Primary School Youth Worker

BSL Teaching Assistant - Primary School

London Primary School Full-Time Long-Term ASAP Start

Are you confident using British Sign Language (BSL) and passionate about helping children communicate, learn and become more independent?

We are working with a welcoming and inclusive primary school in London that is looking for a BSL Teaching Assistant to join their team on a full-time, long-term basis.

This role will involve supporting pupils with hearing and/or communication needs, helping them access classroom learning while ensuring they feel fully included within school life.

We are looking for someone who has practical BSL ability and can confidently use sign language to communicate with and support children throughout the school day.

The Role

Working alongside class teachers, SEN staff and other professionals, you will help pupils overcome communication barriers and access their education as independently as possible.

Your responsibilities may include:

• Using British Sign Language (BSL) to communicate effectively with pupils
• Providing 1:1 and small-group support
• Helping pupils understand classroom instructions and lesson content
• Supporting children to express their needs, thoughts and emotions
• Reinforcing vocabulary, language and communication skills
• Helping pupils participate confidently in classroom discussions and activities
• Supporting social interaction and communication with peers
• Encouraging pupils to develop their confidence and independence
• Adapting classroom activities and resources where appropriate
• Supporting children during transitions, break times and other parts of the school day
• Working alongside teachers to ensure pupils can access the curriculum
• Supporting children with additional SEN or communication needs
• Monitoring progress and communicating relevant observations to teachers and SEN staff
• Helping create an inclusive environment where communication differences are understood and supported

Who Are We Looking For?

Applicants should have practical experience using British Sign Language and be comfortable communicating through BSL in a school environment.

We would particularly like to hear from candidates with experience in:

• British Sign Language (BSL)
• Supporting Deaf or hard-of-hearing children or adults
• SEN Teaching Assistant roles
• Communication support
• Speech, language and communication needs
• Autism / SEN support
• Care or support work
• Youth work
• Primary or Early Years education

A formal BSL qualification would be highly desirable, particularly BSL Level 2 or above, although candidates with strong practical BSL skills gained through relevant work or personal experience are also encouraged to apply.

What Are We Looking For Personally?

The successful candidate will be patient, compassionate and an excellent communicator.

You should understand that the role is about much more than translating individual instructions. You will be helping pupils become increasingly confident, independent and involved in their education and school community.

You should be someone who:

• Is confident communicating using BSL
• Builds positive relationships with children
• Is patient when communication takes additional time
• Can adapt their communication style to individual pupils
• Is proactive within the classroom
• Works effectively alongside teachers and SEN professionals
• Encourages independence rather than creating reliance on adult support
• Is genuinely passionate about inclusion and communication

Why Apply?

This is a fantastic opportunity to use your BSL skills within education while making a meaningful difference to children's everyday experience of school.

You will gain valuable experience supporting pupils with hearing and communication needs while working alongside experienced education and SEN professionals.

The position would particularly suit someone interested in developing a career within Deaf education, SEN, Speech & Language Therapy, communication support or specialist teaching.

London Primary School Full-Time Long-Term ASAP Start

If you have strong British Sign Language skills and experience supporting children, young people or individuals with communication needs, we'd love to hear from you.