Level 4 teaching assistant - communication intervention lead

Location: Highfield Littleport Academy, Littleport, Cambridgeshire
Contract: Permanent, Part time
Working Pattern: Monday 8.30am to 4.00pm, Tuesday to Friday 8.40am to 3.30pm (39 Weeks)
Salary: ALT Grade F £29,071 - £31,015 FTE (plus retention payment and honorarium payment £1500)

We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Communication Specialist Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join the team at Highfield Littleport Academy. This is a specialist role focused on supporting children and young people with complex communication needs, helping pupils to develop their voice, access learning and build meaningful relationships.

Working alongside colleagues, you will play a key role in implementing communication strategies and interventions across the school. You will support pupils with a range of SEND needs, including autism and learning disabilities, using approaches such as Makaton, PECS, Intensive Interaction, Objects of Reference and AAC systems.

About us

As a special school for children and young people aged 2-19 in Littleport, Highfield Littleport Academy is a close-knit and caring community where relationships matter. As part of Active Learning Trust, colleagues are supported to grow professionally while contributing to work that is purposeful, collaborative and rooted in making a genuine difference for children.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

• Support pupils to develop expressive and receptive communication skills through targeted interventions and daily classroom practice.
• Implement a range of communication approaches, including Makaton, Intensive Interaction, PECS, AAC systems, communication boards and visual supports.
• Work collaboratively with teachers to adapt learning activities and resources so that all pupils can access the curriculum.
• Model effective communication strategies for colleagues and contribute to the development of communication-friendly practice across the school.
• Work closely with Speech and Language Therapists and other professionals to implement recommendations and support pupil progress.
• Contribute to assessment, record keeping and the monitoring of communication outcomes within EHCPs.
• Support pupils’ emotional wellbeing, behaviour and independence by enabling them to communicate choices, needs and feelings effectively.
• Contribute to the wider life of the school, including meetings, training, enrichment activities and safeguarding responsibilities.

What We Are Looking For

• Experience of supporting children or young people with SEND, particularly those with communication difficulties.
• Knowledge of communication strategies such as Makaton, PECS, Intensive Interaction, AAC or visual communication systems.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
• A calm, patient and resilient approach, with a commitment to inclusive and pupil-centred practice.
• The ability to work collaboratively while also using initiative and independent judgement.
• A willingness to support pupils with personal care and medical needs where required.

We Can Offer

• A welcoming and supportive specialist school environment.
• Outstanding opportunities for professional development and specialist communication training.
• A highly collaborative staff team committed to continuous improvement.
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of children and young people with complex needs.
• A culture that values wellbeing, inclusion and professional growth.
• Gain access to our VivUp employee benefit system, Cycle to Work scheme and Local government pensions.

Contact

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, or for more info, please contact Emma Brooke, School Business Manager, at: emma.brooke@highfieldlittleport.org (01353 223301)

The Active Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. We expect all staff to actively share this commitment. All adults working in our Trust in whatever capacity will be part of a thorough safer recruitment process. All appointments will be subject to pre-employment checks including the taking of satisfactory references and enhanced criminal record clearance in line with the need to create and maintain a safe culture.

The Active Learning Trust reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the advert closing date. With this in mind, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

To ensure we recruit and retain the best talent, all new employees recruited to the Active Learning Trust (leadership, teaching and support staff) will be subject to a 6 months’ probation period at the start of their employment. This policy aims to assess new employees' alignment with our culture, teaching standards, and student needs. It is designed to foster success; with regular evaluations and support mechanisms in place, helping us to identify and nurture talent.

We value diversity and welcome applications from all, including those with protected characteristics under the Equality Act. Flexible working will be considered for all roles deemed suitable.