SEN Teaching Assistant - PMLD

SEN Teaching Assistant - PMLD Focus

Location: Leeds
Contract: Temporary to Permanent, Term-Time Only
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm
Start Date: ASAP
Pay: £90-£95 per day (dependent on experience)

About the Role

NextGen Teachers is working closely with a highly specialist SEN school in Leeds to recruit committed Teaching Assistants to support children and young people aged 2-19 with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD).

Many learners have complex medical needs, including physical disabilities, sensory impairments, and health conditions that require ongoing care. Some learners are supported in hospital-style beds and require full assistance with movement, positioning, and personal care.

Learning is highly sensory, experiential, and relationship-led, and staff are expected to be actively involved in all aspects of care and learning. This is a hands-on role for confident, proactive individuals who are comfortable with manual handling and fully engaging with learners throughout the day.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to learners with PMLD and complex medical needs

• Support learners who are non-verbal and at early developmental stages

• Deliver sensory-based learning activities, including sensory exploration, cause-and-effect activities, and sensory circuits

• Follow individual EHCP targets within a highly structured and routine-based environment

• Use alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) such as objects of reference, symbols, switches, and Makaton

• Carry out manual handling, including hoisting, repositioning, and supporting learners in specialist seating or beds

• Provide personal care including feeding, toileting, and intimate care where required

• Support learners' physical, emotional, and sensory regulation throughout the school day

• Work closely within a high staff-to-learner ratio team, alongside teachers, therapists, and medical professionals

• Monitor wellbeing and report concerns in line with safeguarding and medical care plans

Requirements

• Experience supporting children or young people with PMLD and/or complex SEN needs

• Confidence with personal care and manual handling (training can be provided)

• Comfortable working with learners with medical needs and physical disabilities

• A proactive, resilient attitude - willing to get involved rather than observe

• Patient, empathetic, and physically confident in a demanding but rewarding role

• Strong understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality, and record-keeping

• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply)

• GCSE Grade C/4 or above in English, Maths, and Science

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 Agency in relation to this role.