Job Description

We're very excited to advertise a vacancy that has become available within our team. Please see below for further information!

If you have any questions, please do get in touch on kelly@thehighstreetnursery.com.

BSL Support Worker (Part-Time, Term Time)

Location: The High Street Nursery - Lauder

Hours: 15 hours per week, Term Time Only

Contract: Fixed Term until June 2026

Reporting to: Nursery Manager / Room Lead

Purpose of the Role : The BSL Support Worker will work closely with nursery staff to provide high-quality, inclusive care and learning experiences for a two-year-old child who uses British Sign Language (BSL) as her primary means of communication. The post holder will ensure the child's safety, wellbeing, and access to all areas of the nursery environment.

They will develop their own BSL skills alongside the child, with appropriate training and support, ensuring effective communication and inclusion in daily routines and play experiences.

This role supports Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC), the Health and Social Care Standards, and the principles of Realising the Ambition: Being Me, promoting equity and inclusion for all children.

Key Responsibilities: Support the child's communication and understanding by using and learning British Sign Language (BSL) within the nursery environment.

Ensure the child's safety, wellbeing, and inclusion across all aspects of daily routines, play, and learning.

Work collaboratively with the child's key worker, parents/carers, and other professionals involved in her care and development (e.g. Speech & Language Therapist, Educational Psychologist, Communication Support Worker).

Attend planning and review meetings as required, contributing to discussions on developmental progress and next steps.

Carry out regular observations and assessments to monitor the child's progress in line with the nursery's personal planning approach and Realising the Ambition: Being Me.

Contribute to the creation of individualised learning plans and support strategies that promote the child's communication, confidence, and participation.

Promote a nurturing, inclusive, and rights-based ethos consistent with the nursery's values and the UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child).

Engage in reflective practice and professional learning opportunities, including BSL development, to support inclusive communication practice.

Person Specification:

Essential:Willingness to learn and use British Sign Language (BSL) in daily practice.

Ability to register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) as a Support Worker in a Day Care of Children Service (or currently registered).

Experience working with or caring for young children.

Understanding of inclusive practice and supporting children with additional needs.

Ability to work collaboratively within a team and with other professionals. Strong observation, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Empathy, patience, and commitment to promoting equality of access for all children.

Desirable: Basic understanding of or prior exposure to BSL or other communication methods.

Experience supporting children with additional communication or developmental needs.

Knowledge of GIRFEC, Realising the Ambition, and the Health and Social Care Standards.

Familiarity with Scottish Borders Council early learning frameworks.

Contract DetailsHours: 15 hours per week, term time only (school term weeks)

Contract Duration: Fixed term until June 2026

Salary: In line with the Real Living Wage

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 8 months

Pay: 12.65 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 15 per week

Benefits:

Flexitime
Work Location: In person