SEN Teaching Assistant - PMLD & Complex Needs School

For some pupils, the smallest milestones are the biggest achievements — and the right support can make those moments possible every single day.

A specialist SEN school in Sunderland is seeking a SEN Teaching Assistant to support pupils aged 5–16 with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), complex medical needs, physical disabilities and sensory impairments.

The school follows a highly personalised, therapeutic approach, focusing on communication, sensory engagement and life skills, ensuring every pupil is supported to reach their full potential in a safe and nurturing environment.

Location: Sunderland
Hours: 8:30am – 4:00pm | Monday–Friday | Term Time Only

Daily Expectations & Routine

• Staff arrive at 8:30am to prepare for the day
• Pupils follow individualised timetables with a strong focus on routine
• The day includes sensory sessions, communication work and life skills activities
• Breaks and lunch are fully supported, including feeding where required
• The day finishes at 4:00pm, including time for handovers and planning

The Role

As a SEN Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Support pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small groups
• Assist with personal care, feeding and mobility support where required
• Support communication using PECS, sensory cues and visual aids
• Engage pupils in sensory-based and interactive learning
• Work alongside teachers, therapists and medical staff

The Pupils

Pupils may present with:

• Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD)
• Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD)
• Physical disabilities
• Complex medical needs
• Limited or non-verbal communication

Experience Requirements

Experience is desirable but not essential.

Ideal backgrounds include:

• Care or support work
• SEN or school-based roles
• Health and social care
• Personal experience supporting additional needs

Full support is provided for those willing to learn.

Dress Code

• Practical, comfortable clothing
• Suitable for personal care and physical support
• Flat, supportive footwear
• No overly formal wear

What We Are Looking For

• Passion for supporting young people with complex needs
• A calm, patient and caring approach
• Willingness to support with personal care
• Strong teamwork and communication skills

What’s in It for You?

• Specialist experience in complex needs education
• Ongoing support and development
• A rewarding and meaningful role
• Weekly PAYE pay

We do not use umbrella companies, ensuring clear, fair pay with no hidden deductions.

Apply Now

If you are passionate about making a real difference in a specialist setting, apply now to find out more.

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.

Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website.

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