Communication Support Worker

Heathcoteschool; Greater London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A community school in London is seeking a dedicated Communication Support Worker to assist deaf students in their learning and social activities. The role involves working closely with teachers to provide necessary communication support during lessons and school events. Candidates should have relevant experience and be committed to fostering an inclusive environment. This position offers part-time or full-time options based on candidate availability. The school values diversity and is committed to the well-being of all students and staff.

Benefits

Supportive work environment

Professional development opportunities

Access to school resources

Qualifications

• Experience working with deaf students and providing communication support.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teachers and staff.
• Understanding of individual learning needs for deaf pupils.

Responsibilities

• Support deaf students in mainstream classes and activities.
• Assist during school trips and events.
• Maintain a safe and nurturing environment for deaf learners.

Skills

Communication support

Team collaboration

Understanding of deaf education

Education

Relevant educational support qualifications

Job description

Scale 6, Point 18 to 21 (£30,831 to £32,232 actual pro rata salary)

36 hours per week, 45.26 weeks – Term Time Only + INSETS

Commencing as soon as possible

Heathcote School and Science College is an inclusive community school with key values to Encourage, Challenge and Succeed. The values are integral in everything we do to support and nurture pupils to achieve the best possible outcomes in a safe and happy learning environment. Feedback from our recent Ofsted report (February 2024) confirmed Staff greatly enjoy working at the school. They hugely value the support they receive for their workload and well-being.

We are looking to recruit a Communication Support Worker to work alongside our Lead 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. Please note we will consider both full time and part time applications.

Heathcote Deaf Support Department (DSD) is a specialist department in the school that has space for up to 16 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.

The school puts well-being and development at the heart of its work, and we have very talented staff who are encouraged to grow and develop collaboratively, within school and with local schools, to be the best they can be. We are working to raise standards in a ‘high challenge, low threat’ way and enable robust systems which ensure consistency in all areas and encourage growth and development for all. We are part of the North East London School Teaching Hub, Seven Kings Teaching Alliance, and the West Essex Teaching School Alliance. The school has excellent resources and an impressive, 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.

We aim to ensure our staff body reflects the diversity of our community and use anonymised‑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.

Closing date for receipt of applications: 5th December 2025 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.

Sixth Form Telephone
020 8498 5110 – Option 3

Heathcote School & Science College
96 Normanton Park
Chingford
London
E4 6ES