Not every classroom looks the same, and sometimes that is where the most rewarding work happens.
A specialist SEN provision in South Shields is seeking a PMLD Classroom Support Assistant to work with pupils aged 7–16 who have profound learning needs and require highly individualised support throughout the school day.
This role is centred around building relationships, supporting communication and helping pupils access learning through specialist teaching methods.
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The Type of Person They Are Looking For
The school is looking for someone who is compassionate, attentive and committed to supporting children with complex needs.
They are particularly interested in individuals who are:
• Warm and nurturing
• Observant and attentive to pupil needs
• Comfortable supporting pupils with mobility needs
• Keen to learn specialist SEN support techniques
• Positive and reliable
Consistency and patience are extremely important when working with pupils with profound needs.
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Experience Requirements
Experience working with SEN pupils or within care environments is helpful but not essential.
The school is happy to appoint candidates on a trainee teaching assistant scale where necessary and provide training.
Relevant backgrounds may include:
• Care support roles
• Childcare
• Youth mentoring
• SEN support work
• Psychology or education graduates
Full induction training will be provided.
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Daily Role Responsibilities
Support staff work closely with teachers and therapists to deliver structured learning sessions.
Responsibilities include:
• Supporting pupils during sensory learning activities
• Assisting with communication strategies
• Supporting physiotherapy and movement activities
• Preparing specialist equipment and learning materials
• Helping pupils engage with structured classroom routines
Each pupil follows an individual learning programme.
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Learning Environment
Classes are small and carefully structured to support pupils’ individual needs.
The provision focuses heavily on:
• Sensory exploration
• Communication development
• Physical wellbeing
• Engagement with the world around them
Staff play a key role in creating positive and stimulating learning experiences.
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Personal Care Support
Due to the complex needs of the pupils, staff will assist with personal care routines.
This may include:
• Hygiene support
• Feeding assistance
• Supporting positioning equipment
All training and support will be provided.
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Behaviour Support
Pupils may express themselves through behaviour when communication is difficult.
Support staff are trained to:
• Recognise emotional triggers
• Respond calmly to challenging situations
• Provide reassurance and structured support
The school focuses on proactive behaviour management strategies.
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Development Opportunities
Staff receive specialist SEN training and development opportunities.
These may include:
• Autism training
• Communication support training
• Moving and handling certification
• Behaviour management training
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Apply Today
If you are passionate about helping children with complex needs experience learning and development in a supportive environment, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today to learn more about this rewarding role in South Shields.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further 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.
Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the 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 FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.
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