Teaching Assistants - BSL Skills Or SEND Experience Required

Zest Education; Greater London; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent contract after probation

Job summary

Zest Education is recruiting a Teaching Assistant for a specialist school in Wandsworth, London. You will support students aged 10 to 19 who are deaf or have complex speech, language and communication needs, in both classroom and practical settings.

The role is in a truly bilingual environment where English and BSL are used. Permanent contracts are available after successful probation, with full training and progression opportunities. Salary is £95–£120 per day PAYE.

Qualifications

• BSL qualifications or signing experience and SEND experience.
• Experience working with children or young people with SEND.
• Patient, resilient and caring approach with strong communication.

Responsibilities

• Support students in lessons and practical activities.
• Promote communication through speech, language and/or sign.
• Encourage independence and life skills development.
• Support students with social, emotional and behavioural needs.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and support staff.
• Help students achieve positive academic and personal outcomes.

Skills

BSL qualifications

Signing experience

SEND experience

Job description

Teaching Assistants - BSL Skills or SEND Experience Required

Wandsworth, South West London

Permanent contract available upon sucessful completion of probation

Pay initially between £95 and £120 per day - PAYE, no hidden charges

We are recruiting Teaching Assistants to join a unique and highly supportive specialist school in Wandsworth, working with students aged 10 to 19 who are deaf and/or have complex speech, language and communication needs.

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who have:

• British Sign Language (BSL) qualifications or practical signing experience, or experience supporting children or young people with Special Educational Needs, particularly those with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN), Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), ADHD or associated learning needs.

About the School

This exceptional specialist setting provides education for students from over 30 Local Authorities across the South East of England. The school supports young people with a wide range of complex needs, including hearing impairment, speech and language difficulties, autism and ADHD.

The school offers a highly practical and life-skills-focused curriculum designed to prepare students for adulthood. Learning extends far beyond the classroom and includes:

• Cooking and food technology
• Budgeting and money management
• Travel training using public transport
• Forest school activities
• Growing and preparing food
• Cycle maintenance
• Household and independent living skills

This is a truly bilingual environment where both spoken English and British Sign Language are used throughout the school. All students learn BSL, and all classroom staff are encouraged and supported to develop their signing skills. Around 40% of staff are deaf, creating a rich and inclusive communication environment.

What You'll Be Doing

• Supporting students in lessons and practical learning activities
• Promoting communication through speech, language and/or sign
• Encouraging independence and life skills development
• Supporting students with social, emotional and behavioural needs
• Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists and support staff
• Helping students achieve positive outcomes both academically and personally

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• BSL qualifications, BSL knowledge or signing experience (desirable)
• Experience working with children or young people with SEND
• A patient, resilient and caring approach
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• A genuine passion for supporting young people with complex needs
• A willingness to learn BSL if not already qualified

What the School Offers

• Permanent contracts upon successful completion of probation
• Full training provided
• Access to all INSET and professional development days
• Excellent opportunities for career progression into teaching, wellbeing, administration and wider specialist roles
• A welcoming and supportive staff team
• Outstanding residential provision
• On-site therapy dog and rabbit
• Free parking available (first come, first served)
• Convenient location within walking distance of Balham and Wandsworth Common stations

Working Hours

8:30am - 3:30pm

Please Note

Some students may display behaviours linked to frustration around communication difficulties. Successful candidates will be resilient, empathetic and committed to helping every student develop their voice and independence.