Lead Communicator (Communication Support Worker) Isle of Wight Council Local Authority for the [...] in Newport, Wales

Contract – Permanent, Full-time, 37 hours per week

Department – Specialist Teacher Advisory Service

Salary – Grade 8, £30,841 to £33,699 per annum

Location – County Hall, Newport, Isle of Wight

Closing date – 08 June 2026

This role is office-based; however, it also offers some agile or remote working.

Following the planned retirement of our much-respected colleague after 25 years supporting deaf children and families across the Island, we are seeking a skilled and exceptional professional who will place children and families at the centre of their work supporting the development and advocacy of British Sign Language (BSL). This is a fantastic opportunity to join the Specialist Teaching Advisory (STA) Service supporting deaf babies, children and young people (CYP) across the Isle of Wight. You would be joining a small and passionate team of specialist teachers.

You will play a vital role in delivering early intervention and statutory provision in line with the SEND Code of Practice, supporting deaf CYP and their families to access BSL and develop early signed communication. Working closely with Teachers of Deaf Children and Young People (QToD), families, setting-employed Communication Support Workers (CSW), education, health and social care colleagues, you will contribute to the provision of informed communication choice for deaf CYP.

About the Role

This is a varied and rewarding role combining direct work with deaf CYP, training for setting‑based CSWs, contributing to service‑led courses and early years groups and supporting community access. You will:

• Deliver specialist BSL communication support in homes, early years settings and schools.
• Support families, settings and professionals to develop confidence and competence in signed communication.
• Deliver training programmes, including the Early Years and Primary Signing course, jointly with a Teacher of the Deaf.
• Coach and develop setting‑employed CSWs, monitoring CPD and promoting high‑quality, consistent provision.
• Facilitate access to the National Curriculum and support inclusive educational and social opportunities through the development of setting‑employed CSWs.
• Support exam access arrangements where sign language professional is recommended, in line with JCQ guidance.
• Work with deaf children under the Children with Disabilities Team to provide communication access in homes and the community.
• Take an active role in service monitoring, evaluation and development, including tracking outcomes for deaf CYP and their families.

About You

• Has considerable experience working with deaf CYP.
• Communicates confidently in BSL to a minimum level 3 (ideally level 6).
• Has strong understanding of Deaf culture and the significance of BSL within Deaf identity and history.
• Has an understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and experience working in educational settings.
• Is skilled in adapting materials, notetaking, language modification and creating visual resources.
• Is able to work sensitively and effectively with families.
• Is organised, self‑motivated and confident managing an Island‑wide diary of visits, training and administrative responsibilities.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to safeguarding, with a clear understanding of Keeping Children Safe in Education.

We strongly encourage applications from d/Deaf and hard of hearing candidates. Lived experience of deafness is recognised and valued within our service and is seen as a significant professional strength. A current valid UK driving licence is essential, ideally with a suitable vehicle, however a pool car may be available for this role.

About the Team

You will be joining a small, well‑established and supportive team who value collaboration, reflective practice and professional development. We offer a welcoming culture where colleagues are trusted to work autonomously while being well‑supported through supervision, team meetings and shared problem‑solving.

Why Join Us?

• Meaningful, life‑changing work with deaf babies, children and young people.
• A genuinely supportive and specialist service.
• Improving the quality and consistency specialist communication support across Island settings.
• Strong partnership working across education, health and social care.
• Opportunities for further professional development and accredited training.

If you are passionate about BSL and signed communication, relationship‑based practice and empowering deaf children and their families, we would love to hear from you.

Join #TeamIWC and you’ll receive our staff benefits package, including:

• Annual leave entitlement of 32 days p/a PLUS public holidays.
• Local Government pension scheme.
• Discounted Solent ferry travel.
• Island bus network discount.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Staff parking permit scheme.
• Discounted island sports & leisure gym membership.
• National and local discounts & benefits schemes.
• Relocation scheme of up to £8,000 may be available for some roles (subject to criteria).
• Travel allowance may be available if commuting from the mainland (subject to criteria).