PMLD Teaching Assistant - Oldham

Aspire People; Oldham; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive rates of pay

Dedicated recruitment consultant

Opportunities to develop SEND skills

Meaningful impact on pupils' lives

Job summary

Aspire People is recruiting a PMLD Teaching Assistant in Oldham to support pupils with profound and multiple learning disabilities. You will provide 1:1 and small-group support, assist with personal care and mobility, and work closely with teachers, therapists and healthcare professionals.

The role requires experience with complex SEND, a relevant qualification in supporting learning or health and social care, and a compassionate, patient approach.

Qualifications

• This is a specialist position, and applicants MUST have relevant experience with PMLD or complex SEND.
• Qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning, Health and Social Care or SEND, or substantial practical experience.
• Compassionate, patient and proactive approach to supporting vulnerable children.
• Ability to provide 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 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with PMLD.
• Support children with physical disabilities, sensory impairments and medical needs.
• Assist with personal care while maintaining dignity and respect.
• Assist with mobility, transfers and positioning using specialist equipment.
• Support feeding and nutritional needs per care plans.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists and healthcare professionals.
• Promote independence, inclusion and positive learning experiences.
• Follow healthcare plans and safeguarding/risk assessments.

Skills

PMLD experience

Compassionate and patient

Teamwork

Personal care ability

Education

QCF/NVQ in Supporting Teaching and Learning or Health and Social Care or SEND

Tools

None

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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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

If you have experience supporting children with PMLD, complex SEND, physical disabilities or additional medical needs, I would love to hear from you.

Whether your background is in specialist education or complex healthcare support, your experience could be exactly what our schools are looking for.

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.