PMLD Teaching Assistant - Oldham

Aspire People; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspire People is recruiting a dedicated PMLD Teaching Assistant to support pupils with profound and multiple learning disabilities in Oldham. You will provide 1:1 and small-group assistance, focusing on educational, physical, emotional and personal care needs with sensitivity and professionalism.

Experience with complex SEND, personal care and safeguarding is essential. The role offers rewarding work within specialist SEND settings and requires collaboration with teachers and healthcare

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children or young people with profound SEND or significant physical/medical needs.
• Qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning, Health and Social Care, SEND or related field, or substantial relevant practical experience.
• Compassionate, patient and proactive approach to supporting vulnerable children.
• Confidence in providing personal care and intimate care when required.
• Understanding of safeguarding, dignity, confidentiality and person-centred care.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with profound and complex SEND.
• Support children with physical disabilities, sensory impairments, communication challenges and medical needs.
• Assist with personal care, including toileting, dressing and hygiene while preserving dignity.
• Help with mobility, positioning and transfers using specialist equipment.
• Assist with feeding and nutritional support per care plans and training.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, healthcare professionals and other staff.
• Promote independence, inclusion, and positive learning experiences.
• Follow individual healthcare plans, safeguarding procedures and risk assessments.

Skills

PMLD experience

SEND experience

1:1 support

Mobility support

Personal care

Safeguarding

Team collaboration

Education

Supporting Teaching & Learning

Health & Social Care

SEND qualification

Job description

PMLD Teaching Assistant Oldham

Specialist SEND Support Full-Time Opportunities

Are you an experienced Teaching Assistant with a passion for supporting children and young people with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD)?

Aspire People is looking to recruit compassionate, skilled and experienced PMLD Teaching Assistants to work within specialist SEND educational settings in Oldham.

This is a rewarding opportunity for individuals who have experience supporting children with complex learning needs, significant physical disabilities and additional medical or healthcare requirements.

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with backgrounds in specialist education, complex care, healthcare support or SEND provision who have the confidence, practical skills and specialist training to provide high-quality, individualised support.

The Role

As a PMLD Teaching Assistant, you will play an essential role in supporting pupils with profound and multiple learning disabilities, ensuring their educational, physical, emotional and personal care needs are met.

Your responsibilities may include:

• Providing tailored 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with profound and complex SEND.
• Supporting children with physical disabilities, sensory impairments, communication difficulties and complex medical needs.
• Assisting with personal care, including toileting, changing, dressing and hygiene routines, while maintaining dignity and respect.
• Supporting pupils with mobility, positioning and physical transfers using appropriate specialist equipment.
• Assisting with feeding and nutritional support in accordance with individual care plans and your training.
• Working closely with teachers, therapists, healthcare professionals and other specialist staff.
• Promoting independence, inclusion, communication and positive learning experiences.
• Following individual healthcare plans, safeguarding procedures and risk assessments.

Essential Experience and Qualifications

This is a specialist position, and applicants MUST have relevant experience working with children or young people with profound SEND, complex physical disabilities or significant additional care needs.

Successful applicants should demonstrate:

• Previous experience supporting individuals with PMLD, complex SEND or significant physical and medical needs.
• A relevant qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning, Health and Social Care, SEND or a related field, or substantial relevant practical experience.
• A compassionate, patient and proactive approach to supporting vulnerable children.
• Confidence in providing personal care and supporting pupils with intimate care requirements.
• An understanding of safeguarding, dignity, confidentiality and person-centred care.
• The ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

Specialist Training and Additional Certifications

We are particularly keen to hear from applicants who hold current training, certifications or demonstrable practical experience in one or more of the following areas:

• PEG Feeding - Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy feeding and care.
• Enteral / Tube Feeding - Supporting pupils who require specialist nutritional assistance.
• PICC Line Awareness / Care - Understanding the needs of pupils with peripherally inserted central catheters.
• Moving and Handling - Including hoisting, safe transfers and positioning.
• Banana Board / Transfer Board Training - Supporting safe mobility and transfers.
• Complex Personal Care - Supporting pupils with significant physical and intimate care needs.
• Epilepsy Awareness and Seizure Management - Including relevant emergency care training.
• Manual Handling and Specialist Mobility Equipment - Experience using appropriate equipment safely.

Please note: You do not need to hold every certification listed above. However, applicants must have a strong background in complex SEND or care provision, with relevant specialist training or experience. Any clinical or medical procedures must only be undertaken where the individual has received appropriate training, competency assessment and authorisation.

Safeguarding and Compliance Requirements

All applicants must:

• Hold an enhanced DBS certificate registered on the Update Service or be willing to apply for one.
• Provide professional references covering the last 2 years of employment or education history, with any gaps explained.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Have the right to work in the UK.

Why Work with Aspire People?

At Aspire People, we understand that working within specialist SEND education requires far more than classroom experience. It takes patience, resilience, specialist knowledge and a genuine commitment to making a difference.

We offer:

• Opportunities within specialist SEND schools and educational provisions.
• Competitive rates of pay, dependent on experience and qualifications.
• Support from a dedicated education recruitment consultant.
• Opportunities to utilise and develop your specialist SEND skills.
• A rewarding role where your experience can have a meaningful impact on pupils' lives.

Location: Oldham, Greater Manchester

Aspire People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to appropriate safeguarding and compliance checks.

Aspire People Limited provides services as an Education Agency and an Education Employment Business. Aspire People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects every candidate to share this commitment. Placements are subject, to appropriate Child Protection screening, including checks with former employers and the Disclosure and Barring Checks.