PMLD Teaching Assistant

senploy; Whitworth; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Senploy is seeking a PMLD Teaching Assistant for a specialist SEN school in Whitworth. The role is full-time through to the end of the academic year, with a focus on supporting pupils with complex PMLD needs and communicating through individualised methods.

You will work closely with teachers and therapists to reinforce programmes, assist with personal care, and help pupils develop independence and participation in daily activities.

Qualifications

• Observant and patient approach to individual pupil needs.
• Willing to learn each pupil's unique way of interacting with the world.
• Ability to support varied communication methods and engagement.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualised support throughout the school day.
• Help pupils participate in sensory and learning activities.
• Support individual communication methods and encourage interaction.
• Reinforce programmes developed by teachers and therapists.
• Support physical development, positioning and mobility where appropriate.
• Encourage pupils to make choices and develop independence.
• Observe responses and share information with the wider team.
• Provide personal care sensitively and respectfully.
• Support pupils during activities beyond the classroom.
• Work closely with teachers, therapists and specialist support colleagues.

Skills

Observant

Patient

Willing to learn

Communication support

Job description

PMLD Teaching Assistant - Specialist SEN School

Whitworth

Full-Time | Long-Term | Until the End of the Academic Year

A change in expression. A movement. Eye contact. A sound. A response to music, touch or a familiar voice.

When you support pupils with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), learning to recognise and respond to these individual forms of communication can be just as important as anything happening in a traditional lesson.

A specialist SEN school in Whitworth is looking for a PMLD Teaching Assistant to join its team on a full-time basis through to the end of the academic year.

This is a highly practical, person-centred role supporting children and young people with complex combinations of learning, communication, sensory, physical and potentially medical needs.

Learning for pupils with PMLD is highly individual.

Rather than measuring success against conventional academic milestones, you'll help pupils develop communication, engagement, physical skills, independence and awareness of the world around them.

You may support sensory activities, help a pupil communicate a choice, encourage movement and participation or work alongside therapists to reinforce an individual programme.

Some progress will happen gradually. That makes recognising and celebrating it particularly important.

• Providing individualised support throughout the school day
• Helping pupils participate in sensory and learning activities
• Supporting individual communication methods and encouraging interaction
• Reinforcing programmes developed by teachers and therapists
• Supporting physical development, positioning and mobility where appropriate
• Encouraging pupils to make choices and develop independence wherever possible
• Observing responses and sharing important information with the wider team
• Providing personal care sensitively and respectfully
• Supporting pupils during activities beyond the classroom
• Working closely with teachers, therapists and specialist support colleagues

PMLD can describe a very broad range of needs.

Two pupils with the same diagnosis may communicate differently, respond to different stimuli and require completely different approaches.

That's why we're looking for someone who is observant, patient and willing to learn each pupil's individual way of interacting with the world.

Previous experience with PMLD or complex SEND would be particularly valuable, although relevant experience may also come from:

Specialist education | Learning disability support | Healthcare | Complex care | Residential support | SEND

You'll need to be comfortable providing personal care and working closely with pupils who may have significant physical and communication needs.

Above all, you'll need to understand the importance of preserving choice, dignity and respect in every aspect of the support you provide.

This isn't a short placement.

You'll work full-time through to the end of the academic year, giving you the opportunity to become a consistent presence for the pupils you support, build relationships with the wider team and properly understand individual needs.

The daily rate is £102-£115, depending on experience.

You'll gain valuable specialist SEN experience, receive ongoing support from your education consultant and have opportunities to further develop your knowledge and skills.

If you're comfortable working in an environment where communication, learning and progress can look very different for every pupil, we'd like to hear from you.

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check (Child and Adult Workforce), satisfactory professional references, and full compliance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2026 guidance and safer recruitment procedures. Overseas police checks may also be required where applicable.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We act as an employment business in relation to this vacancy.