Job Description

Compassionate Support in the Classroom: PMLD Teaching Assistant

Summary

A specialist school in Whitehaven is seeking a dedicated PMLD Teaching Assistant to join their team this September. This rewarding role offers the chance to work closely with pupils who have profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), helping them access learning, develop independence, and thrive in a supportive environment.

The Role

As a PMLD Teaching Assistant, you'll provide personalised care and learning support to pupils with complex needs. Each day will be varied, meaningful, and focused on making a difference.

Your responsibilities will include:

Supporting pupils with physical, sensory, and communication needs in the classroom Assisting with learning activities tailored to individual abilities Promoting independence and participation in daily routines Using strategies such as sensory play, visual aids, and alternative communication methods Providing personal care in a respectful and dignified manner Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and other professionals

Who We're Looking For

This role would suit individuals from care, health and social care, support work, or education who are passionate about helping children with complex needs. The ideal person will bring:

Experience supporting children or adults with PMLD, complex disabilities, or medical needs A relevant qualification (e.g. Health & Social Care, Teaching Assistant, or equivalent) Patience, empathy, and resilience in challenging situations Strong communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team A calm, caring, and adaptable approach

The School

You'll be joining a warm and inclusive specialist school that values teamwork and celebrates every achievement, no matter how small. Staff work closely with therapists and families to create a safe, nurturing environment where children with PMLD can flourish both academically and personally.

Key Details

Start date: September 2025
Hours: 8.30am - 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, term-time only
Contract: Long-term temporary with the potential to become permanent
Open to both full-time and part-time applications

The Benefits

Competitive pay Structured hours with no evenings or weekends Hands-on training and professional development in SEND and PMLD practice The chance to work as part of a supportive, collaborative team An incredibly rewarding role making a real difference every day
If you are ready to bring your skills into a specialist school environment and support children with PMLD in achieving their potential, we'd love to hear from you.

Safeguarding children is an integral part of what we do and we have a stringent safer recruitment process. We undertake checks on all the candidates we work with. As such we require a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure for everyone working in Schools. If you do not have a subscription to the DBS Update Service, you may be required to complete a new DBS application as part of the registration process. If you take a temporary role with Sense Education you will be paid on a weekly basis. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position but long term. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temp to perm

Pay: 14.00-16.00 per hour

Work Location: In person