Communication Support Worker

Communication Support Worker (for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Pupils)

Scale 6 pt 18 to 21 (Actual salary for Term Time only £24,468 to £25,814)

36 hours per week, term time only

Commencing ASAP 

Heathcote School is an 11 – 18 school on a rapid journey of improvement. The Headteacher joined the school in 2017 and is working with all stakeholders to ensure we provide the best education and life chances we can to the young people of our community. In September 2018 we had a full Ofsted inspection where we were graded as good in all areas. This is an exciting time to be at a school in an unparalleled setting with unlimited potential in a high challenge, low threat environment. 

We are looking to recruit a Communication Support Worker to work alongside our Teacher of the Deaf and our mainstream teachers to provide communication and learning support to deaf pupils at Heathcote secondary school in classes and other school activities e.g. school trips, assemblies, productions, parents’ evenings, meetings etc. 

Heathcote Deaf Support Department (DSD) is a specialist department in the school that has space for up to 13 deaf learners. At Heathcote deaf students spend most of their time in mainstream lessons with their hearing peers. Our students receive an individual package of in-class support from specialist staff and can use up to date technologies in order to access their lessons. Our students are also able to have specialist small group or one-one teaching in the department. We aim to create a ‘family’, friendly environment in the department and the deaf students know that this is their quiet, safe space that they can come to whenever they need help or support. In a large mainstream school this can be very important for some learners. The students come before school to collect radio aids and to get support with their hearing aids or cochlear implants. Students can come to lunchtime friendship clubs and after school to homework club. 

Ofsted (September 2018) 

“The Headteacher and other senior leaders are ambitious for their pupils and provide strong strategic leadership.” 

“Pupils behave well in lessons and around the school. They are courteous and respectful.”

 “Teachers speak highly of the many opportunities they are given to develop their practice. Staff who are new to the profession feel valued, supported and enjoy their work.”

Our Values: 

Encourage

We encourage our pupils to take pride in their learning and community – to work hard, pursue continual improvement and achieve to the best of their abilities. pupils seek and embrace feedback and show tolerance and mutual respect to each other. 

Challenge

We challenge our pupils to take responsibility for their learning, to be resilient to failure and to self-regulate their behaviour. All our staff and governors are determined that all pupils confidently strive for success and expect them to be present and punctual. 

Succeed

We succeed when all pupils reach their academic potential and are thoughtful, caring and honest citizens; leaving Heathcote fully prepared for the next stage of their life – whether that be in education, training or employment. We succeed by letting them do so in a comfortable and safe environment where they take a proactive role and develop socially. 

The school puts well-being and development at the heart of its work and we have very talented staff who are encouraged to grow, develop and work collaboratively, within school and with local schools, and to be the best they can be.  We are working to ensure school improvement in a high challenge, low threat way and enable robust systems and structures to ensure consistency in all areas, encouraging the growth and development of all.  The school has excellent resources and a stunning site close to the forest. 

We aim to ensure our staff body reflects the diversity of our community and use blind-recruitment processes in our short-listing. We employ staff with diverse skills and backgrounds and this ensures that our policies and systems are always inclusive of all our stakeholders. We value and respect everyone’s identity and our Equality Information and Objectives Policy confirms our commitment to the 2010 Equalities Act. 

Completed application forms should be emailed to recruitment@heathcote.waltham.sch.uk 

Closing date for receipt of applications:  Tuesday 2nd December 2020 at 9am

Indicative date for interviews: TBC 

Please note: applications will be considered as they are received and we reserve the right to close this position before the date specified above.  We therefore urge candidates to submit an application as soon as possible.  

Heathcote School is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children.  The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS Disclosure.