Special Needs Teaching Assistant

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD)?

Do you have a caring nature, patience, and a commitment to supporting children with diverse and complex needs?

We are seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to join a compassionate team at a school in Weymouth, a specialist school for children and young people with PMLD. The school provides a nurturing environment where every pupil is valued, encouraged, and supported to reach their fullest potential.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide 1:1 or small group support to pupils with PMLD, helping them engage with tailored learning activities.
• Assist with personal care routines, including feeding, toileting, and mobility, ensuring pupils’ dignity and well-being at all times.
• Work closely with teachers, therapists, and other support staff to implement individual education plans (IEPs) and care plans.
• Use communication aids and sensory resources to facilitate engagement and learning.
• Support the physical, social, and emotional development of pupils in line with the school's ethos.
• Foster a positive, inclusive classroom environment where pupils feel safe, happy, and motivated to learn.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Previous experience working with children or adults with PMLD, SEN, or complex needs is highly desirable. We also find those with experience working in nursery settings tend to get on well due to their playful approach.
• A caring, empathetic, and patient approach, with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Basic knowledge of alternative communication methods (e.g., Makaton, PECS) is an advantage but not essential.
• Willingness to assist with personal care and medical needs as required.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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