THIS IS AN INTERNAL POSITION FOR ACTIVE LEARNING TRUST EMPLOYEES ONLYLocation: Highfield Ely Academy, Ely, Cambridgeshire
Contract: Permanent, 19.67 hours per week, 39 weeks per year
Working Pattern: Monday 08:30 - 16:00, Thursday 08:40 - 15:30, Friday 08:40 - 15:30
Salary (Actual): ALT Grade F - £13,234.16 to £14,119.14
Additional allowances: Recruitment and Retention - £1,873.96 to £1,999.27
Support that makes a real difference, every single day. We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Communication Specialist Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join the team at Highfield Ely Academy. This is a specialist role focused on supporting children and young people with complex communication needs, helping pupils to develop their voice, access learning and build meaningful relationships. Working alongside colleagues, you will play a key role in implementing communication strategies and interventions across the school. You will support pupils with a range of SEND needs, including autism and learning disabilities, using approaches such as Makaton, PECS, Intensive Interaction, Objects of Reference and AAC systems.
Summary of Key Responsibilities- Support pupils to develop expressive and receptive communication skills through targeted interventions and daily classroom practice.
- Implement a range of communication approaches, including Makaton, Intensive Interaction, PECS, AAC systems, communication boards and visual supports.
- Work collaboratively with teachers to adapt learning activities and resources so that all pupils can access the curriculum.
- Model effective communication strategies for colleagues and contribute to the development of communication-friendly practice across the school.
- Work closely with Speech and Language Therapists and other professionals to implement recommendations and support pupil progress.
Contact
If you would like an informal discussion about the role, or for more info, please contact Pippa Edwards, Business Manager at: pedwards@highfield.cambs.sch.uk
All appointments will be subject to pre-employment checks including the taking of satisfactory references and enhanced criminal record clearance in line with the need to create and maintain a safe culture.
The Active Learning Trust reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the advert closing date. With this in mind, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
To ensure we recruit and retain the best talent, all new employees recruited to the Active Learning Trust (leadership, teaching and support staff) will be subject to a 4 months' probation period at the start of their employment. This policy aims to assess new employees' alignment with our culture, teaching standards, and student needs. It is designed to foster success; with regular evaluations and support mechanisms in place, helping us to identify and nurture talent.
We value diversity and welcome applications from all, including those with protected characteristics under the Equality Act.