SEN Teaching Assistant (PMLD) Location: Lewisham, South East London

Pertemps; Lewisham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist school in Lewisham is seeking a caring SEN Teaching Assistant with PMLD experience. This full-time role involves supporting pupils with profound and multiple learning difficulties, ensuring their personal care and facilitating their learning in a nurturing environment. Key responsibilities include providing 1:1 assistance, implementing individualized education plans, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. The ideal candidate should be patient and compassionate, with the ability to support personal care and medical needs.

Benefits

Ongoing training and CPD opportunities

Well-resourced specialist facilities

Competitive pay dependent on experience

Qualifications

• Experience supporting pupils with PMLD in a school, SEN, or care setting.
• Willingness to support personal care and medical needs.
• Good understanding of safeguarding and child protection.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support to pupils with PMLD.
• Assist in delivering sensory-based and therapeutic learning activities.
• Support communication using Makaton, PECS, and assistive technology.

Skills

Experience supporting pupils with PMLD

Strong communication skills

Teamwork skills

Patient and compassionate approach

Education

Relevant SEN or Teaching Assistant qualification (Level 2 or Level 3)

Tools

Makaton

PECS

Job description

Location: Lewisham, South East London

Role: SEN Teaching Assistant – PMLD

Contract: Full-time (term-time)

Start Date: ASAP (or negotiable)

Role Overview

We are seeking a caring and committed SEN Teaching Assistant with PMLD experience to join a specialist school or SEN provision in Lewisham. The role involves supporting pupils with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties, including complex physical, sensory, and medical needs, within a structured and nurturing educational environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support to pupils with PMLD
• Support with personal care, including toileting, feeding, and mobility where required
• Assist in delivering sensory-based and therapeutic learning activities
• Support communication using Makaton, PECS, objects of reference, and assistive technology
• Work collaboratively with class teachers, SENCOs, and multidisciplinary teams
• Support and follow IEPs, EHCPs, and care plans
• Promote pupil engagement, emotional regulation, and independence
• Maintain a safe, calm, and inclusive classroom environment
• Record observations and contribute to progress reviews
• Adhere strictly to safeguarding, health & safety, and school policies

Person Specification Essential

• Experience supporting pupils with PMLD in a school, SEN, or care setting
• Willingness to support personal care and medical needs
• Patient, compassionate, and resilient approach
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Good understanding of safeguarding and child protection

Desirable

• Training or experience in Makaton, PECS, sensory integration, or hydrotherapy
• Moving & handling / manual handling training
• Experience working with therapists or healthcare professionals
• Relevant SEN or Teaching Assistant qualification (Level 2 or Level 3)

What We Offer

• Supportive and inclusive SEN provision in Lewisham
• Ongoing training and CPD opportunities
• Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in pupils’ lives
• Competitive pay (dependent on experience)
• Well‑resourced specialist facilities

Safeguarding

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and safeguarding clearance in line with statutory guidance.