Qualified Teacher of the Deaf

Salary: MPS/UPR plus SEN1 (dependent on experience and qualifications)

Contract: Permanent. 4 days per week. 39 weeks per year. Teachers pay and conditions.

Hours:  25.9 Hours per week,

Closing date: 24th November 2026

About the Role 

Make a real difference to deaf children and young people in Somerset

As a Qualified Teacher of the Deaf, you will be developing your specialist skills to work with children and young people who are deaf. You will be an outstanding practitioner where you will make a significant impact on the lives of children and young people in Somerset.

You’ll play a vital role in ensuring every child with a hearing loss has the opportunity to learn, grow, and achieve their full potential. You’ll also be supported to develop specialist skills that will elevate your practice and your career.

How You'll Make a Difference 

• Supporting the learning and development of deaf children and young people attending early years, mainstream and special education settings in Somerset and develop practice that is inclusive of hearing impairment.
• Carry out specialist assessments and deliver programmes of support for deaf children and young people aged 0-18 and up to 25 with an EHCP.
• Support the understanding of deafness through delivery of training to a range of professionals and families.
• Assist the local authority in fulfilling its statutory duties towards deaf children and young people.
• Work in partnership with and offering guidance to settings, professionals and families.

This is a pivotal position within our Specialist Support Team. You'll report directly to the Lead Teacher, benefit from a strong mentorship programme, and join a team committed to outstanding practice. Your work will have a profound and lasting impact on the children and families you support.

What You'll Bring

• Have Qualified Teacher status and the mandatory Qualification for Teachers of the Deaf (QTOD).
• Have successful and recent experience in teaching a wide range of pupils in mainstream settings (including those with additional needs).
• Have a minimum CACDP BSL Level 1 Qualification.
• Can travel on a daily basis to settings and homes that may not be supported by local bus services.
• Have working knowledge of SEND code of Practice, the Equality Act, and other current educational issues and legislation.

Why Join Us? 

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life. 

• We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
• Staff discounts in gyms.
• Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
• Auto enrolment onto the Teacher’s Pension Scheme.
• A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
• My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more…

Find out more about working at Somerset Council: 
https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/ 

Further Information 

• This role offers hybrid working, allowing you to work either from home, or from one of our offices when you are not travelling.
• Interviews will take place between the 1st and 3rd of December 2026 in Taunton.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.  

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Rosie Youngs, Team Leader on 01935 463779 or email specialistsupport@somerset.gov.uk

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset. 

You can find a copy of the job description here:  Qualified Teacher of the Deaf.pdf  

Ref: AB/1644