Complex Needs Teaching Assistant in Trowbridge)

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

Job summary

Academics is seeking a Complex Needs Teaching Assistant in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, starting September 2026. You will work closely with children who have PMLD and other needs, providing practical and personal support to help them access learning and participate in school life.

As part of a dedicated team, you will support with communication, mobility, personal care, and independence development, while collaborating with teachers, SEN professionals, therapists, and healthcare staff to monitor

Qualifications

• Caring, patient and observant approach with children who have complex needs.
• Ability to follow care plans, risk assessments and specialist guidance.
• Ability to adapt communication to individual needs and work with a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small-group support during lessons and activities.
• Help children access the curriculum with adapted resources and personalised learning activities.
• Support communication using preferred methods (AAC, symbols, signing, devices).
• Assist with mobility and personal care as required, maintaining dignity and privacy.
• Encourage independence with routines and daily tasks.
• Facilitate participation in sensory, creative, practical, and recreational activities.
• Provide reassurance when children experience anxiety or difficulty communicating.
• Follow education, healthcare, and support plans accurately.
• Collaborate with teachers, SEN professionals, therapists, and healthcare staff.
• Record observations about progress and changing needs.
• Maintain a safe, positive, inclusive environment.

Skills

One-to-one support

Small-group support

Adapted resources

AAC devices

Mobility support

Personal care

Observation and reporting

Team collaboration

Dignity and respect

Promote independence

Education

Experience in SEND or related education

Tools

AAC devices

Job description

Would you like to work in a specialist educational setting where you can make a real difference to children's everyday experiences and development? Are you patient, compassionate, and interested in supporting children who require additional help with their learning, communication, physical needs, or medical requirements?

A specialist school in Trowbridge, Wiltshire is looking for a committed Complex Needs Teaching Assistant to join its dedicated team from September 2026. This is an opportunity to work closely with children who benefit from personalised support, helping them access learning, develop independence, and participate in school life.

The children you support may have a range of complex needs, including Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), physical disabilities, medical needs, sensory differences, communication difficulties, and other significant SEND requirements.

Your Responsibilities

As a Complex Needs Teaching Assistant, you will provide practical, educational, and personal support throughout the school day. Working alongside teachers and specialist staff, you will help children participate in activities and develop skills at a pace that is appropriate for them.

Your duties may include:

• Providing one-to-one and small-group support during lessons and structured activities.
• Helping children access the curriculum through adapted resources and personalised learning activities.
• Encouraging children to communicate using their preferred methods, including AAC, visual resources, symbols, signing, or communication devices where appropriate.
• Supporting children with mobility and physical requirements in accordance with individual plans and school guidance.
• Assisting with personal care when required, while maintaining children's dignity, privacy, and wellbeing.
• Encouraging children to develop greater independence with routines and everyday tasks.
• Helping children participate in sensory, creative, practical, and recreational activities.
• Providing reassurance and encouragement when children experience anxiety, frustration, or difficulty communicating.
• Following individual education, healthcare, and support plans accurately.
• Working closely with teachers, SEN professionals, therapists, and healthcare staff.
• Sharing relevant observations about children's progress, wellbeing, and changing needs.
• Helping maintain a safe, positive, and inclusive environment throughout the school.

About You

The ideal candidate will be caring, observant, patient, and confident working with children who have complex and varied needs.

You should be able to:

• Build trusting and respectful relationships with children.
• Remain composed and supportive when faced with challenging or unexpected situations.
• Follow care plans, risk assessments, and specialist guidance carefully.
• Adjust your communication style according to individual needs.
• Work collaboratively with teachers and other professionals.
• Promote independence while providing appropriate levels of support.
• Treat every child with dignity and respect.

Previous experience in SEND, specialist education, healthcare, childcare, social care, or support work would be advantageous. However, candidates without direct experience will also be considered if they can demonstrate the right attitude, reliability, and commitment to working with children.

The position could be particularly relevant for graduates or aspiring professionals interested in:

• Psychology and Educational Psychology
• Special Educational Needs
• Teaching and Education
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech and Language Therapy

What We Offer

• £85-£110 per day, depending on experience.
• PAYE weekly pay.
• Full-time and part-time opportunities.
• September 2026 start.
• Experience within a specialist school environment.
• Practical experience supporting children with complex SEND.
• The opportunity to work alongside experienced teachers, SEN professionals, therapists, and healthcare staff.
• Valuable transferable skills for future careers in education, healthcare, psychology, and therapy.