Teacher of Deaf children (TOD)

4 Months contract with a Local Authority

Job Summary:

·         We support deaf/hard of hearing children to ensure they can achieve their best educational, social and independence outcomes, so that they are best prepared for life.

·         Teacher required (ideally a Teacher of the Deaf) to cover for sickness absence in team, for 2 days per week.

·         It is a peripatetic, advisory teaching role within the Sensory Teachers Team in Lewisham council (not school based).

Key Duties/Accountabilities:

·         Assessing and monitoring the needs of children/young people who are deaf/hard of hearing (HoH); planning support, teaching, reviewing and reporting on progress and development.

·         Providing guidance, support and training to teachers/ staff members to ensure children/young people who are deaf/HoH are fully included in their learning and their social interactions.

·         Directly teaching children/young people who are deaf/HoH, using specialist skills and knowledge, as needed.

·         Supporting the development of speech and language skills for children/young people who are deaf/HoH, including supporting the use of hearing aids and assistive technology, and using British Sign Language (BSL) when required.

·         Liaising effectively and sensitively with parents/carers and professionals involved in the support of children/young people who are deaf/HoH.

·         Proactively keeping up to date with developments in the field of deafness and deaf education, including hearing aid technology; attending relevant training and professional development opportunities and contributing to team meetings and professional supervision.

·         Maintaining accurate records of progress and communicating this effectively with others.

·         Working proactively and collaboratively with other professionals such as speech and language therapists to provide coordinated support.

·         Writing annual reports and Education Health and Care plan Needs Assessment reports.

·         Carrying out the duties of the post with due regard to the Council’s relevant codes and procedures.

·         All employees are required to participate in Appraisal and Performance Management processes and to undertake appropriate training and development, including mandatory induction training, identified to enhance their work.

·         Undertake other duties, commensurate with the grade, as may reasonably be required.

·         Consideration will be given to restructuring the duties of this post for a disabled postholder.

Essential Experience Required:

·         Experience dealing relevant issues (including national and local initiatives) in education generally, SEND and specifically within deaf education is essential.

·         Significant teaching experience in inclusive settings/schools; ideally working with children and young people who are deaf/HoH is essential.

·         Experience having teaching methods for children/young people who are deaf or Hard of Hearing (HoH), and what constitutes a ‘deaf aware’ learning environment is essential.

·         Experience communicating in British Sign Language (BSL) is desirable.

·         Experience maintaining hearing aids/ hearing technology (or a willingness to learn) is desirable.

Essential Qualification Required:

·         Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is essential.

·         Qualified Teacher of Deaf status is desirable.

·         Evidence of professional development including specialist training courses is essential.

Additional information to note:

·         Working hours: 14 hours per week.

·         An enhanced DBS check is required for the role.

·         Candidates must be able to travel independently between schools/educational settings and homes across Lewisham.

The closing date for this position is 30th April 2024