James Rennie School

California Road

Carlisle

CA3 0BU

Headteacher: Ms Kerry Dunbobbin  Regional Director: Mr Kris Williams

T: 01228 554280  E: adminoffice@jamesrennie.cumbria.sch.uk  W: www.jamesrennie.cumbria.sch.uk

We are looking for a motivated and skilled colleague to join our Communication Team for 2.5 days per week. This role is central to strengthening communication across the school and supporting pupils, staff and families.

Key Responsibilities:

Makaton & Communication Support

• Lead and oversee the use of Makaton across the school, including Sign of the Week and small signing sessions.

• Deliver small group or 1:1 sessions supporting a range of communication methods such as switch work, eye gaze, iPads, and other personalised tools.

• Plan, set up and deliver small communication groups in specialist areas such as hydrotherapy, sensory rooms and rebound therapy.

Resources, Signage & Visual Support

• Ensure all school signage is accurate, up to date and aligned with the Widgit symbol system (currently working with BK Signs on whole‑school updates).

• Create and produce communication resources for classes and whole‑school use, including social stories, visuals and topic‑linked materials.

• Plan and share termly social stories and communication resources linked to curriculum themes.

Collaboration & Professional Support

• Work closely with class teachers to support communication strategies within classrooms.

• Work directly with parents to support communication needs at home.

• Liaise with external professionals (e.g. Speech and Language Therapists, private therapists) to support individual communication plans.

• Support the use of AAC tools and equipment, ensuring staff training is current and equipment is maintained.

• Liaise with external providers such as Smartbox to maintain equipment and access training.

• Work with St Ed’s to support communication needs and resource development.

Training & Staff Development

• Support staff—particularly new colleagues—with communication strategies, training needs and day‑to‑day guidance.

• Deliver training sessions and INSETs when required.

Additional Responsibilities

• Use strong ICT skills to support communication systems and resource creation.

• Work independently, using initiative to plan, prioritise and manage workload effectively.

• Research, apply for and manage grants and funding opportunities to enhance communication provision.

  
  

If you would like more information please pop and speak to Emma in the office or Holly and Helen in communication.

James Rennie School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Therefore, an enhanced DBS check including the barred list will be required for the successful candidate and other procedures and checks will be followed as laid out in our Safeguarding Policy

Diversity Statement

At Eden Academy Trust, we value and actively embrace diversity. We believe that a diverse school community strengthens learning, enriches experiences, and helps every child thrive.

Across our schools, we are committed to creating a culture where all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or background are respected, represented, and supported.

Our commitment to inclusion runs through our curriculum, our staffing and leadership, our policies, and our day-to-day interactions. We strive to practise cultural humility, anti-racism, and equitable approaches that meet the needs of all our pupils.

We understand the role of inclusive education in preparing young people for a complex and diverse society. We challenge discrimination, recognise and celebrate difference, and work continuously to promote equity and opportunity in everything we do.