Specialist Teaching Assistant for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children (Maternity Cover)

Contract: Fixed Term from 1^st June 2026 until 28^th May 2027

Hours: 35 hours, 39 weeks (term time plus one week)

Working pattern: 8.15am – 3.45pm, Monday to Friday

Salary: Pathway 4, £23,929 - £25,546 per annum (FTE £29,540 - £31,537)

Site: Thomas Deacon Academy

Closing date:  9am on Friday 20^th March

Start date:  June 2026

Please note the trust may decide to withdraw the advert before the closing date or interview suitable candidates prior to the advert closing.  

Do you bring compassion to every interaction?

Do you want to help children learn with confidence and curiosity?

Are you ready to join a school community built on courage, commitment and courtesy?

If so, Thomas Deacon Academy would love to welcome you to our inclusive and supportive team.

Your role:

In this rewarding role, you will ensure Deaf and Hard of Hearing pupils can fully access learning, communicate confidently and participate in every aspect of school life. Using BSL, SSE, spoken and written English as needed, you will help pupils understand lesson content, develop independence and feel secure in their identity and progress.

You will work closely with teachers and the Local Authority Teacher of the Deaf to adapt communication, support key vocabulary and concepts, and make lesson materials fully accessible. You will guide pupils in using their hearing technology, monitor understanding in real time and create a positive listening environment where they feel supported and encouraged.

Your compassion, courtesy and commitment will help you build trusting relationships with pupils, while your curiosity, courage and confidence will support you in tailoring learning and advocating for their needs. A Level 2 qualification in English and Maths is essential, and signing skills such as BSL Level 3 or equivalent fluency are highly desirable. Above all, you bring empathy, adaptability and a genuine desire to help every child thrive.

About us:

TDA is a welcoming school community where values guide everything we do. Compassion shapes our relationships, curiosity fuels our innovation, courage helps us challenge barriers, confidence empowers learners and staff, commitment drives our ambition and courtesy underpins the way we treat each other.

You will have access to excellent facilities, high‑quality professional development and the support of Thomas Deacon Education Trust. This is a place where you will feel valued, where your expertise will grow and where your work will make a real difference every day.

Why work for us?:

Join Thomas Deacon Education Trust and be part of a dedicated team committed to "working together to transform lives through education.”  To learn more about the benefits we have on offer, check out our video here: Employee Benefits

At TDET, 95% of our new employees highly rate our induction programme. Benefit from the unwavering support of our dedicated staff, ensuring you feel welcomed and well-prepared from day one.  According to our 2025 staff survey, 91% of staff are proud to work for TDET!

Ready to transform lives through education?  Apply now and make a difference!

TDET - Working together to transform lives through education

Thomas Deacon Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The Academy will require the successful candidate to provide satisfactory references and undertake an Enhanced Check with the Disclosure and Barring Service.

At Thomas Deacon Education Trust, we are committed to equality of opportunity for all. We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Join us in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where all contributions are valued.

If you have any questions regarding this post, please contact the HR Team on e-mail at  hrteam@tdet.education