At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with profound learning difficulties and enhance their educational experience.
- Company: Welcoming specialist SEN school in High Wycombe.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing training, and potential for permanent roles.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a well-resourced environment.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable learners every day.
- Qualifications: Experience with PMLD or complex needs, strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 23400 - 28600 £ per year.
Supply Desk is working in partnership with a welcoming and well-resourced specialist setting in the High Wycombe area to appoint a compassionate and dedicated PMLD Teaching Assistant. This is a rewarding opportunity to support pupils with profound and multiple learning difficulties, helping to enhance their quality of life and educational experience.
This role would suit a caring and resilient individual with a passion for supporting children with complex needs, who is committed to promoting independence, communication, and overall wellbeing.
The Role
- Supporting pupils with PMLD on a 1:1 basis or in small groups
- Assisting with personal care, feeding, and mobility where required
- Supporting sensory-based and play-based learning activities
- Helping to deliver individualised learning programmes tailored to each pupil
- Promoting communication using alternative methods (e.g., PECS, Makaton, sensory cues)
- Creating a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment
- Encouraging engagement, independence, and emotional wellbeing
- Supporting pupils with medical and physical needs
- Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and support staff
Requirements
- Experience supporting children or adults with PMLD, complex needs, or SEN
- A patient, compassionate, and proactive approach
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Comfortable supporting personal care needs
- Ability to work full-time in the Maidenhead area (ASAP or from September)
- A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable learners
Desirable
- Experience in a specialist SEN school or similar setting
- Knowledge of Makaton, PECS, or other communication systems
- Experience supporting pupils with physical disabilities and complex medical needs
- Understanding of safeguarding and SEN best practices
- Relevant qualifications in health & social care or education
Why This Role?
- Join a supportive and dedicated SEN team
- Work in a well-equipped specialist environment
- Make a meaningful difference in pupils’ daily lives
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
- Long-term stability with potential for permanent opportunities
If you are a passionate and caring individual looking for a rewarding role supporting children with complex needs, we would love to hear from you.
All successful applicants will be required to complete an Enhanced DBS check and meet Safer Recruitment standards.
Aspiring PMLD Teaching Assistant in High Wycombe employer: Supply Desk
At our specialist SEN school in High Wycombe, we pride ourselves on fostering a nurturing and inclusive work culture that empowers our staff to make a meaningful impact in the lives of pupils with profound and multiple learning difficulties. We offer ongoing training and professional development opportunities, ensuring that our dedicated team members can grow in their roles while enjoying the stability of long-term employment. Join us to be part of a compassionate community where your passion for supporting vulnerable learners is truly valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aspiring PMLD Teaching Assistant in High Wycombe
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Supply Desk.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Supply Desk!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Supply Desk, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Supply Desk or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Aspiring PMLD Teaching Assistant in High Wycombe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Supply Desk:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Supply Desk! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Supply Desk
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
