

Job summary

Durham Gilesgate Primary School in County Durham is seeking a highly committed Communication Support Worker to provide BSL/SSE support for deaf students, initially in Key Stage 2. The role is temporary, grade 8, term time plus two weeks, 8 hours per week until 31 August 2027.

The post requires BSL Level 3, GCSEs in English and Maths, and experience of working with deaf children. Travel across the county may be required, with a DBS check and safeguarding responsibilities.

Qualifications

• British Sign Language Level 3 (or equivalent)
• Significant experience of working with deaf children
• Knowledge of CSW role in educational settings
• Knowledge and understanding of the impact of deafness on attainment and well-being
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team to support inclusion
• Ability to travel across the county and will have transport to do so

Responsibilities

• Provide communication/sign support (BSL/SSE) to deaf students within the Enhanced Learning Provision.
• Support in Key Stage 2.
• Promote inclusion and effective communication in classrooms.
• Be flexible across age ranges and settings as required.

Skills

BSL Level 3

Experience with deaf children

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Flexibility across ages/settings

Travel by own transport

Education

GCSE Grade C/Level 4 English and Maths

Job description

Required - Temporary, grade 8, term time only plus 2 weeks. 8 hours per week until 31 August 2027.

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.

Please use the 'Person Specification' section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed.

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.

If this sounds like your ideal job then the Governing Body of Durham Gilesgate Primary School is interested in receiving your application.

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.

Application packs can be downloaded from the County Council Jobs web page and North East Jobs.

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 arecommitted to employing disabled people and people with health conditions making reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants when required.

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

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

Closing date: Wednesday 30th September 2026 at 12:00 noon

Interview date: to be confirmed

Durham Gilesgate Primary School

Kepier Crescent

Gilesgate

Durham

DH1 1PH

Tel: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Website: https://durhamgilesgate-pri.durham.sch.uk/