Specialist SEND Teaching Assistant - Autism, PMLD & Complex Needs
Location: Hertfordshire
Job Type: Temporary / Supply Opportunities
We are working with a highly specialist school in Welwyn Garden City supporting children and young people aged 2-19 with a wide range of complex additional needs, including severe learning difficulties, profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) and autism.
The school provides a highly individualised and holistic learning environment, helping pupils develop their communication, independence, life skills and emotional wellbeing. With a multidisciplinary team supporting pupils across education, therapy, medical and care needs, this is an excellent opportunity for an experienced SEND professional looking to make a meaningful difference.
The Role
We are looking for patient, calm and adaptable SEND Teaching Assistants to join the school's support team on a long-term basis.
You will work closely with teachers and specialist professionals to provide individualised support, helping pupils access learning and develop their communication, independence and life skills.
Your responsibilities may include:
- Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with complex additional needs.
- Supporting pupils with autism, severe learning difficulties and PMLD.
- Supporting pupils with physical, sensory, communication and medical needs.
- Encouraging pupils to develop independence and participate in everyday activities.
- Supporting pupils who communicate non-verbally or use alternative communication systems.
- Helping pupils access sensory, practical and differentiated learning activities.
- Supporting personal care, including toileting, changing, feeding and hygiene where required.
- Following individual care plans, medical procedures, risk assessments and behaviour support plans.
- Supporting pupils with sensory regulation and emotional wellbeing.
- Recognising and responding appropriately to changes in behaviour, communication or wellbeing.
- Maintaining a safe, inclusive and stimulating learning environment.
- Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists, nurses and other professionals.
- Following safeguarding procedures and promoting the welfare of every pupil.
What We're Looking For
Essential
- Previous experience working with children or young people, ideally within an education, childcare, care or support setting.
- Experience supporting children or young people with SEND or additional needs.
- A genuine willingness to support pupils with personal care and physical needs, including toileting, changing and feeding where required.
- Ability to follow individual care plans, medical guidance, safeguarding procedures and risk assessments accurately.
- Ability to support pupils who may have non-verbal or alternative communication needs.
- A strong understanding of professional boundaries and pupil safety.
- Patience, calmness and adaptability when responding to individual pupil needs.
- A genuine willingness to undertake specialist training and learn new approaches.
Desirable Specialist Experience
Experience or training in any of the following would be advantageous:
- Autism.
- Severe learning difficulties (SLD) or PMLD.
- Complex medical needs.
- Physical disabilities or mobility needs.
- Moving and handling.
- PECS, AAC, Makaton, Signalong or other alternative communication systems.
- Sensory needs and sensory regulation.
- Positive behaviour support.
- Intensive Interaction.
- Working within a specialist/SEND school or provision.
- Working alongside therapists, nurses or other multidisciplinary professionals.
- Healthcare, residential care or other complex-support environments.
Specialist experience is not essential for every position. We are also keen to hear from experienced mainstream Teaching Assistants, nursery practitioners, childcare professionals and care/support workers who have strong transferable skills and a genuine interest in developing their career within specialist SEND education.
The Ideal Candidate
Above all, we are looking for someone who is patient, calm and adaptable and who genuinely enjoys supporting children and young people with complex needs.
You will understand that progress can look different for every pupil and that small steps can represent significant achievements. You will be comfortable with repetition, consistency and highly individualised support, while always looking for opportunities to encourage communication, independence and participation.
You should also be comfortable working as part of a wider team and receptive to guidance from teachers, therapists, nurses and other specialists.
If you are passionate about supporting pupils with complex SEND and want to develop your career within specialist education, we would love to hear from you.
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SEND Teaching Assistant - Autism, PMLD & Complex Needs in Welwyn Garden City employer: Envision Education
Envision Education is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the growth and development of its staff. Located in St Albans, this role as a SEND Support Assistant provides unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with diverse needs, while benefiting from ongoing professional development and a collaborative team environment.
