We are a specialist education organisation dedicated to providing high-quality education and tailored support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We are committed to creating an inclusive, nurturing and aspirational learning environment where every learner is supported to achieve their full potential.
We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Specialist Teacher with expertise in Braille, Makaton and relevant sign language to join our multidisciplinary team. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference by supporting learners with complex communication, sensory and learning needs.
About the Role
Reporting to the Headteacher or SENCO, the Specialist Teacher will be responsible for planning, delivering and evaluating high-quality teaching and learning for pupils with a range of additional needs, including visual impairment, hearing impairment, speech, language and communication needs, autism spectrum condition and complex learning difficulties.
The successful candidate will use specialist communication methods, including Braille, Makaton and appropriate sign language (such as British Sign Language (BSL), Signed Supported English (SSE) or other recognised communication systems, as appropriate to pupils' needs), to ensure pupils can fully access the curriculum and develop independence, communication and life skills.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, deliver and evaluate engaging, differentiated lessons that meet the individual needs and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) of pupils.
- Adapt teaching strategies and learning materials to ensure full curriculum access for pupils with sensory impairments, communication difficulties and complex learning needs.
- Read, write and produce educational materials in Braille to support pupils with visual impairments.
- Use Makaton effectively to facilitate communication, language development and learning.
- Communicate using British Sign Language (BSL), Signed Supported English (SSE) or other recognised sign language systems, according to the communication needs of individual pupils.
- Assess pupils' educational progress and maintain accurate records of attainment, development and outcomes.
- Develop and review Individual Education Plans (IEPs), EHCP targets and personalised learning programmes.
- Work collaboratively with teaching assistants, therapists, specialist support staff and external professionals to deliver coordinated support.
- Support pupils in developing communication, literacy, numeracy, social, emotional and independence skills.
- Create an inclusive, stimulating and supportive classroom environment that promotes positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing.
- Use specialist assistive technology, communication aids and adaptive learning resources where appropriate.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and modify teaching approaches accordingly.
- Promote safeguarding and ensure the welfare of all pupils in accordance with statutory guidance and school policies.
- Maintain effective communication with parents, carers, local authorities and multidisciplinary professionals regarding pupils' progress and support needs.
- Participate in annual reviews, multidisciplinary meetings and transition planning for pupils.
- Contribute to curriculum development and the continuous improvement of SEND provision across the school.
- Provide guidance, mentoring and specialist advice to colleagues on inclusive teaching strategies and communication approaches.
- Participate in professional development activities to maintain and enhance specialist knowledge and skills.
- Undertake any other duties commensurate with the responsibilities of the role.
Essential Requirements
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an equivalent recognised teaching qualification.
- Significant experience teaching children or young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
- Demonstrable ability to read and write Braille to support teaching and learning.
- Proficiency in Makaton and its practical application within educational settings.
- Competence in British Sign Language (BSL), Signed Supported English (SSE) or another recognised sign language, appropriate to the needs of learners.
- Thorough understanding of SEND legislation, the SEND Code of Practice and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
- Strong knowledge of differentiated teaching strategies and inclusive education.
- Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Desirable
- Additional qualification in Special Educational Needs, Visual Impairment, Hearing Impairment or Inclusive Education.
- Qualification or accreditation in Braille transcription or Unified English Braille (UEB).
- Level 2 or above qualification in Makaton.
- BSL qualification (Level 2 or above) or equivalent recognised sign language qualification.
- Experience supporting pupils with autism spectrum condition, profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), sensory impairments or complex communication needs.
- Experience using assistive technologies and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems.
- Knowledge of specialist assessment tools and adaptive teaching resources.
- Experience contributing to successful Ofsted inspections within specialist education settings.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary.
- Pension scheme.
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- Ongoing professional development and specialist training opportunities.
- Opportunities for career progression within a growing specialist education organisation.
- A supportive multidisciplinary team environment.
- Employee wellbeing initiatives.
- The opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people with additional needs.
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be subject to safer recruitment procedures, including an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, identity verification, Right to Work checks, qualification verification and any other pre-employment checks required by legislation.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
How to Apply
If you are a passionate and dedicated Specialist Teacher with expertise in Braille, Makaton and sign language, and you are committed to improving educational outcomes for children with additional needs, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Please submit your CV together with a covering letter outlining your qualifications, experience and suitability for the role.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £48,000.00-£52,000.00 per year
Education:
Licence/Certification:
Work Location: In person
