Communication Support Worker
Communication Support Worker
Scale 6, Point 18 to 21 (£24,468 to £25,814 actual pro rata salary)
36 hours per week, 45.6 weeks
Commencing as soon as possible
Heathcote School is an 11 – 18 School with an ambitious vision and plans to provide the best possible education for all young people in Waltham Forest – we are highly inclusive and our diversity is our strength. The school is on a rapid journey of improvement ensuring the ‘good’ status (Ofsted 2018) is retained and for the school to ultimately become ‘outstanding’ in all areas. This is an exciting time to be at a school in a stunning setting with unlimited potential and a school wide commitment to ensure that the pandemic does not prevent the ambition and success of our pupils and staff, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Staff feedback is very positive about working in our school.
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. We are part of the Seven Kings Teaching Alliance and the West Essex Teaching School Alliance and has strong links with other local schools. The school has excellent resources and a stunning, spacious site on the edge of Epping Forest including a staff car park and surrounding roads that do not require a parking permit. We are also a 15 minute walk from Chingford Station which has great links into the City. Staff are friendly and events take place out of school, such as the Three Peaks Challenge, planned for this summer.
If you are interested, please look at our school website www.heathcoteschool.com where you will find application forms and further information.
Completed application forms should be emailed to recruitment@heathcote.waltham.sch.uk
Closing date for receipt of applications: 7th October 2021 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.