Makaton Specialist Teaching Assistant — Inclusive AAC

Tower Hamlets Council; Greater London, Dover; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Tower Hamlets Council is seeking a skilled Makaton Specialist Teaching Assistant to support pupils who are non-verbal across primary and secondary settings. You will help pupils communicate their needs and participate in lessons and school life using Makaton alongside AAC methods.

Working with teachers, SENCOs and therapists, you will adapt resources, promote inclusion, and model signing to foster a signing-friendly community within Tower Hamlets schools.

Qualifications

• Experience with other AAC systems such as PECS, Widgit symbols or eye-gaze devices.
• Teaching assistant qualification (Level 2 or 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning).
• Experience in both primary and secondary settings.
• Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and EHCPs.
• Skills in another community language spoken in Tower Hamlets.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to non-verbal pupils, using Makaton signs and symbols throughout the school day
• Help pupils access the curriculum, in lessons, at break and lunch, and on trips
• Work with teachers and SENCOs to adapt resources and activities, including visual timetables, symbol boards and communication books
• Follow and contribute to EHCP targets and communication plans, and carry out programmes set by speech and language therapists
• Model Makaton and encourage peers and staff to use it, helping build a signing-friendly school community

Skills

Makaton signing

AAC knowledge

Team collaboration

Adapt resources

Inclusive classrooms

Education

Level 2/3 Teaching Assistant qualification

Tools

PECS

Widgit symbols

Eye-gaze devices

Voice output devices

Job description

Tower Hamlets Council is seeking a skilled Makaton Specialist Teaching Assistant to support pupils who are non-verbal across primary and secondary settings. You will help pupils communicate their needs and participate in lessons and school life using Makaton alongside AAC methods.

Working with teachers, SENCOs and therapists, you will adapt resources, promote inclusion, and model signing to foster a signing-friendly community within Tower Hamlets schools.