BSL Teaching Assistant

📘 Job Title:
BSL Teaching Assistant (Primary – Mainstream)
📍 Location:
Mainstream Primary School, Lambeth, London
⏰ Contract Type:
Long-term Supply / Potentially Temp-to-Perm

🧑‍🏫 Role Overview:

We are seeking an experienced BSL Teaching Assistant to support a deaf or hearing-impaired pupil (or group of pupils) within a mainstream primary setting. You’ll work closely with class teachers, SENDCO, and external professionals to enable full access to the curriculum and school life through British Sign Language.

✅ Key Responsibilities:

🎯 Support for Pupils

• Facilitate communication between BSL-using pupil(s) and peers/staff.
• Provide in-class BSL interpretation of teacher instruction and class activities.
• Support pupils socially and emotionally throughout the school day.
• Encourage independence and engagement in all areas of school life.

📚 Teaching & Learning

• Work alongside class teachers to adapt resources and activities appropriately.
• Reinforce learning through BSL modelling and clarification.
• Support small group or 1:1 interventions where needed.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Collaboration & Communication

• Liaise with teachers, SENDCO, Speech & Language Specialists, and families.
• Attend meetings to contribute to pupil planning and review.
• Provide ongoing updates to agency and school staff on pupil progress.

🧠 Safeguarding & Well-being

• Promote positive behaviour and wellbeing in line with school policies.
• Provide pastoral support and report concerns to appropriate school staff.

🧾 Administrative

• Maintain basic records of support provided.
• Prepare or adapt materials under teacher direction.

🎓 Skills & Experience Required:

🗣️ Essential

• British Sign Language Level 2 or above (ideally Level 3+)
• Experience supporting deaf/hearing-impaired children in educational settings
• Strong classroom communication skills
• Ability to work flexibly, collaboratively, and independently
• Enhanced DBS (can be processed via agency)

👍 Desirable

• Experience with mainstream primary pupils
• Understanding of SEND strategies and differentiated support
• Familiar with national curriculum expectations for primary ages
• First aid training

💼 Why This Role?

✅ Impactful work: Directly support inclusion for a BSL-using pupil within a mainstream setting
✅ Professional growth: Build classroom and communication support skills
✅ Flexible placement options: Full or part-time, short or long-term
✅ Supportive environment: Work in partnership with teachers, SEND teams, and specialists
If interested, please apply today with an updated CV and a consultant will be in touch with more details.