Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) Teaching Assistant

Teaching Personnel Ltd.; Epping Forest; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Specialist training

Dedicated consultant

Weekly pay

£50 referral bonus

Job summary

Teaching Personnel is seeking a dedicated SLD Teaching Assistant for a school in Harlow. You will provide 1:1 and small-group support for students with severe learning difficulties, focusing on life skills, communication and independence, in a supportive specialist setting.

The role is full-time, term-time only, with DBS on update service preferred and a commitment to safeguarding and creating an inclusive classroom environment.

Qualifications

• Genuine passion for supporting children with complex learning needs.
• Experience or understanding of SLD, physical disabilities, medical needs, or alternative communication systems.
• Current DBS on the update service, or willingness to apply.
• Resilience, positive attitude, initiative, and ability to follow guidance.

Responsibilities

• Support students with SLD, PMLD and related needs from early years to young adulthood.
• Collaborate with teachers, speech and language therapists and specialists to deliver tailored learning support.
• Foster independence via functional life skills, mobility programs and alternative communication (PECS, Makaton).
• Create a safe, inclusive, sensory-friendly learning environment.

Skills

SLD experience

DBS update

Life skills support

PECS

Makaton

Job description

Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) Teaching Assistant - Harlow

Make a difference every day in a role that truly matters.

Do you have a passion for supporting children with severe learning difficulties? Are you looking to take the next step in your career within a supportive, specialist school environment? Teaching Personnel is currently seeking caring, motivated, and enthusiastic individuals to join a fantastic SLD school in Harlow.

About the Role

We are looking for an SLD Teaching Assistant ready to make a positive impact on the lives of students with complex needs. You'll be providing specialized 1:1 and small group support, focusing on life skills, functional communication, and independence, helping students thrive at their own pace. This is a deeply rewarding opportunity where no two days are the same!

What You'll Be Doing

• Supporting students with severe learning difficulties (SLD), profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), and associated complex needs from early years through to young adulthood.
• Working closely with teachers, speech and language therapists, and other specialists to deliver tailored, sensory-based learning support.
• Fostering independence through functional life skills, mobility programs, and alternative communication methods (e.g., PECS, Makaton).
• Creating a safe, inclusive, sensory-friendly, and engaging learning environment.

Full-time hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm - enjoy your weekends off!

Term-time only position - perfect for work-life balance.

What We're Looking For

• A genuine passion for supporting children with complex learning needs and helping them achieve their personal best - essential!
• Experience or strong understanding of severe learning difficulties (SLD), physical disabilities, medical needs, or alternative communication systems.
• A current DBS on the update service, or willingness to apply.
• Resilience, a positive attitude, strong initiative, and the ability to follow guidance from teaching staff and medical professionals - essential qualities!

Why Join Us?

• Ongoing specialist training (including manual handling, safeguarding, and medical training) to help you grow in your role.
• A dedicated consultant offering continuous support.
• Weekly pay every Friday.
• £50 referral bonus when you recommend a friend!

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance 'Keeping Children Safe in Education' this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.

We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.

For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.