Job Description

PMLD Teaching Assistant - Carlisle

Bring joy, connection and calm to pupils with profound and multiple learning difficulties

Summary

Step into a truly life-changing role. A specialist school in Carlisle is looking for a compassionate and dedicated PMLD Teaching Assistant to join their team. You'll be supporting children and young people with complex needs -- making a difference not just in the big moments, but in every small breakthrough along the way.

The Role

As a PMLD Teaching Assistant, you'll be working with children who have profound and multiple learning difficulties, which may include physical disabilities, sensory impairments, medical needs, and non-verbal communication.

You'll support pupils by:

Delivering sensory-rich, play-based activities using music, movement, lights and textures Encouraging communication through eye contact, gestures and alternative systems Supporting with feeding, toileting, positioning and personal care (training provided) Working closely with therapists, teachers and families to deliver personalised care Creating a consistent, respectful and calming environment where pupils feel safe and valued
No two days are the same -- one moment you may be singing along to a sensory story, the next you're gently guiding a pupil through a meaningful interaction.

Who You Are

This role is all about mindset and heart. We're looking for someone who is:

Compassionate, calm and patient Energetic, playful and creative in their approach Sensitive to the unique ways pupils communicate and learn Comfortable with personal care and physical support A team player with strong communication and collaboration skills
You'll also need:

Experience supporting children or adults with SEND A relevant qualification in Care, Health & Social Care, Social Work or similar A Teaching Assistant qualification is helpful but not essential
Whether you've worked in care, supported individuals with disabilities, or have classroom experience -- this is a setting where your dedication will be truly valued.

The School

This Carlisle-based specialist school is known for its nurturing, inclusive ethos. Pupils are supported holistically, with tailored curriculums that focus on communication, independence and emotional wellbeing. The team is collaborative, creative and deeply committed to ensuring every child is seen, heard and supported.

Working Hours

Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 3.30pm (term time only)
Full-time and part-time applications welcomed

Why Apply?

Competitive pay School-day hours -- no shifts or weekend work A long-term opportunity with potential to become permanent
If you're ready to bring empathy, energy and commitment into a role where the smallest steps mean the most -- 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: 91.00-105.00 per day

Work Location: In person