BSL Level 2 Teaching Assistant – Secondary School

Location: Lewisham, South East London

Salary: £19,500–£25,350 per annum (based on £100–£130 per day across the academic year)

Hours: Full Time

Employment: Long-term temporary/contract or direct school employment – to be confirmed

Start: ASAP

New Chapter Tuition is recruiting a BSL Level 2 qualified Teaching Assistant to provide dedicated 1:1 support to a deaf Year 10 student within a mainstream secondary school in Lewisham.

The student is new to the UK and is at the beginning of his journey developing British Sign Language. He currently communicates verbally and through lip reading and requires consistent support to develop his communication, access learning and build confidence and independence within school.

The school is currently determining the longer-term employment arrangement for this position. The successful candidate may either be engaged on a long-term temporary/contract basis through New Chapter Tuition or employed directly by the school on a fixed-term or permanent contract. The final structure will be discussed with candidates as the recruitment process progresses.

This role would suit an experienced Teaching Assistant, SEN Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant with a minimum BSL Level 2 qualification who is confident using their BSL skills within a secondary school setting.

The Role

• Provide dedicated 1:1 support throughout the school day.
• Use BSL alongside spoken communication, gesture, visual prompts and modelling.
• Support the student's developing understanding and use of BSL.
• Help facilitate communication with teachers, support staff and peers.
• Support access to classroom learning and activities.
• Encourage confidence, communication and independence.
• Work collaboratively with teaching and pastoral staff.

Requirements

• Minimum BSL Level 2 qualification – essential.
• Previous experience as a Teaching Assistant, SEN TA, LSA or in a similar education/support role.
• Experience supporting deaf or hearing-impaired young people is desirable.
• Confidence supporting a secondary-aged student on a 1:1 basis.
• A patient, adaptable and creative approach to communication.

What's on Offer

• £19,500–£25,350 across the academic year, equivalent to £100–£130 per day.
• Full-time position within a mainstream secondary school.
• Longer-term opportunity with the potential to support the student throughout Years 10 and 11.
• Employment may be through New Chapter Tuition on a long-term temporary/contract basis or directly with the school on a fixed-term or permanent contract.
• Ongoing support from New Chapter Tuition.
• Access to free CPD, training and professional development.

If you are a Teaching Assistant with BSL Level 2 or above and are looking for a full-time opportunity in Lewisham, we would be keen to hear from you.

New Chapter Tuition is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and all relevant safer recruitment checks.