Teaching Assistant (Visual Impairment) Braille Support
Grade D Point 8-12
Actual salary £17,394-£18,545
27.9 hours per week
39 weeks per year
Fixed term for 3 years
Closing date for applications: 4th October 2026
Interview date: w/c 5th October 2026
Make a difference every day. Empower a child to thrive.
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Teaching Assistant (Visual Impairment) to support a pupil who is learning to use Braille within our mainstream school setting. This rewarding role offers the opportunity to help a visually impaired student access the curriculum, achieve their full potential, and develop confidence and independence in school life.
Please note that this role is linked specifically to one child and the funding they receive. If the child left or was offered a place in another school, the role would cease.
About the Role
Working under the guidance of the SEND Department, class teachers, and specialist Visual Impairment professionals, you will provide tailored support to ensure the pupil can fully participate in learning and school activities. You will adapt resources, support Braille learning, assist with specialist technology, and contribute to the pupil's educational, social and emotional development.
In addition to a visual impairment, the pupil has a diagnosis of autism and needs support with making positive choices and engaging fully with the College community.
There is a level of flexibility around what days/hours are worked, and this can be discussed at interview.
Key Responsibilities
• Support lesson planning and delivery alongside teachers and specialist staff.
• Adapt learning materials into accessible formats, including Braille and tactile resources.
• Provide pre-teaching and follow-up support to reinforce learning.
• Assist with individual learning programmes and Braille development.
• Support the use of specialist technology and encourage student independence
• Monitor progress and provide feedback to teachers and specialist advisors.
• Promote positive emotional wellbeing, confidence and social inclusion.
• Work collaboratively with school staff, parents and external professionals.
We are looking for someone who:
• Has experience working with children or young people in an educational setting.
• Is patient, adaptable and committed to inclusive education.
• Has excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Is willing to learn and develop specialist skills in visual impairment and Braille support.
• Can foster independence while providing appropriate support.
• Is passionate about helping children overcome barriers to learning.
What we offer
• A highly rewarding role supporting a child to achieve their potential.
• Specialist training and professional development opportunities in braille, equipment and appropriate software.
• The chance to work alongside experienced teachers and visual impairment specialists.
• A supportive and inclusive school environment.
Join us and help create an accessible, inclusive learning experience where every child can succeed.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 under the Exceptions Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020). This means that both spent and unspent convictions and cautions may need to be disclosed. However, certain convictions and cautions are considered ‘protected’ under filtering rules and do not need to be disclosed. Guidance on what should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of-offenders-act-1974
Blackdown Education Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexuality or religion.
The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS). As part of our due diligence process when shortlisting, we may carry out an online search of publicly available material to identify any incidents or issues which we might want to explore with the applicant at interview.
References: References will be taken up on short-listed candidates that will include questions about past disciplinary actions or allegations in relation to behaviour with children, previous employers may be approached for information to verify particular experiences or qualifications before interview.
Data Protection Act: Information held by Blackdown Education Partnership complies with and is stored in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. If your application is successful, the information you have provided in the ‘Personal Details’ section will be used for payroll purposes and may be disclosed to the Inland Revenue. It will be disclosed within the school for security and administration.
BEP Privacy Statement–Recruitment: Please see our website for further information.
