Teaching Assistant (PMLD)

Job Title: Experienced Teaching Assistant

Location: Liverpool
Contract Type: Full-time – Temp to Perm
Salary: Competitive

About the School

The school is a vibrant and nurturing special setting dedicated to supporting exceptional children aged 2–11 with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), severe learning difficulties (SLD), and complex autism. Every pupil has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), and the school prides itself on creating a safe, inclusive, and stimulating environment where every child can thrive.

The Role

The school is seeking an experienced Teaching Assistant who is passionate about making a difference for children with complex needs. The successful candidate will work closely with teachers and therapists to deliver tailored support that meets each child’s individual learning and care requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality learning experiences adapted to individual needs.
• Support pupils with personal care, communication, and sensory activities.
• Implement strategies to promote engagement, independence, and emotional well-being.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, and families to ensure consistency and progress.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to EHCP reviews and target setting.

Essential Skills & Qualities

• Proven experience working with children with PMLD, SLD, and/or autism in an educational or care setting.
• Patience, empathy, and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children with complex needs.
• Strong communication skills, including alternative communication methods (e.g., Makaton, PECS).
• Creativity and adaptability in supporting learning through sensory and play-based approaches.
• Resilience and emotional maturity to remain calm under pressure and respond positively to challenges.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and build strong relationships with colleagues, families, and professionals.
• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Willingness to undertake personal care duties and manual handling as required.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and reflective practice.

Desirable

• Relevant qualifications (e.g., Level 2/3 Teaching Assistant, CACHE, or equivalent).
• Training in autism strategies, sensory integration, or communication systems.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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