Job Description

Salary

Grade 6 | 31,537 - 34,434 PRO RATA

Contractual hours

32.5

Basis

Fixed Term

Package

32.5 hours per week | 39 weeks per year | Fixed term until 31st October 2030

Job category/type

Children and Family Services, Education

Date posted

24/07/2025

Job reference

REQ005627



You must demonstrate how you meet the Essential criteria listed in the Person Specification, in order to secure an interview: How to apply - guidance for applicants | Torfaen County Borough Council

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people with vision impairment? We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our dedicated team.

In response to increasing demand for support to learners with vision impairment, Newport City Borough Council has allocated funding for SenCom to appoint two Specialist Teaching Assistants within the Vision Impairment Service team. With these additional posts, we are building capacity within the existing team. The appointment of new team members will allow us to backfill key roles, ensuring consistent support for the region while maintaining the high standards of service that our learners and schools rely on.

As a Specialist Teaching and Learning Assistant, you will play a vital role in planning, preparing, and delivering engaging learning activities. Your responsibilities will include monitoring and assessment, recording and reporting, all while supporting an inclusive ethos for learners in a variety of settings. You will primarily support Qualified Teachers of Vision Impaired (QTVI) and Habilitation Specialists in providing access to education, independent living skills, and early mobility and orientation skills.

In this role, you will ensure that children and young people develop essential skills in using specialist equipment and resources, and you will support the integration of digital technology in learning activities. You will work within agreed programmes (Braille/print) with a focus on literacy, numeracy, and well-being, closely monitoring progress to provide valuable feedback to teachers.

You will also have the opportunity to prepare, plan, and manage specific activities and teaching programmes, helping learners build confidence and independence in school, at home, and in the wider community. Additionally, you will learn literacy and mathematics braille (find out more about learning braille here UEB Online | UEB Literacy & Mathematics Braille Training).

To better understand the needs of the children you will support, you can refer to the Curriculum Framework for Children and Young People with Vision Impairment | RNIB.

Due to the nature of this role, you must be able to travel independently across the region (Torfaen, Newport, Monmouthshire, Blaenau Gwent, and Caerphilly) to provide in-person support. A full driving licence and access to a vehicle are required.

Appointment is subject to successful references and an enhanced DBS check.

For an informal discussion about this vacancy, please contact Sarah Hughes, Head of SenCom Vision Impairment Service, at Sarah.Hughes@torfaen.gov.uk

You are welcome to submit your application in English or Welsh, and each application will be treated equally.

We look forward to welcoming you to our team and making a positive impact together.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. A comprehensive screening process will be undertaken on all applicants which will include an Enhanced check with the Disclosure and Barring Service

.

This post requires registration with the EWC - Education Workforce Council.

Torfaen County Borough Council strives to be a fair, supportive and effective employer. The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. The Council expects all employees, paid or unpaid, to share this commitment.

Shortlisted applicants will be called to interview during the week beginning 29th September 2025.