About this role
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 pupilsProviding 1:1 and small-group supportHelping pupils understand classroom instructions and lesson contentSupporting children to express their needs, thoughts and emotionsReinforcing vocabulary, language and communication skillsHelping pupils participate confidently in classroom discussions and activitiesSupporting social interaction and communication with peersEncouraging pupils to develop their confidence and independenceAdapting classroom activities and resources where appropriateSupporting children during transitions, break times and other parts of the school dayWorking alongside teachers to ensure pupils can access the curriculumSupporting children with additional SEN or communication needsMonitoring progress and communicating relevant observations to teachers and SEN staffHelping 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 adultsSEN Teaching Assistant rolesCommunication supportSpeech, language and communication needsAutism / SEN supportCare or support workYouth workPrimary 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 BSLBuilds positive relationships with childrenIs patient when communication takes additional timeCan adapt their communication style to individual pupilsIs proactive within the classroomWorks effectively alongside teachers and SEN professionalsEncourages independence rather than creating reliance on adult supportIs 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.