PMLD Teaching Assistant

Are you an experienced Teaching Assistant with a passion for supporting children and young people with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD)?

Aspire People is looking to recruit compassionate, skilled and experienced PMLD Teaching Assistants to work within specialist SEND educational settings in Oldham.

This is a rewarding opportunity for individuals who have experience supporting children with complex learning needs, significant physical disabilities and additional medical or healthcare requirements.

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with backgrounds in specialist education, complex care, healthcare support or SEND provision who have the confidence, practical skills and specialist training to provide high-quality, individualised support.

As a PMLD Teaching Assistant, you will play an essential role in supporting pupils with profound and multiple learning disabilities, ensuring their educational, physical, emotional and personal care needs are met.

• Providing tailored 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with profound and complex SEND.
• Supporting children with physical disabilities, sensory impairments, communication difficulties and complex medical needs.
• Assisting with personal care, including toileting, changing, dressing and hygiene routines, while maintaining dignity and respect.
• Supporting pupils with mobility, positioning and physical transfers using appropriate specialist equipment.
• Assisting with feeding and nutritional support in accordance with individual care plans and your training.
• Working closely with teachers, therapists, healthcare professionals and other specialist staff.
• Promoting independence, inclusion, communication and positive learning experiences.
• Following individual healthcare plans, safeguarding procedures and risk assessments.

This is a specialist position, and applicants MUST have relevant experience working with children or young people with profound SEND, complex physical disabilities or significant additional care needs.

• Previous experience supporting individuals with PMLD, complex SEND or significant physical and medical needs.
• A relevant qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning, Health and Social Care, SEND or a related field, or substantial relevant practical experience.
• A compassionate, patient and proactive approach to supporting vulnerable children.
• Confidence in providing personal care and supporting pupils with intimate care requirements.
• An understanding of safeguarding, dignity, confidentiality and person-centred care.
• The ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

We are particularly keen to hear from applicants who hold current training, certifications or demonstrable practical experience in one or more of the following areas:

• PEG Feeding
  - Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy feeding and care.
• Enteral / Tube Feeding
  - Supporting pupils who require specialist nutritional assistance.
• PICC Line Awareness / Care
  - Understanding the needs of pupils with peripherally inserted central catheters.
• Moving and Handling
  - Including hoisting, safe transfers and positioning.
• Banana Board / Transfer Board Training
  - Supporting safe mobility and transfers.
• Complex Personal Care
  - Supporting pupils with significant physical and intimate care needs.
• Epilepsy Awareness and Seizure Management
  - Including relevant emergency care training.
• Manual Handling and Specialist Mobility Equipment
  - Experience using appropriate equipment safely.

Please note:

You do not need to hold every certification listed above. However, applicants must have a strong background in complex SEND or care provision, with relevant specialist training or experience. Any clinical or medical procedures must only be undertaken where the individual has received appropriate training, competency assessment and authorisation.

• Hold an enhanced DBS certificate registered on the Update Service or be willing to apply for one.
• Provide professional references covering the last 2 years of employment or education history, with any gaps explained.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Have the right to work in the UK.

At Aspire People, we understand that working within specialist SEND education requires far…