SEN Teaching Assistant | Complex Needs & Personal Care

Candl Recruitment Ltd; City Of London; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Candl Recruitment Ltd is recruiting an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant to support pupils aged 12 to 16 with complex medical, physical and learning needs at a specialist SEN school in South West London.

You will provide personal care, learning support and assist with moving and handling, PEG feeding and medication administration where trained. The role demands proactive, patient and calm support within a safeguarding-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with complex needs.
• Experience providing personal care (toileting, feeding).
• Safeguarding knowledge and person-centred support.

Responsibilities

• Provide personal care, including toileting, changing and feeding.
• Support pupils with complex medical needs and administer medications where trained.
• Assist with moving and handling using hoists and mobility equipment.
• Support pupils with PMLD, physical disabilities and visual impairments.
• Use appropriate communication strategies with verbal and nonverbal pupils.
• Provide individual and small group learning support and adapt activities.
• Support pupils with challenging behaviours using positive strategies.
• Encourage independence and participation in daily activities.
• Collaborate with teachers and healthcare staff to ensure safe learning environments.

Skills

Personal care

Safeguarding

Behaviour management

Nonverbal communication

PMLD experience

Education

Supporting Teaching and Learning / Health and Social Care qualification

Job description

SEN Teaching Assistant | Complex Needs & Personal Care

Location: Wandsworth, South West London

Pay: Up to £120 Per Day

Contract: Full Time, Term Time

Start Date: ASAP

About the Role

CANDL Recruitment is working with a specialist SEN school in South West London to recruit an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant to support pupils aged 12 to 16 with complex medical, physical and learning needs.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant, PMLD Support Worker or Healthcare Assistant who enjoys working with young people and wants to make a genuine difference within a specialist education setting.

The school supports pupils with a range of additional needs, including profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), visual impairments, communication difficulties and behaviours that may challenge.

We are looking for someone who is proactive, positive and confident providing both learning support and personal care. The right attitude and personality are just as important as experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide personal care, including toileting, changing, feeding and supporting pupils with their daily routines.
• Support pupils with complex medical needs, including PEG feeding and medication administration where appropriately trained and authorised.
• Assist with moving and handling, including the safe use of hoists and mobility equipment.
• Support pupils with PMLD, physical disabilities and visual impairments.
• Work with verbal and nonverbal pupils, using appropriate communication strategies.
• Provide individual and small group learning support, adapting activities to meet pupils' needs.
• Support pupils who may display challenging behaviours using positive behaviour strategies.
• Encourage independence, communication and participation in everyday school activities.
• Work closely with teachers, healthcare professionals and other support staff to provide consistent care and education.
• Maintain a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Requirements

Essential:

• Previous experience supporting children, young people or adults with complex needs, whether in education, healthcare or social care.
• Experience providing personal care, including toileting, changing and feeding.
• A good understanding of safeguarding, dignity and person centred support.
• Confidence supporting individuals with physical disabilities, learning difficulties or communication needs.
• A patient, compassionate and reliable approach.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training and follow individual care plans.

Desirable:

• Experience supporting pupils with PMLD in a specialist SEN school.
• Experience with PEG feeding and medication administration.
• Moving and handling training, including the use of hoists.
• Experience supporting visually impaired pupils.
• Knowledge of alternative communication methods for nonverbal pupils.
• Experience managing behaviours that challenge.
• Relevant qualifications in Supporting Teaching and Learning, Health and Social Care or a related field.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who genuinely enjoys supporting young people with additional needs.

You will be positive, bubbly and enthusiastic, with the ability to build strong relationships with pupils and colleagues.

You should be proactive and able to recognise when support is needed, rather than waiting to be directed. You will also need to remain calm under pressure, adapt to different situations and understand the importance of consistency, patience and dignity.

Above all, we want someone who brings the right energy into the classroom and is committed to helping pupils feel safe, supported and included.

Safeguarding Statement

CANDL Recruitment is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to relevant safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and right to work verification. Appointment is subject to the completion of all required checks.