Secondary Teaching Assistant - PMLD

Cover People; Manchester; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Cover People are seeking a caring and committed Teaching Assistant to support secondary pupils with PMLD in a Manchester school. You will work alongside teachers and specialist staff to help pupils participate in learning and daily activities, with support tailored to their individual needs.

Experience with complex SEND, a patient and empathetic approach, and the ability to follow education plans and safeguarding procedures are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children or young people with complex SEND.
• Understanding of profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), physical disabilities or complex communication needs.
• Patient and empathetic approach; ability to follow individual support plans.

Responsibilities

• Providing individual and small-group assistance to pupils with PMLD.
• Supporting access to classroom activities, sensory experiences and personalised learning.
• Using appropriate communication approaches to engage pupils and respond to their needs.
• Assisting with personal care, hygiene and toileting where required.
• Supporting mobility and positioning in line with individual care plans and training.
• Encouraging interaction, engagement and independence wherever possible.
• Recognising pupils' responses and adapting activities to suit their abilities.
• Helping maintain a safe, comfortable and supportive learning environment.
• Working closely with teachers, therapists and other members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Following individual education plans, care plans and safeguarding procedures.
• Monitoring pupils' wellbeing and sharing relevant observations with the wider team.

Skills

SEND experience

PMLD understanding

Patience

Communication

Teamwork

Flexible approach

Job description

Secondary Teaching Assistant PMLD

Location: Manchester
Start Date: ASAP
Role: School-based support
Pay: £95-£120

Cover People are seeking a caring and committed Teaching Assistant to support secondary-aged pupils with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) in a Manchester school.

This role is ideal for someone who is patient, attentive and passionate about helping young people with complex needs access education, communicate in their own way and develop greater comfort and independence throughout the school day.

The Role

You will work alongside teachers and specialist support staff to help pupils participate in learning and everyday school activities, with support tailored to their individual needs.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing individual and small-group assistance to pupils with PMLD.

• Supporting access to classroom activities, sensory experiences and personalised learning.

• Using appropriate communication approaches to engage pupils and respond to their needs.

• Assisting with personal care, hygiene and toileting where required.

• Supporting mobility and positioning in line with individual care plans and training.

• Encouraging interaction, engagement and independence wherever possible.

• Recognising pupils' responses and adapting activities to suit their abilities.

• Helping maintain a safe, comfortable and supportive learning environment.

• Working closely with teachers, therapists and other members of the multidisciplinary team.

• Following individual education plans, care plans and safeguarding procedures.

• Monitoring pupils' wellbeing and sharing relevant observations with the wider team.

About You

We are looking for someone who understands that progress can look different for every pupil and who can provide consistent, respectful and compassionate support.

You should have:

• Experience supporting children or young people with complex SEND.

• An understanding of profound and multiple learning difficulties, physical disabilities or complex communication needs.

• A patient and empathetic approach.

• Confidence supporting personal care where required.

• The ability to recognise and respond to non-verbal communication.

• Strong teamwork and communication skills.

• A commitment to maintaining pupils' dignity, safety and wellbeing.

• A flexible approach and the ability to follow individual support plans.

Experience in a special school, PMLD provision, healthcare or a similar complex-needs setting would be particularly beneficial.

Why Work Through Cover People?

• Opportunity to work within a secondary school environment.

• Develop experience supporting pupils with complex additional needs.

• Work alongside experienced education and specialist support professionals.

• Make a meaningful contribution to pupils' engagement, communication and development.

• Receive ongoing support from your Cover People consultant.

All pay rates include 12.07% statutory holiday pay where applicable.

Cover People are acting as an employment business on behalf of these schools. Successful applicants will be subject to safeguarding and vetting procedures in line with statutory guidance, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Cover People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.