Experienced PMLD Teaching Assistant

Harrow | Full-Time or Flexible Cover | ASAP Start

Tara Professional Recruitment are currently seeking an Experienced PMLD Teaching Assistant to join a specialist SEND school in Harrow, supporting pupils with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) and complex additional needs.

This is an opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting children with complex needs and wants to make a genuine difference - previous classroom experience is not essential.

We are particularly interested in people who have gained relevant experience through family, care, support work, volunteering or other personal circumstances, provided they have a good understanding of complex needs and are comfortable working in a specialist environment.

The Role

As a PMLD Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with pupils who may have a combination of:

• Profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD)
• Physical disabilities and wheelchair users
• Non-verbal communication
• Down syndrome
• Complex medical needs
• Sensory and communication needs
• Significant learning difficulties
• Mobility and personal care requirements

Your role will involve providing hands-on, compassionate and consistent support, helping pupils access learning, communicate, develop independence and enjoy their time at school.

You may support with:

• Classroom and learning activities
• Communication and interaction
• Sensory-based activities
• Mobility and physical support
• Personal care where required - changing clothes and toiletry duty (training provided). 
• Emotional and behavioural support
• Encouraging independence and engagement
• Working closely with teachers and specialist staff

Who We're Looking For

Previous school or classroom experience is NOT essential. What is important is that you have some genuine exposure to complex needs and feel comfortable supporting individuals who may require significant physical, communication or medical assistance.

This could come from:

• Previous PMLD/SEND experience
• Care or support work
• Healthcare experience
• Working with adults or children with disabilities
• Experience supporting a wheelchair user
• Supporting someone who is non-verbal
• Experience with Down syndrome or other learning disabilities
• Personal/family experience of complex needs
• Voluntary or community-based support

We are looking for someone who is patient, compassionate, resilient and genuinely interested in helping others.

You don't need to be an experienced teacher or Teaching Assistant — if you have the right attitude and relevant exposure to complex needs, we want to hear from you.

Full-Time or Flexible Work

The school can consider both full-time long-term candidates and individuals looking for flexible cover, making this a great opportunity whether you're looking for a consistent 5-day role or want to build experience within specialist SEND education.

Requirements

• Some relevant experience/exposure to complex needs is essential
• Comfortable supporting pupils with significant physical and/or communication needs
• Patient, caring and reliable approach
• Able to work as part of a specialist team
• Willing to support with personal care where required
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service preferred, or Tara Professional Recruitment can assist
• Ideally able to provide two years of references
• Available to start ASAP

Why Apply?

• Specialist SEND school in Harrow
• Full-time and flexible opportunities available
• ASAP start
• Excellent opportunity to develop specialist PMLD experience
• Classroom experience not essential
• Supportive specialist environment
• Opportunity to make a meaningful difference to pupils with complex needs
• Potential for long-term work for the right candidate

If you have experience supporting someone with complex medical needs, physical disabilities, PMLD, Down syndrome, non-verbal communication or other significant learning difficulties, we'd love to hear from you - even if that experience hasn't come from working in a school.

About Tara

We provide a dedicated and committed service to candidates, supporting teachers and support staff in their search for suitable & regular work and excellent Teacher Referral Bonuses. Tara Professional Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer, and encourages applications from all interested parties.

All applicants will be accepted and reviewed solely on merit. 

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and young people and work diligently to help raise the standards of education within our schools.
Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited list, Barred list, DBS and Qualifications. All post holders are subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

What we're looking for

We are seeking candidates who:

• Demonstrate a genuine commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

• Have a clear understanding of professional boundaries, safeguarding responsibilities and the importance of reporting concerns in line with school policies and statutory guidance.

• Share our values of integrity, professionalism, inclusivity and putting the needs of children first.

• Have a positive, reliable and proactive attitude, with the ability to build professional relationships with pupils, colleagues and school staff.

• Are committed to creating safe, supportive learning environments where every child can thrive.

• Are willing to engage fully with safer recruitment and ongoing compliance requirements, including safeguarding training and vetting checks.

Successful applicants will be expected to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and always act in the best interests of children.