Specialist PMLD Teaching Assistant

Specialist PMLD Teaching Assistant – Watford

Location: Watford, Hertfordshire
Start Date: September
Contract Type: Full-Time
Salary: Competitive weekly pay

Supply Desk is seeking a compassionate, patient, and dedicated Specialist Teaching Assistant to support pupils with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) in a welcoming and inclusive school in the Watford area from September.

This is a rewarding opportunity for an experienced Teaching Assistant who is passionate about providing high-quality, personalised support to children and young people with complex learning and additional needs. The successful candidate will play a vital role in supporting pupils' educational, communication, social, emotional, and personal development.

Working closely with teachers, SENCOs, therapists, and the wider support team, you will provide tailored one-to-one and small-group support to pupils with PMLD. You will help pupils access learning, develop communication and independence skills, and participate fully in school life within a safe, nurturing, and highly supportive environment.

The school is looking for someone who is calm, empathetic, and adaptable, with a genuine understanding of the individual needs of pupils with complex learning difficulties. You will need to be confident working as part of a multidisciplinary team and committed to ensuring every pupil is treated with dignity, respect, and care.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for a Teaching Assistant with experience in special educational needs to develop their specialist knowledge and make a meaningful difference to the lives of pupils with PMLD.

The Role

• Provide dedicated one-to-one and small-group support to pupils with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD).
• Support pupils to access learning activities through personalised and appropriately adapted approaches.
• Work closely with teachers, SENCOs, therapists, and other professionals to implement individual learning and support plans.
• Support pupils with communication, sensory, physical, social, and emotional needs.
• Encourage pupils to develop independence, confidence, communication, and life skills wherever appropriate.
• Use a range of communication strategies and resources to support pupils' individual communication needs.
• Assist pupils in participating in classroom activities, sensory activities, outdoor learning, and wider school experiences.
• Support pupils with personal care and mobility needs where required and in accordance with school policies and individual care plans.
• Create a calm, safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment where pupils feel valued and supported.
• Observe and monitor pupils' progress and development, sharing relevant information with teachers and other professionals.
• Build positive and trusting relationships with pupils, families, teachers, therapists, and colleagues.
• Work collaboratively with the wider school team to support the progress and wellbeing of all pupils.
• Contribute to the wider school community through enrichment activities and school events.
• Uphold high standards of safeguarding, behaviour, and pupil wellbeing.

The Ideal Candidate

• Has previous experience working with children or young people with PMLD, complex needs, or significant learning difficulties.
• Has experience working within a specialist school, SEN setting, or primary/secondary school environment.
• Demonstrates a caring, patient, empathetic, and nurturing approach.
• Has a good understanding of the needs of pupils with profound and multiple learning difficulties.
• Is confident supporting pupils with communication, sensory, physical, and complex learning needs.
• Has strong communication and interpersonal skills and can build positive relationships with pupils and colleagues.
• Is comfortable working as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside teachers, therapists, and other professionals.
• Is able to remain calm, patient, and professional when responding to challenging or unpredictable situations.
• Understands the importance of dignity, respect, safeguarding, and person-centred support.
• Has a good understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Is reliable, adaptable, proactive, and able to respond positively to the individual needs of pupils.
• Is committed to promoting an inclusive learning environment where every child is valued and supported.

What We Offer

• Competitive weekly pay in line with the MPS/UPS pay scale.
• Dedicated support from experienced local education consultants.
• Access to high-quality CPD and professional development opportunities.
• Comprehensive safeguarding training.
• Opportunities to work within supportive and well-resourced schools.
• Weekly pay with a straightforward payroll process.
• Refer a Friend Scheme – earn £100 for every successful referral who completes five or more shifts.

Supply Desk is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and safer recruitment procedures in line with statutory guidance.

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