Learning support assistant

five; Chippenham; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free DBS

Friend referral bonus

Specialist mentoring

Job summary

Five Education is recruiting Teaching Assistants to work in a special school in Chippenham, supporting students with PMLD to access learning and develop communication and independence skills.

The role runs 8:30am–3:30pm with full-time availability preferred; applicants able to work at least two days weekly will be considered. Training and ongoing support are provided, including Team Teach and Makaton.

Qualifications

• Patience, compassion, resilience and caring personality are ideal.
• Experience with SEND or children/young people is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Providing individual and small-group support to help students access the curriculum and participate in activities.
• Supporting students with communication, sensory, physical and learning needs, adapting activities to abilities.
• Promoting independence, confidence and development through positive interactions.
• Assisting with personal care and daily routines where required.
• Ensuring safety, dignity and wellbeing during break and lunch.

Skills

Patience

Compassion

Resilience

Caring

Job description

Job Details

• Job Type: Temporary
• Location: Wiltshire-Chippenham
• Salary: Negotiable
• Start Date: Thu 13th Aug 2026
• Contact Name: Joseph Chambers
• Contact Email: [e-mail]
• Contact Phone: [phone]

Job Description

Five Education is currently recruiting Teaching Assistants to work in a welcoming and inclusive special school in Chippenham. The role will involve supporting students with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), helping them to access learning, develop communication and independence skills, and enjoy a positive and engaging school experience.

The hours are 8:30am until 3:30pm, with full-time availability preferred. However, applicants who are able to work a minimum of two days per week will also be considered.

Main Responsibilities

• Providing individual and small-group support to help students access the curriculum and participate in a range of engaging activities


• Supporting students with their communication, sensory, physical and learning needs, adapting activities to suit individual abilities


• Promoting students’ independence, confidence and development through positive and encouraging interactions


• Supporting students with personal care and other aspects of their daily routine where required


• Ensuring the safety, dignity and wellbeing of students at all times, including during break and lunch periods


• Working closely with teachers, SENCo, therapists and other members of staff to meet the individual needs of each student


• Using a patient, calm and nurturing approach to support students with their emotional and sensory regulation

The ideal candidate will be patient, compassionate, resilient and caring, with a genuine desire to support children with complex learning needs. Experience working with children or young people with SEND, PMLD, physical disabilities or complex needs is desirable, although full training and support can be provided.

The most important qualities are a willingness to learn, a proactive approach and the ability to build positive, trusting relationships with students. If you are passionate about helping children achieve their potential and want to make a meaningful difference to their school experience, we would love to hear from you.

Essential Requirements

Right to work in the UK – we are unable to offer Sponsorship or accept Skilled Worker visas.

Able to provide two recent references (from the last two years).

Hold a current DBS check registered on the Update Service, or be willing to apply for one*

• Notably, if you do not have a Non-Voluntary Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, we will need to help you process a new one at a cost of £62.70. This will be refunded after 20 days of work with us.

What can Five Education offer you?

• Check out our Google reviews for one of the best supply experiences in Bristol! We offer free specialised training in areas such as Team Teach, Makaton, PMLD/SLD Awareness, Autism Awareness, and more


• Free DBS (refunded when you work 20 days)


• Recommending a friend bonus scheme


• Specialist support/ mentoring while you are working

Pay: Five Education operates a PAYE payroll; this is the most transparent way to be paid with no hidden fees such as admin fee or employer's NI. Please note pay rate is for illustration and does include holiday pay.

Vetting: Five Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all of the staff we employ to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo checks including reference checks, TRA checks and will need to have a DBS; there will also be an interview.

We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as they are currently under-represented at this level.

Contact Joseph on 0117 422 6167 / [e-mail]