At a Glance
- Tasks: Support deaf children’s learning and communication in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Join Suffolk County Council's dedicated Services for Deaf Children team.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 29 days leave, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team committed to inclusion and empowerment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of deaf children and young people.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and a willingness to learn British Sign Language.
The predicted salary is between 25185 - 25185 € per year.
Overview
Suffolk County Council
Address: Rushmere Hall Primary School, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 3EJ
Salary: £25,185 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Hours: 30 hours per week - Term Time Only
Contract: Permanent
When you join the Services for Deaf Children as a Specialist Teaching Assistant, we’ll support your development from the start. We’ll help you to play to your strengths, diversify your skills and build an influential and impactful career.
Responsibilities
You will support the communication, learning and achievement, development and inclusion of deaf children and young people, based at the specialist resource provision in Rushmere Hall Primary School in Ipswich and will be line managed by the Teacher of the Deaf (ToD).
In a resource base, children and young people are offered bespoke packages of support, including support to access education in the mainstream. In the role, you will support the team in providing a robust and effective service, to ensure improved educational outcomes for deaf children and young people (CYP).
You will work with children or young people in the base or with them in their mainstream class, to make communication and learning accessible.
You will:
- facilitate access to learning in the mainstream classroom through supporting communication and understanding
- deliver interventions or bespoke lessons and activities, under the direction of the teacher of the deaf
- promote deaf awareness, inclusion and understanding
- support flexibly, children with a variety of learning needs who communicate through spoken language, sign language or a combination of the two.
You will need
You will need experience of working with children to support and manage learning and ideally some experience of the needs of deaf learners. Although you may not have a sign language qualification, you should be familiar with the basics of British Sign Language (BSL) and be prepared to undertake training to achieve BSL Levels one and two.
To be successful in the role you will need to:
- have good communication skills
- be able to build effective working relationships with children and staff
- be deaf aware
The team
Services for Deaf Children and Young People are a very much valued part of the specialist education services. We all work closely together as part of Suffolk County Council’s Inclusion Service. We have a large team of specialists who are highly committed to deaf children and young people in Suffolk and their families. We embrace our work with our many schools and education settings, from Early Years to Post 16, empowering them to work within their varied communities. We are a friendly, energetic and committed team. We are supportive of each other and thrive on the difference we can make to deaf children, young people and their families.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Andrea Carron (Head of Services for Deaf Children and Young People) on 07850 217238, andrea.carron@suffolk.gov.uk or Kim Hodge (Head of Service) on 07540668579 or Kim.hodge@suffolk.gov.uk.
How To Apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (word).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
- Describe any experience you have of working with children or young people who are deaf. What did your support involve?
- What experience do you have of supporting language development? Please give some examples.
- Describe a time when you were given a new responsibility. What were the challenges you faced and how did you manage?
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We ask you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 15 September 2025
Interview date: 26 September 2025
Safeguarding and About Us
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
About Us
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer flexible working options and are committed to equality and inclusion. We provide opportunities across Early Years to Post 16 settings and support your individual needs. We are dedicated to making a positive difference.
Benefits
- up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
- membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
- performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
- training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
- a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
- diverse and active staff networks
- flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more! For more information about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website.
Specialist Teaching Assistant in Ipswich employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct
Suffolk County Council is an exceptional employer, particularly for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of deaf children and young people. Located at Rushmere Hall Primary School in Ipswich, we offer a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development, with opportunities for training in British Sign Language and career progression within our inclusive team. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in generous benefits such as up to 29 days of annual leave, flexible working options, and a competitive pension scheme, ensuring that you can thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Teaching Assistant in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Services for Deaf Children. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect with them during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Think of specific examples from your experience that highlight your ability to support deaf children. Be ready to share stories that demonstrate your communication skills and adaptability.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! If you're not confident in your BSL skills, brush up on the basics before the interview. It shows you're proactive and willing to learn, which is a big plus!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it gives you a chance to tailor your supporting statement directly to what they’re looking for.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Teaching Assistant in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job and Person Profile:Before diving into your application, take a moment to thoroughly read the Job and Person Profile. This will give you a clear understanding of what we're looking for and help you tailor your application to match our needs.
Craft Your Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make sure to answer the specific questions we've outlined, using real examples from your experience. Keep it authentic and personal – we want to hear your unique voice!
Showcase Your Skills and Experience:When detailing your experience with deaf children or young people, be specific about what you did and how it made a difference. Highlight any language development support you've provided, as this is key to the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Once you're ready, hit that 'Apply Now' button on our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Remember, we value genuine applications, so make sure it's all your own work!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Specialist Teaching Assistant and the specific needs of deaf children. Familiarise yourself with British Sign Language basics and be ready to discuss how you can support communication and learning in both mainstream and specialist settings.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past experiences working with children, especially those who are deaf or have additional needs. Be ready to explain how you facilitated their learning and communication, and highlight any specific interventions or strategies you used.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with the interviewers. Show your enthusiasm for working with deaf children and your commitment to inclusion. Use positive body language and maintain eye contact to convey your genuine interest in the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team and the support provided for professional development. This shows that you’re not only interested in the position but also in growing within the organisation and contributing to its mission.
