Complex Needs Teaching Assistant | SLD, PMLD & Autism
Location: Isleworth, West London
Salary: £90 – £100 per day (PAYE only)
Contract: Full-time, long-term
Start Date: Immediate start
This is a specialist role for people who actively choose complex needs.
This position is within a specialist SEND setting supporting children and young people with severe, profound, and complex learning needs.
Pupils are supported with SLD and PMLD, often alongside Autism/ASC, physical disabilities, sensory processing differences, medical needs, and complex communication profiles. Many pupils are non-verbal and rely on alternative and augmentative communication systems to express their needs and engage with the world around them.
This is not a general classroom support role. This is a hands-on, relationship-led position for someone who understands that dignity, communication, and consistency are at the heart of effective complex needs support.
About the Setting
This is a highly specialist environment designed to meet the needs of pupils with the highest level of dependency.
Class sizes are small. Staffing ratios are high. Support is personalised around detailed education, care, and therapy plans. The approach is structured, sensory-aware, and centred on the individual.
You will be supporting pupils with:
• SLD (Severe Learning Difficulties)
• PMLD (Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties)
• Autism/ASC
• Physical disabilities
• Complex medical needs
• Sensory processing differences
• Non-verbal or limited verbal communication
• Personal care and feeding needs
This is a setting where meaningful engagement, comfort, and trust are just as important as academic progress.
The Role
As a Complex Needs Teaching Assistant, you will:
• Provide consistent 1:1 and small group support
• Support pupils with personal care, feeding, and physical needs with dignity and professionalism
• Use AAC approaches such as PECS, Makaton, visual supports, and communication devices
• Support sensory regulation and engagement through tailored activities
• Assist with moving and handling in line with training and individual care plans
• Create a calm, safe, and predictable learning environment
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and support staff
• Observe and respond to non-verbal communication and subtle cues
• Contribute to individual education and care planning
This is an active, physically involved role requiring emotional presence, attention to detail, and strong teamwork.
The Reality
This role is both rewarding and demanding.
Some pupils require full support with daily care. Some days involve medical needs, physical support, and high levels of dependency. Progress may be gradual and measured in small but meaningful steps.
This role suits people who find purpose in those small moments of connection and development, and who understand that impact is not always immediate or visible.
Who Thrives Here
This role is well suited to people who:
• Are calm, patient, and emotionally grounded
• Are comfortable supporting complex physical and learning needs
• Value dignity, care, and communication
• Work well within specialist teams
• Are resilient and reliable
• Have a genuine, long-term interest in complex SEND
• Are confident or open to training in personal care and moving and handling
This is not a role for someone looking for light-touch classroom experience. This is for people who actively want to build a career within complex needs and specialist SEND.
Requirements
• Experience supporting children or young people with complex SEND
• Willingness to support personal care and physical needs
• Understanding of Autism, SLD, and/or PMLD
• A professional, caring, and committed approach
• A genuine interest in specialist SEND work
Why Work Through Parker Smith Inclusion
Parker Smith Inclusion is a transparent and ethical SEND specialist recruitment consultancy. SEND is all we do.
We operate PAYE only. No umbrella companies. No hidden deductions. Clear pay. Honest guidance. Long-term relationships with specialist provisions that prioritise both pupil wellbeing and staff support.