Complex Needs Teaching Assistant

Academics; Swindon; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PAYE weekly pay

September 2026 start

Full-time and part-time opportunities

Job summary

Academics in Swindon is seeking a compassionate Complex Needs Teaching Assistant to support children with PMLD, physical disabilities and complex medical needs. The role focuses on providing tailored educational and emotional support in a specialist school environment.

You will work closely with teachers and therapists to implement individual support plans, assist with mobility, personal care and communication, and help pupils access classroom activities and participate in school life.

Qualifications

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to children with complex needs.
• Supporting communication and interaction, including AAC where appropriate.
• Assisting with mobility and personal care as per care plans and procedures.
• Following safeguarding and health procedures; observing and reporting needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide practical, educational and emotional support tailored to each child.
• Collaborate with teachers, SEN professionals and therapists.
• Support children to access classroom activities and participate in school life.

Skills

1:1 support

Small-group support

Communication

Behavioural observation

Safeguarding

Job description

Are you intrested in helping children with complex learning, physical, communication and medical needs thrive in an educational environment? Do you have the patience, compassion and dedication needed to support children with significant additional needs?

We are looking for a caring and committed Complex Needs Teaching Assistant to join a supportive specialist school in Swindon. This is an opportunity to work closely with children who require individualised support and help them access education, develop independence and take part in school life.

As a Complex Needs Teaching Assistant, you will work with children with a range of significant needs, including Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), physical disabilities, complex medical needs, communication difficulties and other complex SEND requirements.

The Role

As a Complex Needs Teaching Assistant, you will provide practical, educational and emotional support tailored to each child's individual needs.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to children with complex learning and additional needs.
• Helping children access classroom activities through personalized learning approaches.
• Supporting children with communication and interaction, including the use of alternative and augmentative communication where appropriate.
• Assisting with mobility and physical support in accordance with individual care plans and school procedures.
• Supporting children with personal care needs where required and following appropriate safeguarding and health procedures.
• Helping children develop greater independence with everyday routines and activities.
• Working alongside teachers and SEN professionals to implement individual support plans.
• Collaborating with therapists, healthcare professionals and other members of the multidisciplinary team.

The successful Complex Needs Teaching Assistant will understand that progress can look different for every child. You will be encouraged to recognise individual milestones and help children develop their skills at a pace that is appropriate for them.

About You

We are looking for a Complex Needs Teaching Assistant who is:

• Patient, compassionate and genuinely passionate about supporting children with complex needs.
• Calm and reassuring when responding to challenging or unexpected situations.
• Comfortable adapting their communication and approach to suit individual children.
• Reliable, observant and able to follow detailed care and support plans.

Previous experience working with children or adults with complex needs, disabilities, PMLD or SEND would be beneficial. However, previous experience is not essential if you have the right attitude, compassion and willingness to learn.

Why Become a Complex Needs Teaching Assistant?

This Complex Needs Teaching Assistant position offers the chance to gain valuable hands‑on experience within a specialist educational environment.

You will develop practical skills in supporting complex SEND, communication, physical needs, emotional wellbeing, personal care and individualised learning while working alongside experienced professionals.

The role could be particularly suited to graduates or individuals interested in careers within:

• Psychology and Educational Psychology
• Special Educational Needs
• Teaching and Education
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Health and Social Care
• Nursing and Healthcare
• Childhood Studies

Working as a Complex Needs Teaching Assistant will give you insight into how education, healthcare and therapeutic professionals work together to support children's development and wellbeing.

What We Offer

This Complex Needs Teaching Assistant opportunity provides:

• 85- 110 per day, depending on experience.
• PAYE weekly pay.
• Full-time and part-time opportunities.
• September 2026 start.
• Experience working within a supportive specialist school.
• Hands‑on experience supporting children with complex learning, physical and medical needs.

Make a Difference as a Complex Needs Teaching Assistant

As a Complex Needs Teaching Assistant, you will have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with children and play an important role in their educational and personal development.

Whether you are helping a child communicate their needs, supporting them to participate in an activity, encouraging greater independence or celebrating an important milestone, your contribution can have a lasting impact.

If you are looking for a rewarding Complex Needs Teaching Assistant role where compassion, patience and dedication are valued, this Swindon opportunity could be the ideal next step.

Salary will be determined by the successful candidate's qualifications and relevant experience, and will be in accordance with the client's pay policy.