Job Description

PMLD Teaching Assistant – Full Time – St Austell

Location: St Austell, Cornwall

Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:45 – 15:30

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

Start Date: ASAP

Employer: Long-term Teachers

Make a Real Difference Supporting Students with Complex Needs!

Long-term Teachers, an established education recruitment agency working in partnership with a specialist SEN school in St Austell, is looking for a compassionate, enthusiastic and dedicated PMLD Teaching Assistant to join a supportive and welcoming school environment.

This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals with experience in care, SEN education, youth work or supporting people with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD) who are passionate about making a genuine difference to young people's lives.

The school supports students with a wide range of complex learning needs, including PMLD, Severe Learning Disabilities (SLD), physical disabilities, communication difficulties and additional medical needs.

You will play an important role in supporting students through sensory-based learning, practical activities and personalised education programmes, helping them develop communication skills, independence, confidence and essential life skills.

The school provides a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student is encouraged to achieve their full potential, regardless of their individual challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting students with PMLD, SLD and complex additional learning needs.
• Assisting with sensory-based learning activities, including touch, sound, movement and interactive play.
• Providing individual and small-group support tailored to students' specific abilities and needs.
• Supporting students with communication difficulties, including non-verbal communication and alternative communication methods.
• Assisting students with personal care, mobility and daily routines where required.
• Supporting students with physical disabilities and additional medical needs in accordance with individual care plans and appropriate training.
• Encouraging independence, social interaction and emotional wellbeing.
• Working closely with teachers, therapists and other specialist professionals.
• Creating a safe, positive and inclusive learning environment.
• Helping students engage in meaningful educational experiences through practical and sensory activities.

Requirements

• Previous experience supporting individuals with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD) is essential.
• Previous experience working within mainstream or specialist school settings is desirable.
• Experience within the care sector, SEN education, youth work or supporting individuals with complex needs is highly valued.
• A compassionate, patient and understanding approach.
• Confidence supporting students with personal care and physical needs.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• A genuine passion for supporting children and young people with additional needs.
• A good understanding of safeguarding and student wellbeing.
• Relevant qualifications in Health and Social Care, Supporting Teaching and Learning or SEN are desirable but not essential.

We Welcome Applications From Individuals With Experience In:

• Health and Social Care – Supporting individuals with complex physical disabilities, personal care needs and daily living activities.
• PMLD and SEN Education – Working with students with profound learning disabilities, communication difficulties and additional needs.
• Youth Work – Supporting young people with additional needs, emotional development and social interaction.
• Residential Care and Support Work – Providing individualised care and support to children or adults with complex disabilities.
• Mainstream or Specialist Schools – Supporting students with additional learning needs in educational environments.

Individuals from these backgrounds often thrive in PMLD settings due to their patience, empathy, adaptability and ability to provide personalised support.

What's on Offer?

• Full-time position working Monday to Friday, 08:45 – 15:30.
• An ASAP start within a welcoming specialist SEN school in St Austell.
• A rewarding opportunity to support students with profound and complex learning needs.
• The chance to develop your experience within specialist SEN education.
• A supportive working environment alongside experienced teachers and specialist professionals.
• Ongoing guidance and support from Long-term Teachers.
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to students' development, independence and quality of life.

Apply Today!

If you have experience supporting individuals with PMLD and are passionate about helping young people with complex needs achieve their full potential, we would love to hear from you.

Whether your background is in health and social care, SEN education, youth work or residential support, this could be an excellent opportunity to transfer your skills into a rewarding specialist education setting.

Apply today through Long-term Teachers to find out more about this exciting full-time opportunity in St Austell.

Safeguarding Statement: Long-term Teachers is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to appropriate safeguarding and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and relevant references.