Qualified Teacher of the Deaf (QToD) – London Borough of Sutton

Full Time | Permanent
Teachers’ Main to Upper Pay Scale (Outer London) + SEN2 Allowance (with the necessary appropriate qualification)
Based at Cognus, Cantium House, Wallington, SM6 ODZ, with travel across the London Borough of Sutton

Cognus Limited is a Local Authority Traded Company, which is commissioned by the London Borough of Sutton to provide education services to early years providers, mainstream schools and specialist education settings in Sutton. Wholly owned by the local authority, we deliver a wide range of high-quality services to deliver excellent practice that improves the lives of children, young people, and families in Sutton and beyond.

The Hearing and Vision Education Service (HaVES) is a highly skilled and collaborative specialist team, recognised for its expertise in supporting children and young people with sensory needs, working in partnership with families, education, health and social care colleagues to deliver impactful, innovative and person-centred support across a range of settings, underpinned by strong professional supervision, ongoing development opportunities, and a commitment to flexible, high-quality practice that enables children and young people to thrive.

Help Children and Young People Find Their Voice
Communication is at the heart of learning, relationships and future success. At Cognus, we believe every deaf child and young person deserves the opportunity to communicate confidently, participate fully and achieve their aspirations. We are seeking a passionate and skilled Qualified Teacher of the Deaf (QToD) to join Sutton’s highly regarded Hearing and Vision Education Service (HaVES).

This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a specialist, collaborative and ambitious team supporting children and young people aged 0–25 with hearing impairment, including those with complex and additional needs. Through your expertise, guidance and advocacy, you will play a vital role in ensuring children and young people can access learning, develop communication skills and thrive in their educational journey.

Whether supporting a baby newly diagnosed with hearing loss, advising a mainstream school on inclusive practice, or helping a young person prepare for adulthood, your work will have a lasting impact.

JOB SUMMARY
To provide high-quality specialist teaching, advice, and support to children and young people (0–25) who are Deaf, enabling them to achieve their full potential in education and life. To work as part of Sutton’s Hearing and Vision Education Service (HaVES), contributing to inclusive practice, raising attainment, and promoting equality of opportunity.

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Specialist Teaching and Support
• Manage a caseload of children and young people with varying levels of Deafness, including complex and multi-sensory needs.
• Provide specialist teaching and interventions to support the development of speech, language, communication, listening and learning skills.
• Support children and young people to maximise the effective use of hearing technology, including hearing aids, cochlear implants, radio aids and assistive listening devices.
• Advise on and promote effective communication strategies to facilitate access to learning and participation in educational settings.
• Support educational settings to adapt teaching approaches, learning environments and curriculum delivery to meet individual needs.

Assessment and Planning
• Undertake specialist assessments and observations to identify educational, communication and listening needs.
• Produce clear, evidence-based recommendations and strategies for educational settings, families and other professionals.
• Monitor, evaluate and record progress, adapting support and intervention plans as required.
• Contribute to statutory assessment processes, including Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments and Annual Reviews.

Advisory Role and Training
• Advise schools, early years providers, colleges, and families on inclusive practice for children and young people who are deaf
• Provide training for staff on deafness, assistive technology, and curriculum access.
• Promote awareness and understanding of deafness across the borough.

Multi-Agency Collaboration
• Work closely with parents/carers, therapists, SENDCOs, and other professionals to ensure a coordinated approach.
• Contribute to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and reviews.

Service Development
• Support the delivery of Sutton’s SEND and Inclusion Strategy in relation to sensory impairment.
• Contribute to service planning, evaluation, and innovation within HaVES.
Safeguarding
• Follow safeguarding procedures and always ensure the welfare of children and young people.