About the Role
Following the planned retirement of our much-respected colleague after 25 years supporting deaf children and families across the Isle of Wight, we need a skilled and exceptional professional focused on children and families, supporting the development and advocacy of British Sign Language (BSL). This is a fantastic opportunity to join the Specialist Teaching Advisory (STA) Service supporting deaf babies, children and young people (CYP) across the Isle of Wight, and to join a small and passionate team of specialist teachers.
You will play a vital role in delivering early intervention and statutory provision in line with the SEND Code of Practice, supporting deaf CYP and their families to access BSL and develop early signed communication. Working closely with Teachers of Deaf Children and Young People (QToD), families, setting-employed Communication Support Workers (CSW), education, health and social care colleagues, you will contribute to the provision of informed communication choice for deaf CYP.
This is a varied and rewarding role combining direct work with deaf CYP, training for setting-based CSWs, contributing to service-led courses and early years groups and supporting community access.
You will:
* Deliver specialist BSL communication support in homes, early years settings and schools.
* Support families, settings and professionals to develop confidence and competence in signed communication.
* Deliver training programmes, including the Early Years and Primary Signing course, jointly with a Teacher of the Deaf.
* Coach and develop setting-employed CSWs, monitoring CPD and promoting high-quality, consistent provision.
* Facilitate access to the National Curriculum and support inclusive educational and social opportunities through the development of setting-employed CSWs.
* Support exam access arrangements where sign language professional is recommended, in line with JCQ guidance.
* Work with deaf children under the Children with Disabilities Team to provide communication access in homes and the community.
* Take an active role in service monitoring, evaluation and development, including tracking outcomes for deaf CYP and their families.
We are looking for someone who:
* Has considerable experience working with deaf CYP.
* Communicates confidently in BSL to a minimum level 3 (ideally level 6).
* Has strong understanding of Deaf culture and the significance of BSL within Deaf identity and history.
* Has an understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and experience working in educational settings.
* Is skilled in adapting materials, notetaking, language modification and creating visual resources.
* Is able to work sensitively and effectively with families.
* Is organised, self-motivated and confident managing an Island-wide diary of visits, training and administrative responsibilities.
* Demonstrates a strong commitment to safeguarding, with a clear understanding of Keeping Children Safe in Education.
A current valid UK driving licence is essential, ideally with a suitable vehicle; a pool car may be available for this role.
Disability Confident.
Why Join Us?
* Meaningful, life-changing work with deaf babies, children and young people.
* A genuinely supportive and specialist service.
* Improving the quality and consistency of specialist communication support across Island settings.
* Strong partnership working across education, health and social care.
* Opportunities for further professional development and accredited training.
If you are passionate about BSL and signed communication, relationship-based practice and empowering deaf children and their families, we would love to hear from you.
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