Job Title: City Lead Teacher of Deaf Children/Young People
Salary: Leadership scale L9-13 (£63,070‑£69,596)
Hours: 32.5 per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: City-wide; Office Base: Technorth, 9 Harrogate Rd, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 3NB
Overview
Leeds City Council is seeking to appoint a City Lead for the Deaf and Hearing Impairment Team (DAHIT). The role involves leading a city‑wide team that is integral to the Learning Inclusion service, working in partnership with a broad range of local partners including children and young people (0‑25 years), their families, practitioners across early years to post‑16, and education, health and social care professionals.
About the Role
You will provide day‑to‑day professional and operational leadership of the Deaf and Hearing Impairment team, manage the operation of the service, ensure appropriate policies and practice are in place, and work closely with the Head of Service and other service managers to develop the strategic direction of the team and the Sensory Service.
Responsibilities
* Raise educational achievement and ensure full inclusion for all deaf children and young people from time of diagnosis until they leave school.
* Lead and manage the operation of the service in relation to deafness and hearing impairment.
* Develop the strategic direction of the Deaf and Hearing Impairment Team and the Sensory Service.
* Ensure a consistent, high‑quality, child‑centred, flexible and responsive education service.
* Implement robust quality assurance processes and outcome measures.
* Lead and manage staff, provide professional leadership and guidance to senior staff.
* Advises the Local Authority on provision required to meet the educational needs of deaf learners.
* Work in partnership with relevant professionals and agencies to ensure appropriate multi‑agency processes.
* Ensure safeguarding measures are in place and promote the voice of children and families in policy and practice.
* Comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures (child protection, health and safety, confidentiality, data protection).
* Support equality, diversity and anti‑discriminatory practice.
* Contribute to statutory processes such as EHCPs, Early Help, and NHSP referrals when required.
* Participate in appraisal, training and development activities.
* Promote continuous improvement and adapt to change.
Qualifications
* Qualified Teacher of the Deaf (mandatory teacher status).
* British Sign Language Level 3 or equivalent standard, or Level 2 with willingness to undertake Level 3 upon appointment.
Skills Required
* Excellent leadership and management skills.
* Excellent teaching skills in planning, delivery, assessment and monitoring.
* Excellent skills in training and advisory work.
* Ability to offer high challenge and high support promoting inclusion of CYP with SEND.
* Ability to identify evidence‑based strategies and interventions.
* Advocacy for difference‑not‑deficit approach and strengths‑based practice.
Knowledge Required
* Up‑to‑date knowledge of research and best practice in Deaf education.
* Procedures for assessing, advising, teaching and monitoring deaf children.
* Knowledge of legislation, policy and practice relating to education and special educational needs.
* Pedagogical knowledge for teaching, learning and assessment strategies for children.
* Best practice in sign bilingual education and resource provision operation.
* Understanding of Deaf culture.
Experience Required
* Substantial experience of management within an education service for deaf children.
* Substantial experience of working as a Teacher of the Deaf, including peripatetic/advisory roles.
* Experience monitoring, analysing and evaluating outcomes for children and service impact.
* Experience seeking and listening to the voice of children and families in shaping service delivery.
Behavioural and Other Characteristics
* High expectations for deaf and hearing‑impaired CYP and commitment to their full potential.
* Commitment to partnership working with all agencies, children and families.
* Commitment to full inclusion of children with SEN.
* Commitment to continuous improvement.
* Understanding of equality and diversity policies.
* Knowledge of health and safety, staff responsibilities.
* Willingness to engage in training and development.
* Alignment with Leeds City Council values, behaviours and codes of conduct.
Desirable Requirements
* British Sign Language Level 3 or above, or equivalent functioning.
* Experience working in or managing a resourced provision for deaf and hearing‑impaired children.
* Experience working with sign bilingual children and young people.
Benefits
* Competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays.
* Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions.
* Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements.
* A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
* Staff benefits to support wellbeing and financial improvement.
Diversity Statement
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from women, carers, veterans, LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care‑experienced people.
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