PMLD Teaching Assistant — Specialist Primary Provision (Ages 2–11)
About the School
This is a specialist primary school supporting children aged 2 to 11 with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Many pupils have profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), alongside additional needs such as physical disabilities, sensory impairments, complex medical conditions, or communication challenges.
The school is inclusive and nurturing, designed with specialist facilities including a hydrotherapy pool, sensory and soft play areas, immersive technology spaces, and adapted classrooms. Every child is supported to learn, communicate, and thrive in a safe, stimulating environment.
Role Overview
As a PMLD Teaching Assistant, you will provide personalised care and learning support to pupils with profound and multiple learning difficulties. Working closely with teachers, therapists, and medical professionals, you’ll play a central role in helping pupils access education, build communication skills, and develop independence at their own pace.
Key Responsibilities
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Deliver individualised support tailored to pupils’ sensory, physical, and learning needs.
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Assist with communication methods, including sensory cues, symbols, signing, and objects of reference.
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Provide personal care, including moving and handling, feeding, toileting, and medical routines, following training and guidance.
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Support pupils during hydrotherapy, sensory activities, and therapeutic interventions.
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Work collaboratively with teachers and therapists to deliver engaging, multi-sensory lessons.
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Monitor pupils’ wellbeing, progress, and responses, reporting observations to the wider team.
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Maintain a safe, calm, and supportive environment that promotes trust and independence.
Skills & Attributes
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Experience working with children or young people with PMLD or complex medical/physical needs.
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A caring, patient, and resilient approach, with a strong commitment to inclusion.
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Confidence in delivering personal care and following health and safety procedures.
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Ability to adapt resources and activities to meet sensory and physical needs.
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Strong teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate closely with teachers, therapists, and medical staff.
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Positive, enthusiastic, and dedicated to helping every child reach their potential.
Why You’ll Love This Role
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You’ll make a life-changing difference to pupils with the most complex needs, supporting their learning, wellbeing, and independence.
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You’ll gain hands-on experience working in hydrotherapy pools, sensory rooms, and specialist facilities.
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You’ll be part of a school community that values respect, inclusion, and the belief that every child can achieve.
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You’ll work alongside a dedicated multidisciplinary team who share a passion for SEND education and holistic support.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.
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.
Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the 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 FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.
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