Complex Needs Teaching Assistant

Tradewind Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment is seeking a dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant for a Complex Needs (PMLD) specialist school in Greater London. This full-time role is hands-on and suited to someone steady, patient, and able to work where progress is measured in very small steps.

You will support pupils with profound and multiple learning difficulties in a highly structured, well-staffed setting, providing personal care and using sensory-based approaches to support engagement.

Qualifications

• Experience in SEN, care, support work, or a similar environment.
• Confidence with personal care and physical support.
• A calm and resilient approach in challenging situations.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a wider team.
• Patience and commitment to supporting very small steps of progress.

Responsibilities

• Supporting pupils with severe and complex learning needs, including PMLD
• Working within high staffing ratios as part of a coordinated team
• Providing personal care and physical support as part of daily routines
• Using sensory-based approaches to support engagement and communication
• Helping pupils access learning in highly individualised ways

Skills

SEN experience

Care/support experience

Calm under pressure

Teamwork

Reliability

Job description

SEN Teaching Assistant - Complex Needs (PMLD) Specialist School Setting | Full-Time

This is a role for someone who is steady, patient, and comfortable working in an environment where every day looks different, and progress is measured in very small but meaningful steps.

We are supporting a specialist SEN school for pupils with severe and complex learning needs, including PMLD, who are looking for a committed SEN Teaching Assistant to join their team.

About the Role

You will be supporting pupils with profound and multiple learning difficulties in a highly structured, well-staffed setting.

The role is very hands-on and requires a calm, consistent approach.

Key responsibilities

• Supporting pupils with severe and complex learning needs, including PMLD
• Working within high staffing ratios as part of a coordinated team
• Providing personal care and physical support as part of daily routines
• Using sensory-based approaches to support engagement and communication
• Helping pupils access learning in highly individualised ways

What kind of candidate fits well

This role suits someone who has:

• Experience in SEN, care, support work, or a similar environment
• Confidence with personal care and physical support
• A calm and resilient approach in challenging situations
• The ability to work effectively as part of a wider team
• Patience and commitment to supporting very small steps of progress

Why people choose this type of setting

• Strong staffing ratios and consistent team support
• Structured routines and clearly defined roles
• Training and development in complex needs and sensory support
• Work that is highly impactful and meaningful

A common question

Schools like this often rely on experienced staff to provide short-notice cover when needed due to sickness or staffing gaps. Flexibility and reliability are highly valued in this type of provision.

If you are looking for a role where your support genuinely makes a difference every day, this is worth a conversation.