Personal Care Teaching Assistant, Chesterfield

Academics; Chesterfield; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free CPD tailored to complex needs

Love2Shop referral voucher

Job summary

Academics is seeking a Specialist Teaching Assistant to work with students in PMLD settings across Chesterfield. You will provide 1:1 and small-group support, assist with personal care, and help deliver engaging, sensory-rich learning activities to meet complex needs.

The role requires direct experience with PMLD or similar needs, a Level 3 TA qualification, and strong teamwork and communication. DBS Update Service is preferred; multiple placements available.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting students with PMLD or complex needs.
• Enhanced DBS on Update Service or willingness to obtain one.
• Ability to deliver 1:1 and small-group support.

Responsibilities

• Provide personal care with dignity, including toileting, feeding, and mobility support.
• Support delivery of EHCP outcomes through tailored, sensory activities.
• Use AAC tools to enable student voice.
• Collaborate with therapists (physiotherapists, occupational, speech and language).
• Maintain a calm, nurturing environment and respond to distress.
• Adapt resources to meet complex physical and sensory needs.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Flexibility

Personal care support

Education

Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification

Tools

AAC tools

Job description

Specialist Teaching Assistant - PMLD & Complex Needs School

Location: Across Chesterfield

Start Date: Immediate

Salary: £92.56 - £110 per day (Depending On Experince) + Holiday Pay

Academics Agency are recruiting specifically for teaching assistants to work in our PMLD (Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties) settings, where students present with complex physical, sensory, cognitive, and medical needs. This is not just a support role - it is a commitment to enabling dignity, engagement, and quality of life for some of the most vulnerable young people in education.

The Role:

You will work within multi-disciplinary teams, providing high-quality 1:1 and small-group support to students with profound and complex needs. Your day may involve supporting with personal care, administering medical routines, using specialist communication aids, and adapting sensory-rich learning experiences.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide personal care with dignity, including toileting, feeding, and mobility support.
• Support the delivery of EHCP outcomes through tailored, sensory-based activities.
• Use AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) tools and strategies to enable student voice.
• Work closely with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech & language therapists.
• Maintain a calm, consistent, and nurturing environment, responding sensitively to distress or discomfort.
• Adapt resources and environments to meet complex physical and sensory needs.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Has direct experience supporting individuals with PMLD, complex physical disabilities, or severe learning difficulties - in education, health, or social care settings.
• Holds a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent experience.
• Is confident with personal care and understands manual handling principles.
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Holds an Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one).
• Can provide two professional references.

What We Offer:

• Competitive daily rates (£92.56 - £110), paid weekly - term-time only.
• Free CPD tailored to complex needs - including sensory processing, positive handling, and communication strategies.
• Flexible placements across Chesterfield's leading PMLD specialist schools.
• A dedicated consultant to support you from day one.
• £75 Love2Shop voucher for every successful referral.

Academics - Where passion meets purpose, and every child gets the chance to shine.

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