Highfield Littleport Academy Β· Ely, East of England
Location: Highfield Littleport Academy, Littleport, Cambridgeshire Contract : Permanent, Part time Working Pattern: Monday 8.30am to 4.00pm, Tuesday to Friday 8.40am to 3.30pm (39 Weeks) Salary: ALT Grade F Β£29,071 - Β£31,015 FTE (plus retention payment and honorarium payment Β£1500) We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Communication Specialist Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join the team at Highfield Littleport 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. About us As a special school for children and young people aged 2-19 in Littleport, Highfield Littleport Academy is a close-knit and caring community where relationships matter. As part of Active Learning Trust, colleagues are supported to grow professionally while contributing to work that is purposeful, collaborative and rooted in making a genuine difference for children. 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. Contribute to assessment, record keeping and the monitoring of communication outcomes within EHCPs. Support pupilsβ emotional wellbeing, behaviour and independence by enabling them to communicate choices, needs and feelings effectively. Contribute to the wider life of the school, including meetings, training, enrichment activities and safeguarding responsibilities. What We Are Looking For Experience of supporting children or young people with SEND, particularly those with communication difficulties. Knowledge of communication strategies such as Makaton, PECS, Intensive Interaction, AAC or visual communication systems. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships with pupils, families and colleagues. A calm, patient and resilient approach, with a commitment to inclusive and pupil-centred practice. The ability to work collaboratively while also us