Complex Needs Teaching Assistant
Location: Barking and Dagenham
Pay: £85–£100 per day (PAYE)
Contract: Full-time, term-time | Long-term role
“Not all classrooms speak in words — some speak in stillness, gestures, and trust.”
In a specialist school in Barking and Dagenham, there’s a space where education is about far more than lessons. It’s about creating connection, consistency, and comfort for pupils with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) — many of whom are non-verbal, have complex medical needs, and communicate in deeply individual ways.
Here, learning is quiet and sensory-led. You’ll support students by tuning in to what’s unspoken — a flicker of the eyes, a small gesture, a sound — and responding with presence and care. It’s not about rushing or reacting, but about being a steady, trusted guide in a world that can often feel overwhelming.
What You’ll Be Doing:
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Supporting students 1:1 or in small groups alongside a collaborative, compassionate team.
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Facilitating sensory learning and therapeutic activities tailored to each individual.
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Using tools like eye gaze, PECS, switches, and visual timetables to aid communication.
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Assisting with personal care, including toileting, feeding, and hoisting (training provided).
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Helping students feel emotionally and physically safe through calm, consistent support.
Who This Role Is For:
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No formal experience required — just emotional maturity, empathy, and a willingness to learn.
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Especially suitable for those with backgrounds in care, support work, youth work, or SEND (though not essential).
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Ideal for people who are calm, observant, nurturing, and committed to making a difference.
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Reflective individuals who value teamwork and want to grow in a supportive environment.
What You’ll Find at This School:
A school that values its staff just as much as its students. With thoughtful leadership, strong team culture, and ongoing professional development, you’ll never be left to figure things out alone — you’ll be guided, heard, and supported.
Why Join Through Parker Smith Inclusion?
We specialise in SEND roles and pride ourselves on honest, thoughtful, and values-driven recruitment.
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PAYE only – no umbrella companies, no hidden fees
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Tailored, long-term placements with ongoing support
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A trusted, five-star rated team that truly understands SEND settings
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Focused on wellbeing, fit, and long-term satisfaction — not just filling roles
Interested in learning more?
Send your CV to Elisha at elisha@psinclusion.co.uk to explore whether this could be the right next step for you.
Sometimes the most meaningful impact happens in the quietest classrooms. If that resonates with you — we’d love to hear from you.