PMLD Teaching Assistant

PMLD / Complex Needs Support Assistant - SEN School in Leeds
Contract: Full Time / Permanent
Location: Leeds (Central)
Start Date: ASAP

NextGen Teachers are proud to be recruiting on behalf of a specialist SEN school in central Leeds for a PMLD / Complex Needs Support Assistant. This is a full-time, permanent opportunity to join a highly supportive and experienced team working with some of the most complex learners in education.

This role is specifically focused on supporting pupils with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) and complex needs across ages 4-16.

You will be supporting children and young people with a range of needs including:

• Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD)

• Severe and Complex Learning Difficulties

• Autism (ASC)

• ADHD

• Down's Syndrome

• Physical disabilities

• Complex medical needs

• Communication and interaction difficulties

Many pupils require high levels of support, including sensory-based learning, specialist communication approaches, and tailored personal care. This is a hands-on role that requires compassion, resilience, and a strong understanding of complex needs.

Candidates must:

• Have recent experience (within the last 12 months) supporting children with complex needs

• Be confident providing personal care

• Have experience with manual handling (training desirable but can be refreshed)

• Be comfortable supporting pupils with medical and physical needs

About the school:

This thriving specialist setting caters for pupils aged 4-16 with a wide spectrum of additional needs, including moderate to severe learning difficulties, PMLD, autism, sensory impairments, and physical disabilities.

The school takes a personalised and holistic approach to education, placing strong emphasis on communication, life skills, emotional wellbeing, and multi-sensory learning. Staff work collaboratively with therapists and a multi-disciplinary team to ensure every learner can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide 1:1 and small group support to pupils with PMLD and complex needs

• Assist in delivering personalised learning activities aligned with EHCP outcomes

• Support pupils with personal care and daily routines with dignity and respect

• Use alternative communication strategies (e.g. PECS, Makaton, sensory cues)

• Promote engagement, independence, and social interaction

• Work closely with teachers, therapists, and parents to maintain consistent support plans

• Ensure a safe, structured, and nurturing learning environment

The Ideal Candidate:

• Experienced in PMLD or complex needs settings

• Patient, nurturing, and emotionally resilient

• Confident in supporting non-verbal pupils

• Committed to safeguarding and inclusive education

• Passionate about making a long-term impact in a specialist environment

If you are Interested in this role, please apply directly to the advert and one of our team will be in touch!

Huntress does not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and complies with all relevant UK legislation. PLEASE NOTE! You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to your situation before applying for any jobs. We are acting as a Recruitment Business in relation to this role.