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- Tasks: Support pupils with profound learning disabilities and assist in their daily care and learning.
- Company: A special school in Hackney dedicated to nurturing students with complex needs.
- Benefits: Earn £444-£513 per week, enjoy term-time hours, and gain valuable experience.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of students while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience with PMLD and a Level 3 qualification in relevant fields is desirable.
- Other info: Immediate start with long-term opportunities until July 2026.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 27000 £ per year.
A Special School in Hackney is seeking a PMLD Teaching Assistant to support pupils with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD) and complex additional needs. This is a full-time, long-term role for pupils who require a structured, nurturing, and specialist approach to learning and care. You will work alongside SEN teachers, therapists, and support staff to provide pupil-centred support that prioritises communication, sensory engagement, wellbeing, and independence throughout the school day.
What the Role Offers:
- £444 - £513 per week (PAYE, holiday pay included)
- Full-time, term time only (Monday to Friday, 8:00am - 3:30pm)
- Immediate start until July 2026
- Long-term opportunity within a specialist SEN setting
- Experience working within a multidisciplinary team
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with PMLD, following EHCPs and personalised learning programmes
- Support pupils with complex physical needs, including mobility, feeding, and personal care, safely and respectfully
- Assist with sensory-based learning activities, including sensory rooms and specialist equipment
- Support communication using AAC strategies, including Makaton, PECS, and communication aids
- Work collaboratively with teachers, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, and support staff
- Observe, record, and report pupil engagement and progress
- Maintain a calm, structured environment supporting emotional regulation and wellbeing
- Follow all safeguarding, health and safety, and moving and handling procedures
Ideal Candidate:
- Experience supporting pupils with PMLD, SLD, or complex SEND in a special school
- Understanding of person-centred, holistic SEN practice
- Patient, resilient, and able to respond sensitively to physical and emotional needs
- Confident working within a multidisciplinary environment
- Level 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning, Health & Social Care, or similar (desirable)
- Enhanced DBS, or willingness to obtain one
Ribbons & Reeves are London's leading education recruiters, specialising in long-term and permanent placements across mainstream and specialist SEN schools. We are proud to support professionals who are dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of pupils with severe learning difficulties.
PMLD Teaching Assistant employer: Ribbons and Reeves Limited
Contact Detail:
Ribbons and Reeves Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PMLD Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with PMLD or SEN. They might know of opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local SEN events or workshops. Not only will you learn more about the field, but you'll also meet potential employers and colleagues. Plus, it shows your commitment to professional development!
✨Tip Number 3
When you land an interview, be ready to showcase your experience with PMLD and how you can support pupils' needs. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate your skills and understanding of person-centred approaches.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We have loads of opportunities for PMLD Teaching Assistants, and applying directly can give you a better chance of standing out. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace PMLD Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with PMLD and complex needs. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant background!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for supporting pupils with profound and multiple learning disabilities shine through. We love to see candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference in the lives of these students.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key experiences and qualifications stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you started on this exciting journey with us.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ribbons and Reeves Limited
✨Know Your PMLD Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your understanding of Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities. Familiarise yourself with key terms like AAC strategies, Makaton, and PECS. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also knowledgeable about the needs of the pupils you'll be supporting.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience working with pupils who have complex needs. Prepare specific examples of how you've supported their learning and wellbeing. Highlight any relevant qualifications or training, especially if you have a Level 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning or Health & Social Care.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since this role involves working closely with teachers and therapists, emphasise your ability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team. Share examples of how you’ve successfully worked with others in the past, focusing on communication and shared goals for pupil support.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school’s approach to PMLD and how they support their staff. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
