Special Needs Support Worker

Salary/Rate:£90 - £95
Job type:Contract
Town/City:All
County:South West London
Type of Role:Teaching Assistant/Learning Support Assistant
Job ref:9760
Post Date:13.06.25
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Meet Our Recruiter

About the Role

Job Title: PMLD Teaching Assistant
Location: Surbiton
Salary: £90 - £95
Contract Type: Full-time - Term Time only
Start Date: September 2025

About the Role

We are seeking a compassionate, resilient, and dedicated Teaching Assistant to join our specialist team, a nurturing and inclusive setting for children and young people aged 4 to 18 with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), severe learning difficulties (SLD), complex medical needs, sensory impairments, and emotional regulation challenges.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our pupils, supporting their learning, care, communication, and wellbeing in a highly personalised environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support pupils with complex needs in accessing a highly adapted and individualised curriculum.

  • Assist the class teacher and therapy teams in delivering sensory-based and experiential learning activities.

  • Provide high-quality personal care, including toileting, feeding, and hygiene tasks, in a manner that promotes dignity and independence.

  • Support pupils with medical needs (e.g., gastrostomy feeds, epilepsy protocols) following training and guidance.

  • Use a range of communication methods (e.g., Makaton, PECS, Eye Gaze, switches) to support pupils’ communication and engagement.

  • Contribute to the creation of a positive, calm, and sensory-friendly environment to support pupils experiencing dysregulation.

  • Work collaboratively with class teams, therapists, and external professionals to deliver holistic care and education.

  • Promote pupil independence, wellbeing, and inclusion at all times.

  • Assist with moving and handling tasks, using hoists and following individual care plans.

  • Support the implementation of behaviour support plans and de-escalation strategies.

Essential Requirements

  • Experience working with children or young people with PMLD, SLD, or complex SEND.

  • Confidence in providing personal care and physical support, including moving and handling (training can be provided).

  • A calm, patient, and nurturing approach to supporting behaviour and emotional regulation.

  • Ability to work flexibly within a multidisciplinary team.

  • Willingness to undertake medical and safeguarding training.

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Desirable (but not essential)

  • Knowledge of sensory integration approaches or sensory processing difficulties.

  • Experience with assistive technology or alternative communication systems.

  • NVQ Level 2/3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning, Health and Social Care, or equivalent.

  • Team Teach or other positive handling training.

What We Offer

  • A highly supportive and experienced team environment.

  • Ongoing training and development tailored to SEND and complex needs.

  • Opportunities to progress within a growing and respected provision.

  • A role where every day brings purpose and connection.

To Apply: Please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to Jamie at PS Inclusion.

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