SEN Teaching assistant PMLD

Five Education; West of England, Charlton Kings; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free DBS

Specialist training

Refer a friend bonus

Mentoring

Job summary

Five Education is seeking a patient, compassionate Teaching Assistant to support learners with PMLD at a welcoming secondary school in Bristol. You will provide 1:1 assistance, help with communication and personal development, and work closely with teachers to implement personalised care plans.

Previous care experience is encouraged, with emphasis on patience, empathy, and a genuine desire to support young people.

Qualifications

• Experience in care, support work, healthcare, or similar roles is beneficial.
• Patience, compassion, and nurturing approach to supporting young people with complex needs.
• Willingness to learn about profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) and related supports.

Responsibilities

• Provide dedicated 1:1 support to secondary-aged learners with PMLD.
• Support communication, sensory engagement, emotional wellbeing, and personal development.
• Assist with personal care and day-to-day needs while maintaining dignity and independence.
• Build trusting relationships and adapt to individual communication styles.
• Collaborate with teachers, SENDCo, and support staff to deliver personalised care and learning strategies.
• Help maintain a safe, calm, and inclusive environment.

Skills

Patience

Compassion

Communication

Teamwork

Supportive care

Flexibility

Job description

Do you have a passion for supporting young people with complex needs and making a genuine difference in their everyday lives?

Five Education are looking for a patient, compassionate, and dedicated Teaching Assistant (TA) to support learners with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD) at a welcoming and inclusive secondary school in Bristol.

This is a rewarding opportunity to work closely with young people who require personalised support with their learning, communication, personal development, and day-to-day needs. The school offers a supportive staff team and a nurturing environment where every learner is valued.

Candidates with a background in care are particularly encouraged to apply. Experience in residential care, support work, healthcare, or working with individuals with complex needs can be highly transferable to this role. You don't necessarily need previous experience in a school setting; a caring nature, patience, and a genuine desire to support young people are just as important.

Full-time availability is preferred but not essential.

Main Responsibilities

• Provide dedicated 1:1 support to secondary-aged learners with PMLD, helping them access learning and participate in activities suited to their individual needs.


• Support pupils with their communication, sensory engagement, emotional wellbeing, and personal development.


• Assist with personal care and day-to-day needs where required, always maintaining dignity, respect, and independence wherever possible.


• Build trusting relationships with learners, recognising their individual communication styles, preferences, and needs.


• Work collaboratively with teachers, the SENDCo, and other support staff to deliver consistent, personalised care and learning strategies.


• Help maintain a safe, calm, and inclusive environment where every young person feels secure, supported, and valued.

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience in care, support work, healthcare, education, or a similar role is beneficial. A background in care would be particularly well suited to this position.


• A patient, compassionate, and nurturing approach to supporting young people with complex needs.


• An understanding of, or willingness to learn about, profound and multiple learning disabilities and the support these learners may require.


• Confidence in providing personal care where necessary, while maintaining pupils' dignity and promoting their independence.


• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work closely with teaching staff and other professionals.


• A genuine commitment to helping young people feel safe, respected, included, and supported to reach their potential.

If you have experience in care and are looking to take your skills into a secondary school setting, this could be an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people with PMLD.

Essential requirements

• Right to work in the UK - we are unable to offer Sponsorship or accept Skilled Worker visas.


• Able to provide two recent references (from the last two years).


• Hold a current DBS check registered on the Update Service, or be willing to apply for one


• Please note, if you do not have a Non-Voluntary Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, we will need to help you process a new one at a cost of £62.70. This will be refunded after 20 days of work with us.

What can Five Education offer you

• Check out our Google reviews for one of the best supply experiences in Bristol! We offer free specialised training in areas such as Team Teach, Makaton, PMLD/SLD Awareness, Autism Awareness, and more


• Free DBS (refunded when you work 20 days)


• Recommending a friend bonus scheme


• Specialist support/ mentoring while you are working

Pay: Five Education operates a PAYE payroll; this is the most transparent way to be paid with no hidden fees such as admin fee or employer's NI. Please note pay rate is for illustration and does include holiday pay.

Vetting

Five Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all of the staff we employ to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo checks including reference checks, TRA checks and will need to have a DBS; there will also be an interview.

We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as they are currently under-represented at this level.