SLD Teaching Assistant – Severe Learning Difficulties

senploy; Oldham; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Educato Limited in Oldham is seeking a compassionate SLD Teaching Assistant to support pupils with severe learning difficulties in a warm, specialist setting.

You'll provide 1:1 and small-group support, help deliver personalised activities, and work with teachers and therapists to foster communication, independence and life skills.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with severe learning difficulties (SEND) or complex needs.
• Ability to adapt activities to individual learning levels.
• Patient, encouraging and resilient approach to progress.
• Confidence supporting personal care as required.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SLD and SEND.
• Deliver personalised learning activities aligned to each pupil's goals.
• Support development of communication, social interaction and independence.
• Break down activities into steps to boost engagement and progress.
• Use visual aids and sensory resources to aid participation.
• Assist with personal care when required and follow care plans.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists and support staff to create an inclusive learning environment.

Skills

1:1 Support

Small-group support

Differentiated learning

Communication

Teamwork

Personal care support

Job description

SLD Teaching Assistant – Severe Learning Difficulties

SLD Teaching Assistant - Severe Learning Difficulties

Location: Oldham, Manchester

Contract: Temporary

Full time/Part time: Full time, 8:30am to 3:40pm, Monday to Friday

Pay: From £112.59 per day

Expected end date: 17th July 2027

Educato is working in partnership with a welcoming and supportive SEND school in Oldham, who are looking to appoint a compassionate and dedicated Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) Teaching Assistant.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Teaching Assistant who is passionate about supporting pupils with severe learning difficulties to access meaningful learning experiences, develop essential life skills and achieve their individual goals. You'll be joining a specialist setting where learning is tailored to each pupil's abilities, with a strong focus on communication, engagement, independence and personal development.

The Role

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with severe learning difficulties and additional SEND.


• Help deliver personalised learning activities that are appropriate to each pupil's developmental level and individual learning goals.


• Support pupils to develop communication, social interaction, self-help and everyday life skills.


• Break down learning activities into manageable steps to encourage engagement, understanding and progress.


• Use visual aids, practical resources and sensory activities to support learning and participation.


• Assist with personal care, including toileting, feeding and hygiene, where required.


• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and other support staff to create a positive, inclusive and supportive learning environment.

We're Looking For

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with severe learning difficulties, significant SEND or complex learning needs.


• An understanding of differentiated learning and the importance of adapting activities to suit individual abilities.


• A patient, encouraging and resilient approach, with the ability to celebrate small steps of progress.


• Confidence supporting personal care, where required, and following individual care plans.


• Strong communication and teamwork skills.


• A genuine passion for helping pupils develop their communication, confidence, independence and everyday life skills.

Whether you're an experienced SLD Teaching Assistant or have a strong background supporting pupils with significant learning difficulties and additional needs, we'd love to hear from you.

Compliance and Safeguarding

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check (child/child and adult workforce), satisfactory references, and full compliance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE 2026) guidance and safer recruitment standards. Overseas police checks may be required where applicable.

Educato Limited is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Educato Limited acts as an employment business in relation to this vacancy.